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Data Protection Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Overview We are seeking an experienced Data Analyst to support enterprise-wide data governance, classification, tagging, and data protection initiatives within a secure Department of War environment.

Data Architect

Arlington, VA · On-site

$73.25 - $94.25/hr

Work closely with the GRC and security teams to ensure data governance, data quality, and data protection policies are designed into the architecture from the start. The Data Architect's primary goal ...

Data Architect

Arlington, VA

$73.25 - $94.25/hr

They will work closely with the GRC and security teams to ensure data governance, data quality, and data protection policies are designed into the architecture from the start. The Data Architect ...

Data Privacy Manager

Rockville, MD · On-site

$102K - $131K/yr

The Senior Privacy Advisor is a senior position that manages and advises on Privacy Act, data protection and privacy compliance activities. This role works directly with senior stakeholders to ...

Data Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $158K/yr

Collaborate with data scientists and analysts to understand data requirements, work with security teams to implement data protection measures, and stay current with data engineering technologies and ...

Data Architect

Arlington, VA · On-site

$73.50 - $94.50/hr

... protection policies are designed into the architecture from the start. • Ensuring that the data is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR), enabling advanced analytics and AI/ML at ...

Showing results 41-60

Data Protection information

See Washington, DC salary details

$25.2K

$117.1K

$231.9K

How much do data protection jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for data protection in Washington, DC is $117,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,767.00 and $154,070.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a data protection officer?

Data protection officers (DPOs) are professionals responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with data protection laws and regulations, such as the GDPR in Europe. Their duties typically include advising on data protection obligations, monitoring internal compliance, conducting data protection impact assessments, and serving as a point of contact for supervisory authorities and individuals whose data is processed. DPOs play a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information and helping organizations build trust with customers and stakeholders by managing data responsibly.

How does a data protection professional typically collaborate with other departments to ensure compliance?

Data Protection professionals work closely with various departments such as IT, Legal, HR, and Operations to implement and monitor data privacy protocols. They often lead training sessions, advise on best practices, and help integrate data protection requirements into business processes. Regular communication and collaboration are essential, as they must ensure that all teams understand their responsibilities regarding sensitive data. This cross-functional teamwork helps maintain company-wide compliance and mitigates risks associated with data breaches.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in data protection, and why are they important?

To thrive in Data Protection, a strong understanding of data privacy laws, risk management, and information security—often supported by relevant degrees or certifications like CIPP or CISSP—is essential. Familiarity with data loss prevention (DLP) tools, encryption technologies, and compliance management systems is typically required. Excellent analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals identify risks and educate stakeholders. These abilities ensure organizations maintain regulatory compliance, protect sensitive information, and build trust with clients and partners.

What is the difference between Data Protection vs Data Privacy Officer?

AspectData ProtectionData Privacy Officer
Primary FocusImplementing technical and organizational measures to secure dataEnsuring compliance with privacy laws and policies
CertificationsISO 27001, CISSP, CISMCIPP, CIPM, CIPT
Work EnvironmentIT departments, security teamsLegal, compliance, and policy teams
Industry UsageAcross sectors with data security needsPrimarily in organizations handling personal data

While both roles focus on data, Data Protection emphasizes securing data through technical measures, whereas Data Privacy Officers focus on legal compliance and policy adherence related to personal data. Understanding these distinctions helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and certifications for each role.

How to start a career in data protection?

To start a career in data protection, gain knowledge of cybersecurity principles, data privacy laws, and risk management. Obtain relevant certifications such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) or CompTIA Security+ and develop skills in data security tools and practices. Entry-level roles often require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or related fields.

Is data protection a stressful job?

Data protection roles can be stressful due to the responsibility of safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring compliance with regulations. The job often involves managing complex security protocols, responding to security incidents, and staying updated on evolving threats, which can contribute to work pressure. However, workload and stress levels vary depending on the organization and specific role.

What is a data protection job?

A data protection job involves safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats. Professionals in this field often work with security policies, encryption tools, and compliance standards to ensure data privacy and integrity within organizations.

What skills are needed for data protection jobs?

Data protection jobs require strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, data privacy laws, and risk management. Skills in network security, encryption, and familiarity with security tools and protocols are essential, along with attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. Certifications like CISSP or CISM can enhance qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Protection jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Data Protection jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Data Protection jobs in Washington, DC?

For Data Protection jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Data Protection jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Data Protection jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Data Protection job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,130 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

AI Data Management Specialist

Cornerstone Defense

Bethesda, MD • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide expertise in the data lifecycle, including data collection, storage, usage, sharing, and archival/disposal.

  • Guide senior government stakeholders in developing and executing data management plans while ensuring data protection, privacy, and civil liberties.

  • Act as a liaison with senior government data managers and technical teams to facilitate communication and understanding of data management priorities and challenges.


Job description

  • Location: Bethesda, Maryland
  • Type: Contract
  • Job #3905

Position - AI Data Management Specialist
Work Location - Bethesda, MD
Security Clearance - TS/SCI with CI Polygraph
Company Overview:

Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation's toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don't look any further than Cornerstone Defense.
Seeking an experienced and skilled AI Data Management Specialist to support the Chief AI Officer and Chief Data Officer (CAIO/CDO) at one of our Intelligence customers. The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in data management, including practical and strategic expertise across the data lifecycle, data protection, and stakeholder coordination. In this role, you will engage with technical and non-technical senior government data managers to develop, implement, and refine their data management strategies while ensuring alignment with best practices in data protection, privacy, and civil liberties.
Familiarity with AI concepts and vectorization as it relates to AI is required, and knowledge of zero trust principles, and data architecture is highly desirable to enhance your contributions to this critical mission.
Primary Responsibilities
Data Lifecycle Management:
  • Provide expertise in practical and strategic aspects of the data lifecycle, including data collection, storage, usage, sharing, and archival/disposal.
  • Guide senior government stakeholders in the development and execution of comprehensive data management plans aligned with mission goals and compliance requirements.
  • Data Protection and Governance:

  • Deliver practical and strategic guidance on data protection, addressing risks related to data spills, personal information security, and civil liberties.
  • Ensure compliance with data protection policies, laws, and standards, and promote best practices to safeguard sensitive information and preserve privacy.
  • Stakeholder Coordination:

  • Act as a critical liaison, working directly with senior government data managers and technical teams to bridge technical and non-technical perspectives.
  • Facilitate communication and understanding of data management priorities, challenges, and solutions.
  • AI and Emerging Technologies:

  • Apply a foundational understanding of AI to advise on data strategies that enable AI implementation and clear adoption paths.
  • Contribute to discussions and planning related to advanced concepts such as vectorization in AI and data-driven solutions.
  • Strategic Recommendations:

  • Support senior leadership by identifying and addressing gaps in data infrastructure, strategy, and implementation.
  • Advise on policies and practices related to zero trust architecture, data architecture, and cross-organizational data-sharing initiatives.

Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI with Poly is required.
  • Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience, Associate's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience, or Master's degree with 6+ years of relevant experience.
  • Solid background in data management, with a firm, practical, and strategic understanding of the data lifecycle and its application in government or enterprise environments.
  • Understanding of vectorization in AI and its relationship to data usage and analytics.
  • Strong expertise in data protection, especially regarding issues such as data spills, safeguarding personal information, and addressing civil liberties.
  • Ability to coordinate with senior technical and non-technical stakeholders, including government senior data managers, to align data management initiatives with organizational priorities.
  • Familiarity with AI concepts and their implications for data usage and management.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge or experience with zero trust architecture principles.
  • Expertise in data architecture design, principles, and governance, with the ability to speak confidently about its implications for strategy and implementation.
  • Experience working for or with Intelligence Community (IC) stakeholders or other government agencies.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.