Data Security Administrator (Hybrid in Syracuse, NY)

Empower Federal Credit Union; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 86,102 - 129,154; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and Dental Insurance

401K with Employer Match

Holiday Pay

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Empower Federal Credit Union in Syracuse, NY, seeks a Data Security Administrator to protect sensitive data and manage governance across the data lifecycle. You will focus on DLP, data exfiltration, and least-privilege access, collaborating with IT, Compliance, and business units.

The role emphasizes secure AI system usage, incident response, and governance documentation. A hybrid work model requires 5 in-office days per month at the Syracuse HQ.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in Data Security or related fields.
• Experience with Microsoft Purview and data protection platforms.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; certifications may supplement.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Hybrid work model with in-office presence required.

Responsibilities

• Act as SME for data security management across the data lifecycle.
• Partner with IT and Compliance on data governance, retention, and deletion.
• Lead operation of Microsoft Purview and strengthen security policies.
• Support data security investigations and audits.
• Advise on secure use of AI-powered technologies.

Skills

Data security governance

Data governance

Information governance

DLP

Least privilege access

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Security

Relevant certifications or training

Tools

Microsoft Purview

Microsoft 365 security

Job description

Empower FCU Purpose: At every stage of life, positively impact members by providing affordable financial services.

Empower FCU Core Values: Fairness, Integrity & Honesty

Empower FCU Strategic Pillars

• World-Class Employee Experience
• Best-In-Class Member Experience
• Growth for Impact
• Shared Value in the Community

Empower Federal Credit Union offers excellent benefits including... Medical and Dental Insurance, 401K with Employer Match, Holiday Pay, Paid Time Off and more!

A World-Class Employee Experience

We are at our best when we are developing genuine relationships, looking out for one another, freely and honestly sharing information, and working together. We succeed when we rise above our departments, roles, and individual interests to come together, to move forward together. Each of us plays a crucial role in creating a positive work environment and we encourage all our employees to actively contribute to embracing Empower’s values and supporting those around you.

Be Yourself, Belong with Empower

The strength of Empower is in the unique backgrounds, voices, talents, & experiences of each person. With a culture of belonging, we enable teamwork, spark innovation, and fuel success.

Please note: All candidates will be subject to a background check to determine employment eligibility. For roles that require an NMLS you may be subject to a credit check.

Role

The Data Security Administrator is responsible for making sure that Empower FCU’s data security tools effectively identify, classify, label and monitor the sensitive information within the credit union’s network, and that controls designed to protect the data are operating effectively. This Data Security Administrator is a key member of the Information Security team, with a particular focus on understanding and managing data loss prevention (DLP), data exfiltration through various channels, and insider threat mitigation. The Data Security Administrator will work closely with data owners across the business to identify opportunities to tighten least-privilege access, minimize data replication, and work closely with the Compliance team to support data retention and deletion in alignment with applicable policies and regulations. Additionally, the role serves as subject matter expert in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with respect to data security. The Data Security Administrator will advise Information Security management and other leadership on the secure use of AI-powered technologies and the risks associated with AI.

Location:

Our headquarters are based in Syracuse, NY. We work in a Hybrid Model requiring a minimum of 5 days in office per month.

Pay:

This role pays $86,102.8560 to $129,154.2840 annually per year.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

75% Data Security and Governance:

• Act as the subject matter expert on data security management and controls through the full data lifecycle, from generation to archiving and deletion.
• Work in close partnership with the IT and Compliance teams on data governance, classification, data ownership, retention and deletion.
• Lead the day-to-day operation of Microsoft Purview, including responding to alerts, fine-tuning configuration settings and strengthening policies as both the credit union and the available tools change over time.
• Assist as needed with eDiscovery and data security investigations.
• Ensure data security and governance procedures and related documentation remain current and accurate.
• Assist as necessary with employee training in the credit union’s data security and governance practices.
• Identify, classify, and inventory sensitive information across systems, repositories, and collaboration platforms to support the credit union's data governance and security objectives.
• Maintain metrics and reports related to data classification, DLP incidents, risk activity, and overall program effectiveness.
• Support internal and external audits, reporting, and testing, as they pertain to data security.

20% Artificial Intelligence Operations:

• Act as the subject matter expert for approved artificial intelligence (AI) systems and AI-powered technologies used within the credit union. Advise Information Security management, Project Management and other stakeholders on security when new uses for AI or AI-powered technologies are considered.
• Maintain appropriate security controls on approved AI systems and enhance controls to detect, alert on and block the use of unapproved AI systems.
• Monitor emerging AI-related security, privacy, and regulatory risks and recommend appropriate controls, policies, and governance practices.
• Assist in employee training as necessary, regarding secure AI system usage.

5% Cyber Security Incident Response:

• Assist the Information Security team in cyber security incident handling, particularly as it relates to data security.
• Seek ways to strengthen data security controls based on lessons learned to avoid similar events in the future.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Performance Measurements:

See Dayforce (HRIS) Performance Management for Goals upon start in role, and annually.

Knowledge And Skills

Experience:

3 to 5 years of relevant experience in Data Security, Data Governance, Information Governance, Data Lifecycle Management, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), or related disciplines, preferably in the financial industry (credit union, banks, etc).

Highly desirable:

Experience with Microsoft Purview, Microsoft 365 security technologies, or comparable data protection, governance, and compliance platforms.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Information Security, Risk Management, Data Science).

Alternatively, candidates may qualify through a combination of relevant certifications or specialized training in in related technologies or disciplines along with job-specific experience.

Interpersonal Skills:

This position requires the ability to build effective working relationships across technology, compliance, legal, and business functions. The successful candidate must be able to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences, influence decision-making without direct authority, exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information, and collaborate effectively on cross-functional initiatives.

Other Skills

• Strong knowledge of data security, data governance, privacy, and information lifecycle management principles.
• Experience administering Microsoft Purview, Microsoft 365 security technologies, or comparable data protection platforms.
• Ability to analyze security events, identify trends, and recommend practical risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive business and member information.
• Continuous learning mindset with the ability to adapt to evolving technologies, regulatory requirements, and cybersecurity threats.
• Availability to participate in security investigations and incident response activities as needed.
• Ability to communicate positively with diverse populations and foster an inclusive culture.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Regular use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, and telephone.
• Near visual acuity required for working with digital content.
• Occasional light lifting of office supplies or equipment may be necessary (up to 20 pounds).
• Ability to travel occasionally between credit union locations for meetings, training, or technology-related projects.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Work Environment

• Hybrid work model requiring a minimum of 5 days per month in-office at the Syracuse, NY headquarters.
• Standard office environment with moderate noise levels.
• Regular collaboration with colleagues via Microsoft Teams, email, and in-person meetings.
• Occasional travel to credit union locations for meetings, training, technology initiatives, or security-related projects.

Empower Federal Credit Union is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status or characteristic including race, religion, ethnicity, color, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expressions, transgender status, sexual or other reproductive health decisions, marital status, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information/ predisposition or carrier status, status in the uniformed services of the United States (including veteran status) or any other basis protected by applicable national, federal, state, provincial or local law. Our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement reaffirms our commitment.

Federal Labor Law Posters

New York Labor Law Poster

Employment Eligibility Notices

E-Verify

Right to Work

Empower Federal Credit Union Is Committed To Equal Opportunity To Qualified Persons Without Regard To Basis Of Race, Religion, Ethnicity, Color, National Or Ethnic Origin, Age, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity Or Expressions, Transgender Status, Sexual Or Other Reproductive Health Decisions, Marital Status, Ancestry, Citizenship Status, Physical Or Mental Disability, Genetic Information/ Predisposition Or Carrier Status, Status In The Uniformed Services Of The United States (including Veteran Status) Or Any Other Basis Protected By Applicable National, Federal, State, Provincial Or Local Law. Empower Federal Credit Union Will Make Reasonable Accommodations For Known Physical Or Mental Limitations Of Otherwise Qualified Employees And Applicants With Disabilities Unless The Accommodation Would Impose An Undue Hardship On The Operation Of Our Business. If You Are Interested In Applying For An Employment Opportunity And Feel You Need a Reasonable Accommodation Pursuant To The ADA, Please Contact Us Through One Of The Methods Listed Below

• Fax: [phone]
• US Mail: 1 Member Way Syracuse, NY 13212
• Phone: [phone]