Senior Privacy Specialist

About the role

The Privacy Specialist serves as a key contributor to the enterprise privacy program for a FINRA-registered broker-dealer and SEC-registered investment adviser. This role operates with a high degree of independence and judgement, leading assigned privacy workstreams and supporting compliance with applicable regulations, including GLBA and Regulation S-P. The Privacy Specialist partners cross-functionally to implement privacy practices, assess risk, and enhance program effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute assigned components of the enterprise privacy program, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Manage intake, triage, and resolution of privacy-related inquiries, exercising judgement in prioritization and response.
• Maintain and enhance privacy policies, procedures, and standards, recommending updates based on regulatory changes and business needs.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on privacy requirements and best practices.
• Manage assigned portions of the enterprise data inventory, including data mapping and system documentation.
• Analyze data flows and data usage to identify potential privacy risks or gaps.
• Partner with business and technology teams to ensure data inventory accuracy and completeness.
• Recommend improvements to data governance processes and documentation standards.
• Lead privacy-related components of vendor risk assessments, including review of data protection documentation.
• Evaluate vendor practices and identify gaps relative to regulatory and company standards.
• Partner with Risk, Legal, and Procurement to ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented.
• Track and report on vendor-related privacy risks and remediation status.
• Manage intake, tracking, and coordination of privacy incidents in accordance with established protocols.
• Evaluate incident details and escalate issues as appropriate, applying judgment to assess risk and impact.
• Identify trends in incidents and recommend process or control improvements.
• Coordinate cross-functional response efforts and ensure proper documentation and resolution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Legal Studies, Information Security, or related field.
• 6+ years of experience in privacy, compliance, risk, legal, or related field.
• Experience supporting or executing privacy programs, preferably in financial services or a regulated industry.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret regulatory requirements and apply them in practice.
• Demonstrated ability to manage work independently and exercise sound judgment in decision-making.

Skills

• Experience with privacy regulations such as GLBA, Regulation S-P, and state privacy laws (e.g., CCPA).
• Professional certifications (e.g., CIPP, CIPM, CIPT).
• Experience with privacy management tools (e.g., OneTrust).
• Experience in financial services is a plus.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across functions.

Benefits

• Inclusive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans built to support diverse lifestyles, offer preventative care, and protect against hardship.
• Easy access to mental health benefits to meet team members and their families where they are.
• 20+ days of paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and 2 paid wellness days.
• 401(k) savings plan with a generous company contribution (up to 5%), and access to a financial professional.
• Paid parental leave to support all team members with birth, adoption, and fostering.
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options to help save money on healthcare, daycare, commuting, and more.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), LifeLock, Pet Insurance, and more.
• Paid caregiver leave to provide time away from work when caring for an ill or recovering family member.
• Additional voluntary benefits such as identity theft protection (LifeLock) and pet insurance for extra peace of mind.

About Us

Cetera Financial Group® (Cetera) is a leading network of independent retail broker-dealers and registered investment advisers empowering the delivery of objective financial advice to individuals, families, and company retirement plans across the country through trusted financial advisors and financial institutions. Cetera is one of the largest independent financial advisor networks in the nation and a leading provider of retail services to the investment programs of banks and credit unions. Advisor support resources offered through Cetera include award-winning wealth management and advisory platforms, comprehensive broker-dealer and registered investment adviser services, practice management support, and innovative technology.