Associate General Counsel - Digital Advertising, Data, & IP

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students.

We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big.

Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way.

We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other.

This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work.

Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more.

We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking “why not?” when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills.

Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

What You'll Contribute

We are looking for a dynamic and business-oriented Product Attorney to join our team. This role is uniquely positioned to influence the strategic direction of our digital advertising technologies, data licensing and commercialization initiatives, and intellectual property portfolio. As a trusted legal and strategic advisor, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams -- including product, business development, and compliance/risk – to ensure our products and services are compliant, scalable, and aligned with evolving regulatory expectations. This role sits at the intersection of technology, product strategy, legal, and revenue generation, and is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, cross-functional environments.

What You'll Do

Advertising Technology

• Advise on the implementation and use of digital advertising technologies, including demand-side platforms (DSPs), supply-side platforms (SSPs), ad targeting, and measurement tools, ensuring alignment with applicable law, industry custom and practice, and internal risk frameworks.
• Counsel on evolving laws, regulations, and industry self-regulation governing digital advertising and data commercialization.
• Draft and negotiate agreements with adtech vendors.

Data Licensing & Commercialization

• Collaborate with product and data teams to evaluate commercialization opportunities for proprietary data and analytics tools.
• Structure and negotiate data licensing and sale agreements with external partners, ensuring alignment with business goals and regulatory requirements.

Intellectual Property Strategy

• Partner with internal stakeholders to assess IP risks and opportunities in product development cycles.
• Evaluate opportunities for IP commercialization through licensing or strategic partnerships.
• Manage enterprise IP portfolio with an emphasis on trademark clearance, prosecution, and enforcement.

The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job; it is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in this role.

What You Have

Minimum education, skills and experience required.

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and current license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 7+ years of legal experience in private practice or in an in-house legal department, with a focus on product management, technology, digital strategy, or data-driven businesses.
• Deep understanding of digital advertising ecosystems and proven track record in data commercialization and licensing.
• Familiarity with regulatory and self-regulatory (IAB, NAI, DAA, BBB-NAD) requirements, programs and best practices related to digital advertising and data commercialization. 
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and apply legal requirements in a practical business context.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with others at all levels of the o