Associate Data Privacy and Information Security Officer

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking a PrivSec-focused role within the Central Administration to strengthen data privacy and information security across FAS and affiliated schools. The position reports to the University Information Security and Data Privacy Office and supports awareness, response, and policy implementation.

The role emphasizes collaboration with faculty, staff, and researchers, with on-site office work and hybrid options depending on operational needs.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of applied cybersecurity and privacy.
• Experience navigating complex university environments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to translate security concepts to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate PrivSec awareness of risks, policies, and safeguards.
• Fortify FAS systems to university PrivSec standards.
• Lead vulnerability management across FAS and related systems.
• Promote PrivSec initiatives across the university.
• Conduct data safety reviews for research projects.
• Perform PrivSec risk assessments and monitor threats.
• Provide advisory support to faculty, staff, and students.
• Prepare PrivSec briefings for leadership and quarterly metrics.

Skills

Cybersecurity expertise

Privacy familiarity

Higher-education environment

Excellent communication

Collaborative and diplomatic

Growth mindset

Education

Five years post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Job description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

More About HUIT:

Our Mission: huit.harvard.edu/about

We empower the Harvard community with essential and transformative technologies to advance education, knowledge, and discovery.

HUIT’s core values are:

• Human-centered


• University-focused


• Innovation-driven


• Team-oriented

IT Academy (designed for IT Staff):

HUIT’s IT Academy aims to enable each IT staff person to grow professionally and become a trusted partner to her or his team. The IT Academy is built on the belief that every IT staff member across the University (including technology employees at each school and campus) can grow in her or his area of expertise as well as building strong people and project management skills. Learn more here: https://itacademy.harvard.edu/.

This role champions data privacy and information security (PrivSec) throughout FAS, with the goal of facilitating awareness, system fortification, vulnerability management, privacy initiatives, and incident response — all in close alignment with the university's PrivSec program. This position reports up to the University Information Security and Data Privacy Office.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate awareness of PrivSec risks, policies, and safeguards.


• Ensure FAS systems are fortified to university PrivSec standards.


• Implement effective and sustainable vulnerability management processes across FAS systems.


• Promulgate university-wide PrivSec initiatives throughout FAS.


• Conduct data safety reviews in support of research projects.


• Perform PrivSec risk assessments.


• Maintain awareness of PrivSec threats and trends.


• Serve as a trusted advisor to FAS faculty, staff, and students on PrivSec matters.


• Prepare and provide PrivSec briefings to FAS members.


• Report PrivSec metrics for FAS to the University Chief Information Security and Data Privacy Officer on a quarterly basis.

Basic Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role.

• Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.

• Deep understanding of applied cybersecurity.


• Familiarity with applied privacy.


• Comfort with complex higher-education environments, including frequent interactions with faculty and researchers.


• Excellent communication skills, including presentations.


• Highly collaborative and diplomatic, with a can-do spirit.


• Demonstrated growth mindset.

• Working Conditions: Onsite work is performed in an office setting


• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position


• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity


• Other Information:
  Please provide a cover letter and resume as one document with your application.
  This position has an 180-day orientation and review period.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave


• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one


• Retirement plans with university contributions


• Wellbeing and mental health resources


• Support for families and caregivers


• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement


• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.