Senior Director, Data Governance & Privacy Operations (GRC)

Company: FTI Consulting
Location: East Irvine
Posted on: January 26, 2026

Job Description:

FTI Consulting is the leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation. We work with many of the world’s top multinational corporations, law firms, banks and private equity firms on their most important issues to deliver impact that makes a difference. From resolving disputes, navigating crises, managing risk and optimizing performance, our teams respond rapidly to dynamic and complex situations. At FTI Consulting, you’ll work side-by side with leaders who have shaped history, helping solve the biggest challenges making headlines today. From day one, you’ll be an integral part of a focused team where you can make a real impact. You’ll be surrounded by an open, collaborative culture that embraces diversity, recognition, professional development and, most importantly, you. Are you ready to make your impact? About The Role The Senior Director works as a member of our in-house Service Delivery, Privacy, AI Governance & GRC team within the Technology segment of FTI Consulting. In this operational leadership (non-consulting) position, you will foster intergroup relationships while ensuring governance, compliance, and best practices. You help lead global privacy operations, third party risk management, service delivery and AI governance within the Technology segment by working closely with the Vice President, legal, sales, DPO, corporate compliance, and data center operations teams to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, laws and industry standards. With your passion for data protection and responsible innovation, you will champion governance and risk management initiatives to ensure Privacy-by-design, AI ethics, & security remain embedded into scalable operations, negotiations, content, commercial agreements, products and the delivery of services. You will lead and drive core program objectives and product solutions by leveraging your knowledge of hyperscale/SaaS technology and risk management with technical, GRC and legal acumen. The ideal candidate will have: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to quickly evaluate and translate complex regulatory or technical needs into practical, concise, and actionable direction. Expert familiarity with ethical AI principles, bias detection, and mitigation techniques; Demonstrated experience applying AI governance into various workstreams at both the enterprise and product level. The ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks and prioritize changing workloads or competing priorities; ability to pivot quickly between strategy and hands-on tactical execution. Extensive experience leading bespoke negotiations with third parties and clients. The ability and desire to take initiative, self-educate, work with autonomy, quickly risk-assess and prioritize based on various factors including overall business value and operational integrity. The ability to develop and maintain strong partnerships and influence across organizations at all levels without direct reporting relationships. A self-starter mindset who has the confidence, conviction and demonstrated experience to make complex decisions at pace; demonstrated ability to effectuate change and diplomatically identify, articulate and resolve risks/noncompliance even if unpopular. Demonstrated success implementing governance readiness for emerging Technology initiatives by translating requirements into repeatable controls, artifacts, and operating rhythms. Experience creating and implementing GRC policies, addendums, and site content. Passion for AI ethics, GRC, Security and Privacy What Youll Do Partner with various stakeholders to ensure appropriate GRC, technical and operational provisions are incorporated into customer, vendor, partner and other GTM content including portals, Trust, DPAs, LOEs, internal guidelines, etc. Support Technology segment transformation initiatives including cross-segment programs such as scalable IT; role will interact with external counsel, FTI’s senior leadership and clients. Proactively horizon scan/ monitor data protection, Cyber and AI regulations/ standards (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, EU AI Act, EU AI pact, DORA, etc.); Assess regulations for applicability to context, FTI’s solutions and operationalize into various workstreams where needed. Exercise sound judgment to effectively assess, communicate, balance and resolve risk in the provision of compliance guidance to the business. Ensure AI/ Development and other Tech initiatives or products comply with regulations, governance principles, ISO standards and industry best practices. Partner with teams and data stewards to coordinate and perform various audits and assessments (PIA, DPIA, TIA, AI impact assessment, Data Inventories, etc.) as needed to support privacy by design and AI governance principles, drive operational accountability and ensure ongoing compliance and risk management; Maintain risk registers and risk matrices to support PIMS, etc. Build and operationalize negotiation playbooks, risk matrices, data maps, and standardized artifacts that enable self-service and reduce ad hoc escalations. Review and negotiate both client and third-party agreements accounting for compliance and alignment with standard positions, cross border transfers in order to enable product/ solution delivery and client engagements; evaluate third parties compliance and risk disposition as required. Govern risk exception handling for sales enablement & product risk acceptance, establishing standardization (90%) and exception (10%) protocols. Collaborate on administration, training, areas of automation, create content, and provide support of various systems: Salesforce, TRUST site, TPRM system (Prevalent) and AI CLM Champion and evangelize new technology and policy as needed to further strengthen governance and enforce policies and frameworks that ensure ethical, secure, and compliant solution deployment. Proactively evaluate advanced tools, suppliers and continuously evaluate opportunities for automation or self-service. Support and lead initiatives as required under the teams GRC charter. How Youll Grow We are committed to investing and supporting you in your professional development and we have developed a range of programs focused on fostering leadership, growth and development opportunities. We aim to promote continuous learning and individual skills development through on-the-job learning, self-guided professional development courses and certifications. Youll be assigned a dedicated coach to mentor, guide and support you through regular coaching sessions and serve as an advocate for your professional growth. As you progress through your career at FTI Consulting, we offer tailored programs for critical professional milestones to ensure you are prepared and empowered to take on your next role. What You Will Need To Succeed Basic Qualifications Bachelors or Masters degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, engineering, law or public policy. 5 years of experience in data governance, privacy and/or AI governance, policy, or related fields. 2 years navigating, negotiating, and reviewing commercial agreements involving complex data protection, AI terms, information technology and security schedules, cross border data transfers and operational service levels, technical requirements within large-scale cloud ecosystems (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, etc.). 15 or more years of total applicable work experience with at least 10 of those years in information technology, information security and/or operational risk management in the context of enterprise IT systems and specifically, SaaS, IaaS, hyperscale or hybrid cloud environments. Any of the following certifications: Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP), Certified Risk Professional (CRP), CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control), or Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM). Demonstrated experience synthesizing legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations into workstreams and related policy. Demonstrated experience scaling governance programs through operating model design (intake, triage, playbooks, automation) and measurable reporting metrics (KPIs) Expert knowledge of domestic and global data protection regulations and security frameworks regulations (such as GDPR, CCPA, CPRA, HIPAA, GLBA, NIST, ISO 27701, ISO 42001, etc.) and applying them in a complex technology environments. Comfort navigating ambiguity in evolving initiatives where scope, tooling, and processes are still being defined. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; this position does not provide visa sponsorship. Preferred Qualifications Juris Doctor or Masters in Law strongly preferred. While this position will not be acting as legal counsel for FTI, in-depth demonstrative legal acumen is required Demonstrated project management expertise Familiarity and ideally, previous experience with at least one major data governance enterprise platform (i.e., One Trust), vendor risk management system, a Contract Lifecycle Management system ( i.e. Ironclad, DocuSign, Conga, Luminance, etc.), and ServiceNow or similar workflow/intake platforms is a plus Experience with Privacy Enhancing Technologies E-discovery or legal operations subject matter expertise Total Wellbeing Our goal is to support the wellbeing of you and your families—physically, emotionally, and financially. We offer comprehensive benefits such as the following: Competitive total compensation, including bonus earning potential Full package of benefits plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage along with life and disability insurance Generous paid time off and holidays Company matched 401(k) retirement savings plan Potential for flexible work arrangements Generous paid parental leave with available planning tools, virtual expert coaching services and flex return support. Family care benefits, including back-up child/elder care Employee wellness platform Employee recognition programs Paid time off for volunteering in your community Corporate matching for charitable donations most important to you Make an impact in our communities through company sponsored pro bono work Professional development and certification programs Free in-office snacks and drinks Free smartphone and cellular plan (if applicable) FTI Perks & Discounts at retailers and businesses Upscale offices close to public transportation About FTI Consulting FTI Consulting, Inc. is the leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation, with more than 7,900 employees located in 32 countries and territories. Our broad and diverse bench of award–winning experts advise their clients when they are facing their most significant opportunities and challenges. The Company generated $3.7 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting’s services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalized and independently managed. FTI Consulting is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com and connect with us on Instagram and LinkedIn . FTI Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation. Compensation Disclosure: The compensation range reflects potential base salary for the role. Actual compensation is determined based on a wide array of relevant factors including market considerations, business needs, and an individual’s location, skills, level of experience, and qualifications. Additional Information Exempt or Non-Exempt?: Exempt Job Family/Level: Op Level 4 - Sr Director Payroll Expense Type: Direct (Billable) Employee Status: Regular Compensation Minimum Pay: 116500 Maximum Pay: 256000

Keywords: FTI Consulting, Newport Beach , Senior Director, Data Governance & Privacy Operations (GRC), IT / Software / Systems , East Irvine, California