Remote Data Protection Officer – Privacy & Compliance Lead

CANAL & RIVER TRUST; United States; Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pension scheme

Increased holiday entitlement

Employee benefits package

Job summary

Canal & River Trust is hiring a Data Protection Officer to lead data protection, privacy and information governance across the organisation. You will oversee DPIAs, data breach responses, and information rights while acting as the primary liaison with the ICO.

The role requires strategic advice to senior leaders and collaboration with IT, Digital, Procurement, Legal and operations. The position supports hybrid remote working with attendance at hub spaces as required.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in data protection, privacy or information governance within a large or complex organisation.
• Experience providing Executive and Board-level advice and challenge on significant data protection and privacy risks.
• Experience leading or providing professional direction to data protection or information governance specialists.
• Experience managing complex DPIAs, data breaches, information rights matters and regulatory engagement.
• Experience working with IT, Digital, Procurement, Legal and operational teams on privacy risks arising from technology, systems and third-party arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent oversight and assurance on the Trust’s compliance with data protection legislation, regulatory guidance and internal policies.
• Lead the development and delivery of a risk-based data protection assurance programme, identifying key privacy risks and recommending improvements.
• Act as the Trust’s primary point of contact with the ICO, managing regulatory enquiries, notifications and communications.
• Oversee the management of data subject rights requests and information rights processes, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and timescales.
• Provide expert guidance on personal data breaches and incidents, including risk assessment, reporting obligations, investigations and corrective actions.
• Advise on data sharing, supplier relationships, international data transfers and third-party processing arrangements, ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place.
• Champion privacy by design and oversee DPIAs for new projects, systems, services and organisational changes.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leaders on data protection risks, digital transformation initiatives, emerging technologies and the responsible use of data.
• Support the Trust to make informed, compliant and proportionate decisions that balance innovation with privacy and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the development of data protection awareness, training and guidance programmes, fostering a positive culture of accountability and compliance across the Trust.
• Monitor emerging legislation, regulatory developments and best practice, ensuring the Trust’s data protection framework remains effective and up to date.
• Promote transparency, trust and the responsible management of personal information across all areas of the Trust’s charitable, operational, employment, volunteering, fundraising and digital activities.

Skills

Data protection leadership

Executive/Board advisory

Privacy governance

DPIAs management

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Canal & River Trust is hiring a Data Protection Officer to lead data protection, privacy and information governance across the organisation. You will oversee DPIAs, data breach responses, and information rights while acting as the primary liaison with the ICO.

The role requires strategic advice to senior leaders and collaboration with IT, Digital, Procurement, Legal and operations. The position supports hybrid remote working with attendance at hub spaces as required.