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 at the cantonal administration are committed to the common good of society. With an impressive variety of services, our work touches 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.


We are looking for a Head of IT Law and Data Protection (m/f/d) from 1 January 2027 or by arrangement

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

• You lead complex legislative projects within the framework of the digitisation 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 yourself and a legal expert in IT law and data protection).
• 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 related to digitisation 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 manage the further development of the IT Law and Data Protection department and network with relevant stakeholders from the federal government, cantons, and municipalities.

• Completed legal education (Master), bar admission or doctorate advantageous
• Several years of professional experience focusing on digitisation issues in public and administrative law and/or data protection law
• Experience in legislation desired
• Very structured, precise, and independent working style
• Excellent digital skills and affinity for technical issues
• Fluent German, French skills advantageous
• Confident handling of different actors and stakeholders as well as interest in political processes and procedures

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

Law and Legislation | sg.ch
Dr Jan Scheffler, Deputy State Secretary, jan.scheffler@sg.ch or 058 229 26 02