Principal Corporate Counsel – Data Governance & Regulatory

Cisco

. Interpret and provide specialized, actionable advice on domestic and international privacy, data protection, and AI governance laws and regulations .

Posted 10/26/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $192,300 - $243,900 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in privacy, data protection, and AI governance laws, with a strong ability to advise on enterprise data governance frameworks and lead cross-functional governance programs. Possesses a deep understanding of global privacy regulations and the ability to translate complex legal concepts for diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Juris Doctor8+ Years Legal ExperienceExpertise in Privacy and Data GovernanceProfessional Certification in Privacy or AIExperience with GDPR and CCPA/CPRA

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Hard Skills

Data Governance FrameworksData ClassificationData LineageInformation Lifecycle GovernanceData Processing AgreementsData Sharing AgreementsLegal Risk AssessmentRegulatory ComplianceAI GovernanceData Policies Development

Soft Skills

Excellent Business JudgmentCritical ThinkingAnalytical CapabilitiesRisk-Based Decision-MakingCommunication Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

IAPP CIPP/USAIGCIPE

Industry Keywords

Privacy LawsData ProtectionCybersecurityTechnology TransactionsGlobal Privacy RegulationsSaaSCloud ComputingTelecomData StewardshipCompliance Strategy

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Interpret and provide specialized, actionable advice on domestic and international privacy, data protection, and AI governance laws and regulations
Advise on enterprise data governance frameworks, standards, and controls
Provide leadership and guidance on data classification, data lineage, and information lifecycle governance
Counsel stakeholders on data classification, inventories, stewardship, minimization, records retention, defensible deletion, and data access governance
Establish legal standards for data sourcing, use, sharing, aggregation, deidentification, anonymization, and synthetic data initiatives
Define governance requirements for critical data stewardship and accountability structures
Review and draft Data Processing Agreements, Data Sharing Agreements, AI-related contractual provisions, and privacy and security terms
Partner with product, engineering, security, and compliance teams to operationalize governance requirements
Develop guidelines and criteria for assessing legal risks associated with new data uses in analytics, AI, agents, and machine learning
Advise leadership on data-related risk, opportunity, and strategic data utilization initiatives
Develop data policies, training, and governance guidance
Lead responses to regulatory inquiries, audits, investigations, and litigation readiness
Work with Government Affairs to influence data legislation, standards, and frameworks
Collaborate with product, engineering, security, public policy, and business leaders to support Cisco’s global privacy and data governance compliance strategy

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor and active bar membership
8+ years of legal experience
Deep expertise in privacy, cybersecurity, data governance, or technology transactions
Experience with global privacy and data laws, including GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and emerging AI regulations
Experience in a large technology company, cloud company, telecom, SaaS, or cybersecurity business
Experience leading cross-functional, enterprise-wide governance programs in a multinational technology company
Familiarity with data and AI governance and responsible data use programs
Professional certification in privacy or AI, such as IAPP CIPP/US, AIG, or CIPE
Ability to translate complex legal and technical concepts, including AI models and data flows, for engineering and business stakeholders
Excellent business judgment, critical thinking, and analytical capabilities
Risk-based, pragmatic approach to decision-making in a rapidly shifting regulatory landscape
Passion for continuously learning and developing skills regarding emerging technologies

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental and vision insurance
401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution
Paid parental leave
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Basic life insurance
Cisco restricted stock unit grants may be available, subject to continued employment and vesting periods
10 paid holidays per full calendar year
1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
1 paid day off for employee’s birthday
Paid year-end holiday shutdown
4 paid days off for personal wellness
16 days of paid vacation per full calendar year for non-exempt employees
Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program with no defined limit, subject to availability and business limitations
80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter
Up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward
Additional paid time away for critical or emergency family issues
Optional 10 paid volunteer days per full calendar year
Annual bonuses may be available for non-sales roles
Hybrid work model with generally two days of in-office attendance each week