Director, Data Protection

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS is seeking a Director, Data Protection to help us improve our management of personal and potentially sensitive information at our headquarters and country offices. The Director, Data Protection is expected to coordinate and monitor the implementation of a comprehensive and coherent privacy management program throughout the organization, oversee training of our global staff, carry out regular internal data protection audits and act as the main point of contact between HIAS and the relevant data protection authorities in different countries. This position sits in the Operations division and reports to the Chief Operating Officer. HIAS is committed to ensuring that all personnel, client, donor, partner and customer data is protected, and that our work complies with applicable data protection standards and legislation, including the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation.

Note, this position is based at our headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland or our office in New York, New York, and we will consider a remote option for applicants who live outside of commuting distance to either of our offices and are based in other states in which we are registered (Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Leads the implementation and operationalization of HIAS’ data protection and privacy policies.
• Promotes a culture of data protection compliance across all units at all locations of the organization.
• Ensures that staff across different business units involved in data handling or processing, including local Data Protection Officers, receive appropriate and timely training on HIAS data protection requirements and obligations.
• Conducts mapping of HIAS personal data assets and business processes, and creates and maintains a register of processing activities at HIAS.
• Puts in place a process for proactive privacy risk assessments, particularly for new or enhanced initiatives, to ensure compliance and address potential issues.
• Serves as a focal point for internal and external inquiries concerning HIAS’ data protection policies and program, and notifies, as appropriate, public authorities of specific risks.
• Works closely with HIAS local Data Protection Officers, shares information and provides advice on all matters related to data protection.
• Advises the Office of General Counsel, business units, local Data Protection Officers and other stakeholders on HIAS’ obligations as data controller and data processor, respectively, to make sure that personal data sharing and transfer comply with applicable requirements, including GDPR.
• Offers consultation and collaborates with the Office of General Counsel and Chief Information Officer on how to deal with privacy breaches.
• Drafts new and amends existing internal data protection policies, procedures, SOPs, guidelines and templates in consultation with key stakeholders globally, including privacy statements and consent statements to appropriately honor data subjects’ rights.
• Ensures HIAS addresses all queries from data subjects within legal timeframes (e.g., queries for access, correction or deletion of their personal data held in our databases).

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s or equivalent degree from an accredited university.
• 6-8 years of experience working in data protection compliance or a related field.
• Expertise in data protection laws and practices, including an in-depth understanding of the GDPR.
• Experience within a legal, audit and/or risk function department.
• Experience working in the international context.
• Strong project management skills.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in Spanish and/or French preferred.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Great interpersonal skills and ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite writing and presentation software.

HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a HIAS recruiter.

Step 3: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Video interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Online reference check with SkillSurvey.

Step 6: Offer and background check with Shield Screening.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • Hachnasat Orchim

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • Tzedek

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • Chesed

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • Chevruta

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • Ometz

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • Ruach

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation, or other legally protected status.