Job Overview
Director, Data Security & Compliance | DataKind (Remote, U.S.)
DataKind is seeking a Director, Data Security & Compliance to build a critical function from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity for a security professional to apply their expertise in a mission-driven environment where your work directly protects vulnerable populations and enables life-changing educational tools. Furthermore, this role is remote and offers a salary range of $150,000 – $170,000.
About the Role
Reporting to the Vice President of Technology, you will develop and implement a comprehensive data security strategy for DataKind. You will lead the organization’s implementation of ISO27001 and ensure compliance with key regulations, including FERPA, GDPR, and SOC2. As a result, you will be responsible for creating a scalable data security and compliance framework that can grow as the organization and its products expand.
Core Responsibilities
A successful candidate will take ownership of the data security and compliance function. In particular, you will:
- Data Security Implementation: Finalize and execute a comprehensive data security strategy. In addition, you will design and maintain security infrastructure and protocols, conduct regular risk assessments, and lead incident investigations.
- Compliance Management: Set up the organization’s implementation of ISO27001 and ensure adherence to data privacy regulations. Therefore, you will establish data governance policies and maintain documentation for compliance verification and audits.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Partner with engineering and product teams to integrate security considerations into the development lifecycle. Likewise, you will advise executive leadership on data risk management and educate staff on best practices.
- Education-Specific Data Protection: Develop specialized protocols for protecting student data. Ultimately, you will enable secure data sharing in compliance with educational privacy requirements.
Director
Qualifications for Director Data Security
- Required:
- 8+ years of experience in data security and privacy, with at least 3 years focused on compliance and regulatory requirements.
- Experience directly implementing ISO27001 or similar frameworks, as well as experience with SOC2 audit processes.
- Strong project management and networking engineering skills.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
- Preferred:
- Demonstrated experience with education-specific privacy regulations, such as FERPA or COPPA.
- Experience building a data security and compliance function from scratch.
- Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CIPP/E).
- Prior experience in educational technology or with international data protection standards like GDPR.
Compensation & Benefits for Director Data Security
- Salary Range: The salary is $150,000 – $170,000, based on experience and internal equity.
- Benefits: DataKind provides a comprehensive benefits package, including 100% employer-paid medical, vision, and dental coverage for employees. In addition, you’ll receive professional development funding, a 401(k) with a 5% employer match, and flexible time off.
About DataKind
DataKind is a product innovator and movement catalyst that uses data science and AI to create a more promising future. In fact, since its founding in 2012, the organization has been at the forefront of designing scalable, data-driven tools that address some of the world’s toughest challenges, from frontline health to education.
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FAQs
- What are the location and visa requirements? This is a remote position open to candidates anywhere in the U.S. You must have a U.S.-based permanent address and be authorized to work in the U.S. indefinitely without visa sponsorship.
- What is the company culture like? DataKind is a people-first, remote organization that prioritizes flexibility and wellness. The culture is collaborative, growth-oriented, and deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.