Data Risk Response – Associate Director (Data Protection and Privacy)

Ethics, Compliance, and Risk Management (ECRM) supports our people in managing the risks that arise during our daily working lives. We work closely with all parts of the organization to identify, manage and monitor risk, providing coordinated advice and assistance on independence, conflicts, compliance, regulatory, policy, security issues, as well as dealing with claims and any queries regarding ethics.

The opportunity

We are operating in an increasingly connected world that is changing how to manage risk. With fast-paced technology advancements, new innovations within emerging technologies, and an ever-challenging regulatory environment, it is business critical for our organization to not only identify the risks, but also the opportunities these present. As a Data Risk Response, Associate Director, you will make educated, thoughtful decisions on Ethics, Compliance, and Risk Management (ECRM). Our brand depends on it. It’s all part of our long-term commitment to building a better working world and in return, you can expect plenty of opportunities to take on new responsibilities and develop your career.

Your key responsibilities

As part of EY Americas Data Protection (Confidentiality, Data Privacy) function, you will assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of various activities within the Data Protection program. The position involves managing the firm’s confidential and personal information inventory and data subject rights request process. The position also involves investigating and addressing data incidents (loss, theft, and inappropriate disclosure or use of confidential/personal information) in accordance with EY’s policies and procedures. You will serve as the primary point of contact for EY client servicing teams regarding data incidents. You will help with interpreting data protection and privacy laws and policies, determining required actions to standard and non-standard situations, and making recommendations based on firm guidance, professional standards, and acquired experience. The position involves coordination and reporting of various Data Protection activities to stakeholders and interacts with executive-level personnel.

Skills and attributes for success

• Drives the strategic definition and execution of Data Risk Response activities within the Americas Data Protection function, including but not limited to:
  • Leading the maintenance of EY confidential and personal information inventory, in partnership with EY internal functions and service lines, to understand types of information that require protection and to fulfil data protection regulatory requirements (e.g., Records of Processing Activities (ROPA)),
  • Overseeing and coordinating the firm's response to data incidents (i.e., instances of loss, theft, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential/personal information); collaborating with clients, internal functions, and EY service lines to understand root cause, assess impact, and develop remediation plans,
  • Responding to data subject rights (DSR) and internal data access requests in accordance with applicable data protection legal and regulatory requirements and EY policies,
  • Collaborating with EY Information Security functions to design and implement controls to protect confidential and personal information based applicable data protection regulatory requirements and EY policies, and
  • Continuously build out the Data Risk Response program to align with industry leading practices and data protection regulatory requirements

• Assists other functions of the Data Protection program, including but not limited to:
  • Promoting compliance with new and/or revised applicable data protection laws, regulations, and standards (e.g., CPRA, VCDPA, HIPAA), and
  • Developing and maintaining EY U.S. data protection policies, guidance, training, and awareness communication plan to reflect new and/or changes to data protection laws, regulations, and other related EY policies
• Interacts with various stakeholders and functions across the organization, such as EY’s Information Security, Ethics, Compliance, and Risk Management (ECRM), General Counsel’s Office (GCO), Service Line Quality, Talent, and client serving teams, including but not limited to:
  • Partnering with local and Global teams across the above Data Protection processes,
  • Working collaboratively with related various EY Service Line Quality teams so as to understand and recommend enhancements to various service line policy or awareness efforts,
  • Assisting in reporting on various data protection program activities to key stakeholders within the organization, including senior leaders within EY Service Line Quality, GCO, Ethics, Compliance, and Risk Management (ECRM), and others,
  • Developing relationships across teams/functions
  • Experience with leading data incident response
  • Experience with data classification and data loss prevention (DLP) processes

• Maintains and expands current knowledge of field of expertise and communicates new developments and resulting impact to program stakeholders and team members
• Advises Americas regions outside of the US on data risk mitigation strategies in alignment with industry leading practices and data protection regulatory requirements and respond to data incidents
• Leads complex projects, and works independently with periodic feedback

To qualify for the role you must have

• Strong verbal and written communications skills, and the ability to interface and communicate effectively and diplomatically with all levels of EY personnel
• Solid understanding of relevant firm business and area wide data protection issues and concerns
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills
• Flexibility and the ability to take the initiative
• Independent decision-making skills, as well as discretion as to when to escalate issues for further review to senior members of the Americas Data Protection team
• Ability to right-size risk
• High degree of cultural and emotional intelligence
• Ability to deliver tough messages to executive leaders within the firm

• Strong organizational skills; demonstrated ability to create, plan and successfully handle multiple tasks; and the ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to train and supervise local or virtual teams, including junior Data Protection team members as well as other operational teams supporting the Data Protection program
• Ability to foster teamwork and maintain effective working relationships with internal clients/stakeholders
• Responsiveness with ability to manage high workload volumes efficiently and effectively
• Good working knowledge of information systems and common software packages
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience; Graduate degree preferred
• 7-10 plus years related experience

Ideally, you’ll have

• The ability to reference existing firm data protection and privacy policies as well as knowledge and experience to review complex situations and assist in proposing solutions
• Strong knowledge of relevant global, national, and local data protection laws, regulations, and standards, as well as familiarity with other Ethics, Compliance, and Risk Management (ECRM) initiatives outside of their specific area
• Sound understanding of high-level technology trends and issues surrounding data protection
• Privacy certification from ISACA or the International Association of Privacy Professionals (e.g., CIPP, CIPM, CDPSE)

What we look for

We’re interested in people that will be able to right-size risk and recommend creative solutions to complex problems, as well as take responsibility for complex Ethics, Compliance, and Risk Management (ECRM) projects or significant aspects of highly complex projects.

What working at EY offers

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. In addition, our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, both pension and 401(k) plans, a minimum of 18 days of paid time off with additional time based on your level and years of service plus 12 observed holidays, and a range of programs and benefits designed to support your physical, financial and social well-being.

About EY

As a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, we hire and develop the most passionate people in their field to help build a better working world. This starts with a culture that believes in giving you the training, opportunities and creative freedom to make things better. So that whenever you join, however long you stay, the exceptional EY experience lasts a lifetime.

If you can confidently demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible.

Join us in building a better working world. Apply now.

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.