Head of IT Law and Data Protection (m/f/d)

About the job

As the fifth largest canton in Switzerland with around 6000 employees, we are committed to the common good of society at the

cantonal administration. With an impressive variety of services,

our work affects all areas of life, be it education, economy, law, security, nature, health, construction, culture and finance. Through our meaningful

work, we leave a small footprint every day, as it is relevant to over half a million people.

The State Chancellery is the staff office of the Cantonal Council and Government. The IT Law and Data Protection department leads and accompanies legislative projects within the framework of the digital transformation of the administration of the canton and political municipalities and is the central legal advisory office in the field of digitalisation and data protection issues.

We are looking for a

Head of IT Law and Data Protection (m/f/d)

from 1 January 2027 or by arrangement

Workload: 80-100%

Workplace: St. Gallen

What to expect

• You lead complex legislative projects within the digitalisation of the canton of St. Gallen and its municipalities, e.g. for electronic administrative procedures or in the field of artificial intelligence.
• You lead the IT Law and Data Protection department (consisting of you and one IT Law and Data Protection lawyer).
• You participate in strategic project committees at cantonal and federal level, including in the areas of artificial intelligence and data management.
• You prepare statements on political matters in the field of IT law and data protection.
• You advise and support eGovernment St. Gallen digital., the departments and the State Chancellery on legal issues in digitalisation projects (including legal basis analyses, protection requirement analyses, data protection impact assessments, contract management, directives and ISDS concepts).
• You bear professional responsibility for revisions of the cantonal data protection law.
• You steer the further development of the IT Law and Data Protection department and network with relevant stakeholders from the federal government, cantons and municipalities.

What distinguishes you

• Completed legal education (Master), bar admission or doctorate advantageous
• Several years of professional experience with a focus on digitalisation issues in constitutional and administrative law and/or data protection law
• Experience in the field of legislation desirable
• Very structured, precise and independent working style
• Very good digital skills and affinity for technical issues
• Confident German, French skills advantageous
• Confident handling of different actors and stakeholders as well as interest in political processes and procedures

What we offer

• A varied and responsible role and the opportunity to actively participate in the digital transformation of the public sector
• Collaboration in a committed team with broad stakeholders at cantonal, municipal and national level
• Modern working time models and attractive training opportunities
• Workplace in the government building in the old town of St. Gallen

Ready for the next step? If we have sparked your interest and you would like to be part of the team, we look forward to receiving your application.