Director, International Privacy Lead and Data Protection Officer

About the role

Alnylam is seeking an experienced privacy and data protection leader to serve as Director, International Privacy Lead & Data Protection Officer. This role will lead the international privacy program with a primary focus on Europe and support for broader international markets, acting as the formally appointed Data Protection Officer. The successful candidate will provide independent privacy oversight, advise the business on data protection obligations, and partner with cross-functional stakeholders to enable responsible use of personal data.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mature Alnylam’s international privacy program by setting priorities, strengthening governance frameworks, and embedding privacy requirements into business operations.
• Serve as the appointed DPO under EU GDPR, UK GDPR, and Swiss data protection requirements, acting as the primary point of contact for supervisory authorities.
• Oversee privacy risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and escalation processes, including DPIAs, TIAs, and cross-border transfer assessments.
• Advise business leaders on privacy requirements related to clinical research, pharmacovigilance, commercial operations, and other data-driven initiatives.
• Partner with Information Security, Legal, and Procurement on privacy incident response, third-party risk management, and data sharing arrangements.
• Monitor the legislative landscape regarding privacy, AI, and digital governance to translate requirements into practical policy and process updates.
• Develop and deliver privacy training, communications, and awareness initiatives to promote a culture of accountability.

Required skills

• Privacy law
• Data protection
• GDPR
• UK GDPR
• Swiss FADP
• Privacy governance
• Risk management
• Life sciences
• Clinical research
• Pharmacovigilance
• AI governance
• Stakeholder management

Nice to have

• CIPP/E
• CIPM
• CIPT
• AIGP
• Regulatory interaction
• Multinational team leadership

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD), LLM, or other advanced legal degree
• 12+ years of privacy legal or compliance experience

About the Company

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals has led the translation of RNA interference (RNAi) into a new class of innovative medicines to treat diseases at their genetic source. Since its founding in 2002, the company has led the RNAi Revolution and is recognized as a top employer globally.