Compliance and Data Governance Specialist

Compliance and Data Governance Specialist - Department of State

The Position:

We are seeking driven, thoughtful candidates with expertise in CFR/FAM/NIST compliance and federal enforcement processes to support impactful initiatives for our Federal clients at the U.S. Department of State (DOS).

As a Regulatory and Compliance Specialist with Censeo, you will support compliance and data governance efforts for a key Department of State program. You will work closely with DOS teams to ensure compliance with federal mandates and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary compliance advisor for exchange program operations, interpreting regulatory requirements and translating them into implementable policies and controls

• Develop legal defensibility protocols to reinforce program integrity and withstand regulatory scrutiny

• Ensure full adherence to 22 CFR Part 62 and other applicable federal mandates

• Strengthen data governance and cybersecurity protocols, ensuring compliance with NIST standards, NARA, and federal security policies

• Establish and maintain audit‑ready documentation, including policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), system security plans, and compliance evidence

• Ensure program’s compliance framework aligns with OMB A-123, GAO, and Department of State security policies

• Coordinate and support OMB, GAO, Inspector General, and congressional inquiries, ensuring timely, accurate, and defensible responses

• Implement AI-powered predictive analytics to assess sponsor risk and detect anomalies

• Establish secure data-sharing protocols and compliance monitoring systems

• Train program staff, contractors, and partners on regulatory compliance, data governance, and records management responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop realistic, innovative solutions to complex challenges

• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly through written reports and presentations

• Build and maintain strong client relationships, proactively identifying and mitigating delivery risks

The Ideal Candidate:

At Censeo, we value unique perspectives and a passion for solving complex problems. Our team thrives on innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to public service. We’re looking for candidates who bring curiosity, initiative, and a desire to make a meaningful impact.

• BA/BS required in International Affairs, Information Systems, Information Security, Public Policy, or a closely related field . Master's or JD preferred.

• 5-10+ years of experience in regulatory compliance, legal risk management, data governance, and cybersecurity

• Familiarity with compliance policy for federally regulated environments and with Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) (experience with 22 CFR Part 62 strongly preferred)

• Familiarity with data governance standards aligned with NIST cybersecurity standards, NARA records retention requirements, etc

• Demonstrated experience supporting or working with Federal agencies (Department of State strongly preferred)

• In-depth knowledge of federal program oversight expectations and administrative law principles

• Experience designing compliance frameworks that withstand regulatory, audit, and congressional scrutiny (including documentation standards, decision logs, and audit trails and records)

• Experience establishing compliance monitoring systems (including data access controls, role-based permissions, or data classification and handling standards)

• Experience in international exchange, education, or mobility programs (preferred)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to synthesize complex information

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

The Company:

Censeo Consulting Group is a top Washington D.C. based management consulting firm dedicated to helping public sector and non-profit clients build operational excellence, deliver better outcomes, and lower cost. We take a personalized approach to strategic consulting to solve our clients’ most complex problems and build operational excellence that transforms their organizations, allowing them to better deliver on their public and social missions.

At Censeo, our award-winning culture means you’ll join a tight-knit community of 75 brilliant and passionate colleagues. We are advocates for a better functioning public sector, and we’re also good friends who know the names of each other’s dogs. Our philosophy is horizontal, not hierarchical, and our open-door policy encourages a culture of entrepreneurship at all levels. We share successes, make decisions together, and foster an environment for those with passion and initiative to lead. Our colleagues bring their own unique personalities to work every day and use them to help shape our growing firm in ways that reach far beyond client projects.

The Location:

Censeo Consulting Group is based in Washington D.C., a fantastic city for working professionals. We work in a hybrid setting with flexibility to work from home and work in our office conveniently located in the heart of downtown, just a few blocks away from the White House. And with many of our clients also based in D.C., we have the luxury of leaving for a meeting and being back in the office in time for post-work happy hours, team dinners, and game nights.

The Fine Print:

• The salary range for this role is $120,000 - $180,000 depending on experience

• Expected travel 0-10%; may increase based on business needs

• This is an exempt, full-time position

• This role is subject to a hybrid work schedule

• Essential Physical Functions

• Sitting: Particularly for sustained periods of time

• Light Carrying: Physically transporting items weighing less than 15 pounds from one location to another

Censeo offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including paid vacation and sick leave, flexible and remote work opportunities, and tuition and training reimbursement. More information on our benefits and perks can be found at https://www.censeoconsulting.com/about/join-us/.

Censeo is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all applicants and employees in full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other class protected by applicable state or federal law.

Join Our Award-Winning Culture!

Our passion wins awards. But don’t just take it from us…

• 2024 Vault #41 Consulting 50 North America

• 2024 Vault #7 Best Consulting Firm for Hours in the Office

• 2023 Vault #9 Best Consulting Firm for Work/Life Balance

• 2023 Vault #23 Best Consulting Firm for Overall Diversity

• 2023 Management Consulted #3 Best Boutique Firms in Washington DC

• 2022 Vault #41 Best Overall Consulting Firm to Work For

• 2020 Vault #21 Best Boutique Consulting Firm

• 2019 Ivy Exec #7 Best Boutique Consulting Firm

• 2018 Consulting Magazine Best Small Firms to Work For 

• 2017 Vault #12 Best Boutique Consulting Firm

• 2016 Forbes Best Management Consulting Firms in America

• 2015 Washington Business Journal’s Philanthropy List

#LI-Hybrid

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