Privacy and Security Compliance Specialist

Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 61,800 - 89,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Substantial paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University is looking for a Privacy and Security Compliance Specialist to enhance its privacy program. The role involves creating compliance programs and collaborating across the institution to adhere to privacy regulations.

This position offers flexible work arrangements within the U.S., with standard hours in the eastern time zone. The salary range is competitive, and employees benefit from extensive healthcare and a generous tuition discount.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of relevant experience or equivalent education.
• Experience advising on enterprise-level privacy programs is a plus.
• Ability to communicate laws and compliance standards to various audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support enterprise-wide compliance programs.
• Develop training initiatives for privacy and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with entities to safeguard data per regulations.

Skills

Knowledge of domestic and international privacy laws

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong analytical abilities

Commitment to outstanding customer service

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
  
  

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
  
  

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Pennsylvania State University Privacy Office, part of Information Technology, Information Security, is seeking a Privacy and Security Compliance Specialist to join our dynamic and innovative team. If you are passionate about the evolving landscape of data privacy, risk management, and regulatory compliance, we invite you to consider this opportunity. This position plays a key role in supporting Penn State’s mission to maintain a unified and robust privacy and information security program.

This position will report directly to the University’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Chief Privacy Officer (CPO).

The successful candidate will collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders across academic, administrative, and research units to ensure adherence to Penn State's privacy and data‑protection policies, standards, and regulatory obligations, including the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act (GLBA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and international data‑protection and privacy laws.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, advise, and support the development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of enterprise‑wide compliance programs.
• Interpret and communicate applicable laws, regulations, policies, and standards to diverse audiences.
• Develop, deliver, and promote training and awareness initiatives related to Penn State’s privacy and regulatory compliance obligations.
• Partner with internal and external entities to ensure appropriate safeguards for data governed by state, federal, and international requirements.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate privacy and compliance risks, and report instances of non‑compliance to appropriate stakeholders.
• Collaborate with units across the institution to support the achievement and maintenance of privacy, data protection, and compliance objectives.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of domestic and international privacy and data‑protection laws and regulations, including GDPR, GLBA, HIPAA, and FERPA.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong analytical, judgment, and organizational abilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Degree in business administration, healthcare, or a related field, plus one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising on enterprise‑level privacy and compliance programs including HIPAA.
• Experience performing privacy impact and compliance assessments.
• Experience working in a higher‑education environment.
  
  

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

LOCATION

The location of this position is flexible and can operate fully remote within the United States (restrictions may apply), fully in-person at our University Park Campus, or in a hybrid model of both in-person and remote (restrictions may apply). Standard working hours are in the eastern time zone. Penn State IT is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work hours should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $61,800.00 - $89,600.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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