1

Data Protection Analyst Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Data Protection Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$112K - $133K/yr

As a Data Protection Consultant, you'll lead the delivery of data protection and data governance ... Perform threat mapping and gap analysis across structured, unstructured, cloud, and on-premises ...

The Data Protection and Privacy Analyst will work closely with the Legal, Procurement, Security, Compliance and IT teams to identify, document and support initiatives necessary in developing ...

PMO Data Analyst Location: Remote, US Only About the Role: MustardSeed is seeking a PMO Data ... and data protection requirements. * Help create forecasting models or early-warning indicators ...

HR Data Governance Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $162K/yr

Data Quality, Protection & Risk Support * Help enforce data quality and data protection standards within HR data domains. * Support assessment and documentation of data-related risks, working with ...

Data Quality, Protection & Risk Support * Help enforce data quality and data protection standards within HR data domains. * Support assessment and documentation of data-related risks, working with ...

Sr Lead, Cyber Sec IT RiskM

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $132K/yr

This role also supports broader Data Protection work as part of a one-team, unified effort. Success in this role requires strong analytical and communication skills and the ability to bring clarity ...

Sr Lead, Cyber Sec IT RiskM

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$103K - $132K/yr

This role also supports broader Data Protection work as part of a oneteam, unified effort. Success in this role requires strong analytical and communication skills and the ability to bring clarity to ...

IL · On-site

$112K - $257K/yr

As a data architect, you know how to apply your creative thinking and analytical mindset to help ... Experience leading security architect, engineering or enterprise data protection initiatives

Data Security Architect

IL · On-site +1

$112K - $257K/yr

As a data architect, you know how to apply your creative thinking and analytical mindset to help ... Experience leading security architect, engineering or enterprise data protection initiatives

next page

Showing results 1-20

Data Protection Analyst information

See Illinois salary details

$32.9K

$80.1K

$131.8K

How much do data protection analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for data protection analyst in Illinois is $80,080.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,600.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Data Protection Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Protection Analyst, you need a solid understanding of data privacy laws, risk management, and information security principles, often supported by a bachelor's degree in IT, cybersecurity, or a related field. Familiarity with data protection tools, compliance frameworks (such as GDPR or CCPA), and certifications like CIPP or CIPM is highly valued. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills help you identify risks and effectively advise stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring compliance, safeguarding sensitive data, and maintaining organizational trust.

What is the difference between Data Protection Analyst vs Data Security Specialist?

AspectData Protection AnalystData Security Specialist
CertificationsISO 27001, CISA, CISSPCISSP, CompTIA Security+
Work EnvironmentCorporate, financial, healthcare sectorsIT departments, cybersecurity firms
Primary FocusData privacy, compliance, data governanceNetwork security, threat mitigation, system protection
Common UsageRegulatory compliance, data managementCybersecurity, infrastructure protection

While both roles focus on protecting data, the Data Protection Analyst primarily handles data privacy, compliance, and governance, ensuring organizations meet data regulations. The Data Security Specialist concentrates on safeguarding IT systems and networks from cyber threats. Both roles often collaborate but serve distinct functions within data security frameworks.

What are some common challenges faced by Data Protection Analysts in ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions?

Data Protection Analysts often face the challenge of navigating and interpreting varying data privacy regulations, such as GDPR in Europe, CCPA in California, and other local laws. This requires staying updated on legal changes and ensuring organizational policies are adapted accordingly. Analysts must also coordinate with cross-functional teams, such as IT, legal, and operations, to implement controls that meet all applicable standards. Balancing business needs with strict compliance requirements can be complex, but it offers valuable opportunities to develop expertise in international data protection practices.

What are Data Protection Analysts?

Data Protection Analysts are professionals responsible for ensuring that an organization's data is protected from unauthorized access, breaches, or loss. They develop and implement data privacy policies, monitor compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR, and respond to data security incidents. Their role often involves conducting risk assessments, training staff on data security best practices, and staying updated on evolving legal requirements. By doing so, they help safeguard sensitive information and maintain customer trust.
What are the most commonly searched types of Data Protection Analyst jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Data Protection Analyst jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Data Protection Analyst jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Data Protection Analyst jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Data Protection Analyst job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,080 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Senior Analyst - Data Protection (Remote)

Senior Analyst - Data Protection (Remote)

United Airlines, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$88K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


United Airlines rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 337 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 26 rated airlines


Job description

Description
Connecting People. Uniting the World. There's never been a more exciting time to join United Airlines! As a global company that operates in hundreds of locations around the world - with millions of customers and tens of thousands of employees - we have a unique responsibility to uplift and provide opportunities in the places where we work, live and fly.
We're on a path to becoming the best airline in aviation history. Join our Cybersecurity and Digital Risk (CDR) team to help lead the industry in cyber safety, security and resilience. United's CDR team plays a critical role in protecting our operations by enabling secure and resilient systems, managing threats and vulnerabilities, and ensuring swift response and recovery. Our mission is to seamlessly embed cybersecurity and digital risk management into every aspect of our business. We help drive progress and growth through trusted digital solutions, safeguarding assets and empowering our team, all while promoting a cyber-safe and secure environment that supports resilient airline operations.
United offers a competitive benefits package aimed at keeping you happy, healthy, and well-traveled. From employee-run "Business Resource Group" communities to world-class benefits like parental leave, 401(k), and privileges like space-available travel, United is truly a one-of-a-kind place to work. Are you ready to travel the world and help us keep our airline cyber safe? Apply today!
Job overview and responsibilities
The Senior Analyst, Data Protection, is responsible for advancing enterprise data protection capabilities through effective design and implementation of controls that reduce data exposure risk. This role focuses on protecting sensitive data across core workflows, including collaboration platforms, endpoints, and emerging technologies such as AI. The position emphasizes measurable control effectiveness, improved data visibility, and alignment of detection and prevention capabilities. This role partners across Cybersecurity, Legal, HR, and Technology to ensure data protection strategies are practical, scalable, and aligned to business risk.
  • Data Protection Control Design & Implementation:
    • Design and deploy data protection controls across key platforms (M365, endpoints, cloud) to prevent unauthorized data exposure. Focus on effectiveness, usability, and alignment to business workflows.
  • Data Visibility & Classification Enablement:
    • Drive improvements in data classification coverage and visibility using automated and semantic approaches. Ensure sensitive data is accurately identified and protected at scale
  • AI & Emerging Technology Data Controls:
    • Define and implement controls to govern the use of AI and emerging technologies, ensuring protection of sensitive data in prompts, outputs, and integrations.
  • Risk Assessment & Exposure Reduction:
    • Assess data exposure risks across enterprise environments and prioritize remediation actions that reduce real-world risk, beyond traditional egress-only models.
  • Detection & Prevention Alignment:
    • Partner with Insider Threat and Cyber teams to ensure alignment between detection signals and preventative controls, improving overall effectiveness of risk mitigation.
  • Governance & Cross-Functional Alignment:
    • Partner with Legal, HR, and business teams to ensure controls align with policy, regulatory requirements, and operational needs.

Qualifications
What's needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):
  • Bachelor's degree required (Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science related majors preferred)
  • 3+ years in STEM-related field
  • Strong understanding of data protection principles, such as data classification, data lifecycle, and data exposure risks
  • Experience designing and implementing data protection controls (i.e., DLP, endpoint controls, cloud data protection)
  • Ability to assess and reduce data exposure across modern environments (M365, endpoints, cloud collaboration platforms)
  • Familiarity with data classification approaches, including automated or semantic-based methods
  • Understanding of data movement patterns and exfiltration techniques across enterprise environments
  • Ability to evaluate control effectiveness and identify gaps based on real-world usage and risk scenarios
  • Experience working with cross-functional partners (Legal, HR, Technology) to align controls with business needs and policy requirements
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to translate risk into practical, scalable controls
  • Effective communication skills to clearly articulate risks, control gaps, and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
  • Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
  • Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):
  • Master's degree
  • Relevant certifications like CISSP, CISA, CIPP, CIPT, CISM
  • Hands-on experience with DLP platforms, data classification tools, or data security posture solutions
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Purview / M365 data protection capabilities
  • Experience implementing or supporting controls related to AI / Generative AI usage (i.e., data exposure in prompts, output handling, usage governance)
  • Knowledge of endpoint data protection and monitoring technologies
  • Experience tracking or reporting on data protection KPIs (i.e., data visibility, classification coverage, protected data)
  • Understanding of how data protection and insider threat detection align to reduce overall risk

Job Posting End Date: 7/27/2026

What United Airlines employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


United Airlines logo

About United Airlines

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

United Airlines is embarking on an exciting journey to become the best airline in aviation history. Our purpose, "Connecting People, Uniting the World," extends beyond transportation, emphasizing our commitment to uplift and create opportunities in the places we serve. With a global presence and diverse workforce, we value inclusivity and are dedicated to hiring tens of thousands of individuals across various roles. Our comprehensive benefits package, including perks like space available travel, parental leave, and 401k, aims to support your well-being and growth.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1926

Social media