Compliance and Data Governance Specialist

Censeo Consulting Group; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Censeo Consulting Group is seeking a Compliance and Data Governance Specialist in Washington D.C. The role involves ensuring compliance with federal mandates, developing protocols for program integrity, and training staff on data governance. Ideal candidates have 5-10 years of regulatory compliance experience, a BA/BS degree, and familiarity with federal environments. The position offers a salary range of $120,000 - $180,000 and supports a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of experience in regulatory compliance, legal risk management.
• Familiarity with compliance policy for federally regulated environments.
• Experience designing compliance frameworks to withstand scrutiny.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary compliance advisor interpreting regulatory requirements.
• Develop legal defensibility protocols for program integrity.
• Train staff on regulatory compliance and data governance.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Data governance

Cybersecurity

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

BA/BS in International Affairs, Information Systems, or related field

Master’s or JD preferred

Job description

Compliance and Data Governance Specialist - Department of State

The Position

We are seeking driven, thoughtful candidates with expertise in CFR/FAM/NIST compliance and federal enforcement processes to support impactful initiatives for our Federal clients at the U.S. Department of State (DOS). As a Regulatory and Compliance Specialist with Censeo, you will support compliance and data governance efforts for a key Department of State program. You will work closely with DOS teams to ensure compliance with federal mandates and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary compliance advisor for exchange program operations, interpreting regulatory requirements and translating them into implementable policies and controls
• Develop legal defensibility protocols to reinforce program integrity and withstand regulatory scrutiny
• Ensure full adherence to 22 CFR Part 62 and other applicable federal mandates
• Strengthen data governance and cybersecurity protocols, ensuring compliance with NIST standards, NARA, and federal security policies
• Establish and maintain audit‑ready documentation, including policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), system security plans, and compliance evidence
• Ensure program’s compliance framework aligns with OMB A-123, GAO, and Department of State security policies
• Coordinate and support OMB, GAO, Inspector General, and congressional inquiries, ensuring timely, accurate, and defensible responses
• Implement AI‑powered predictive analytics to assess sponsor risk and detect anomalies
• Establish secure data‑sharing protocols and compliance monitoring systems
• Train program staff, contractors, and partners on regulatory compliance, data governance, and records management responsibilities
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to develop realistic, innovative solutions to complex challenges
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly through written reports and presentations
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, proactively identifying and mitigating delivery risks

The Ideal Candidate

At Censeo, we value unique perspectives and innovation. The following qualifications and experience are desired.

• BA/BS required in International Affairs, Information Systems, Information Security, Public Policy, or a closely related field. Master’s or JD preferred.
• 5‑10+ years of experience in regulatory compliance, legal risk management, data governance, and cybersecurity.
• Familiarity with compliance policy for federally regulated environments and with Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) (experience with 22 CFR Part 62 strongly preferred).
• Familiarity with data governance standards aligned with NIST cybersecurity standards, NARA records retention requirements, etc.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or working with federal agencies (Department of State strongly preferred).
• In‑depth knowledge of federal program oversight expectations and administrative law principles.
• Experience designing compliance frameworks that withstand regulatory, audit, and congressional scrutiny (including documentation standards, decision logs, and audit trails and records).
• Experience establishing compliance monitoring systems (including data access controls, role‑based permissions, or data classification and handling standards).
• Experience in international exchange, education, or mobility programs (preferred).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Location

Censeo Consulting Group is based in Washington D.C. We work in a hybrid setting with flexibility to work from home and in the office located in the heart of downtown.

Fine Print

• The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $180,000 depending on experience.
• Expected travel 0-10%.
• This is an exempt, full‑time position.
• This role is subject to a hybrid work schedule.
• Essential Physical Functions:
  • Sitting: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
  • Light Carrying: Physically transporting items weighing less than 15 pounds from one location to another.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Censeo is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all applicants and employees in full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other class protected by applicable state or federal law.