Director, Legal & Privacy

Sovrn is looking for a Director, Legal & Privacy to lead our legal function, overseeing commercial contracting, privacy and data protection, intellectual property, dispute management, and legal operations. This role operates in an environment where AI tooling is central to legal work and AI governance is increasingly critical. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will partner on legal strategy, resourcing, and risk, working cross-functionally with various teams and managing external counsel.

About Sovrn:

Sovrn is a Software and Data business dedicated to helping Open Web businesses remain independent by providing them with tools to understand their business better, operate more efficiently, and increase their revenue.

About the Role:

As the Director, Legal & Privacy, you will lead the company's legal function, manage the privacy program, and oversee legal operations. You will advise internal stakeholders, manage external resources, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and frameworks.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage commercial agreements (publisher, advertiser, vendor, partner, platform).
• Support sales and business development with high-volume contract negotiation.
• Develop and maintain contract templates, negotiation playbooks, and approval workflows.
• Advise internal stakeholders on contract terms and business implications.
• Oversee the company's privacy program and manage the external privacy contractor.
• Maintain compliance with privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, U.S. state laws, adtech frameworks).
• Advise on data processing agreements, vendor diligence, and consent mechanisms.
• Implement and manage core legal infrastructure (contract lifecycle management, document management).
• Manage outside counsel engagements, scope, and spend.
• Own the procurement process for new and renewing spend.
• Manage the company's IP portfolio.
• Support disputes, demand letters, and litigation processes.
• Assist with corporate transactions and governance documentation.
• Advise executives on legal, regulatory, and risk matters.
• Train the organization on legal processes and privacy obligations.
• Utilize software such as Concord and Salesforce.

A Successful Candidate Will Have:

• 10+ years of legal experience supporting technology companies, with substantive experience in adtech, martech, or digital media.
• 5+ years of in-house experience.
• 5+ years of commercial contract negotiation experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of adtech privacy regulation (GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, U.S. state laws, IAB frameworks).
• Working knowledge of AI governance frameworks and emerging AI regulation.
• Experience drafting and negotiating AI-related contract terms.
• Hands-on experience using AI-enabled legal tools and integrating them into workflows.
• Experience managing outside counsel and external contractors.
• Experience designing and implementing legal operations processes and tooling.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound judgment and ability to make decisions with incomplete information.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• J.D. from an accredited law school with active bar membership preferred.
• CIPP/E or CIPP/US certification preferred.
• AIGP certification or equivalent preferred.

Location: Boulder, CO (In-office or hybrid)

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base salary: $165,000 - $200,000 annually.
• Total compensation includes bonus and equity.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, paid parental leave, 401(k) with match, holidays, and flexible vacation.