Senior Assistant General Counsel, Media & Data Privacy

The Senior Assistant General Counsel, Media & Data Privacy, is a pivotal role within NPR's Office of the General Counsel, focusing on media law and data privacy compliance. This position offers a unique opportunity to support NPR's award-winning newsroom while ensuring adherence to global data privacy standards. The role reports to the Deputy General Counsel, Head of Media Law & Distribution Rights, and is based in Washington, D.C.

In the media law domain, the attorney will provide expert legal vetting for a diverse range of content across radio, audio-visual, and podcast formats. Responsibilities include advising newsroom and production teams on complex issues such as libel, privacy, copyright, newsgathering, recording, and First Amendment protections. The role also involves ensuring compliance with FCC content-related regulations, managing Freedom of Information requests, supervising a Media Law Fellow, drafting and negotiating content-related agreements, and delivering media law training sessions for journalists and content creators.

Regarding data privacy, the attorney will collaborate with in-house technology and business teams, as well as the Data Privacy Officer and outside counsel, to develop and implement data privacy strategies and compliance programs. Key tasks include supporting the company-wide data privacy compliance program, conducting Privacy Impact Assessments, managing data subject requests, overseeing vendor due diligence from a privacy perspective, assisting with incident response planning, and tracking and interpreting federal, state, and global privacy regulations. The role also entails designing and executing privacy training programs for employees across the organization.

Candidates should possess at least 10 years of experience in media law and content vetting, with a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and an active license to practice law in D.C. or eligibility for admission within one year. Proven experience in vetting journalistic content, managing data privacy compliance, and a comprehensive understanding of journalism ethics are essential. Preferred qualifications include litigation experience, particularly with libel, copyright, and Freedom of Information issues, prior in-house experience within a radio, television, or digital media environment, a strong background in drafting and negotiating contracts and releases, and demonstrated experience with non-commercial or public media.

This hybrid role requires the employee to be in the Washington, D.C. office at least four days a month and reside in the Washington, D.C./Maryland/Virginia area. NPR offers a collaborative and inclusive work environment, emphasizing integrity, ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations. Employees are encouraged to contribute to a more informed public through high-quality journalism and cultural expression.

NPR is a renowned nonprofit media organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a network of over 1,000 public radio stations across the United States. Serving more than 41 million listeners weekly, NPR provides a broad range of news, information, and music programming. The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where collaboration is essential, and diverse voices are heard.