Privacy Program Specialist 3 (In Training) or Privacy Program Specialist 4

Description

Would you thrive in a role focused on guiding the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) as we continue to protect the privacy of our members’ information and sustain their hard-earned trust? Would you enjoy serving as the privacy subject matter expert focused on elevating agency awareness of privacy best practices? And, is working in a cooperative culture of continuous improvement, learning, and work-life balance important to you? If your answer is Yes, the role as the Privacy Program Specialist could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Duties

The Opportunity: 
The Department of Retirement Systems has an exciting opportunity for you to be our Privacy Program Specialist. Depending on your experience, you may be hired as a Program Specialist 4 or as a Program Specialist 3 (in-training). If hired as a Program Specialist 3 In-Training, you will be required to successfully complete a 12-month training plan to promote to the goal class of Program Specialist 4. The in-training is intended to provide an opportunity to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

Reporting to the Risk Management Director, the Privacy Program Specialist will help shape the agency’s privacy program. In this collaborative role you will be responsible for furthering the goals, maturation, and management of the agency’s organization-wide privacy program in alignment with the WaTech Office of Privacy and Data Protection (OPDP) Privacy Framework.

Salary Information: Salaries listed include the general wage increase that will be in-effect July 1, 2026.

• Program Specialist 3: $59,760 – $80,496 annually
• Program Specialist 4: $64,512 – $86,668 annually

Some of what you’ll do includes:

• Administering and directing the agency’s privacy program, ensuring alignment with WaTech OPDP’s Privacy Policy. 
• Partnering with DRS divisions to assess and evaluate the current agency privacy risks and mitigation practices with special attention to systems that contain personally identifiable information (PII). 
• Applying knowledge gained from internal assessments to produce an organization-wide self-assessment which will be updated annually.
• Designing and delivering annual privacy training and awareness materials to strengthen agency-wide understanding of privacy risks.
• Leading required OPDP Privacy Threat Assessments (PTA) and/or Privacy Impact Analysis (PIA).
• Facilitating the ongoing inventory of sensitive information and evaluating third-party data sharing practices in partnership with IT, Legal, and the contracting unit.  
• Reviewing new or updated Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs) for consistency with privacy laws and principles and making recommendations. 
• As a backup to the Fraud Prevention Analyst, supporting customer account research and fraud analysis activities, and related coordination with Division Business Units. 

Telework Details:  After successful completion of the review period and effectively demonstrating the ability to perform work independently, you may be eligible to telework up to two (2) days per week, at the discretion of the Appointing Authority and with a telework agreement in place.
  
The ability to work remotely is dependent on the nature of the tasks and projects assigned and the presence of a remote work environment that is safe and has an appropriate level of reliable connectivity. You must live within a reasonable commuting distance (less than 50 straight-line miles) to the DRS building in Tumwater, WA, and must be willing to adjust your telework schedule to attend mandatory meetings, trainings, etc., at the DRS facility.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for (required qualifications): Experience for qualifications can be gained through various combinations of professional employment, education, and volunteer/personal experience. 

Required Qualifications for Program Specialist 3 – In Training 
 Demonstrated proficiency and proven experience in the following:

• Demonstrated experience conducting privacy impact assessments, updating privacy policies, influencing decisions about managing and protecting confidential information, and responding to privacy concerns. Similar work in a privacy adjacent program or area may also qualify. Examples of privacy adjacent work may include but are not limited to: managing public records requests, risk management, or fraud prevention.

Required Qualifications for Program Specialist 4 

In addition to the experience required at the Program Specialist 3 level (above), qualified candidates should also demonstrate experience in program development, including:

• Proactively identifying program needs and producing clear written materials (e.g. SOPs, templates, procedures, training plans etc.);
• Gathering information through methods such as surveys, interviews, and/or document/process review, and analyzing that data to identify risks or gaps in controls across an organization’s privacy (or privacy adjacent) program (beyond a single initiative or system);
• Making data-driven recommendations to mature program goals; and
• Delivering training to support the program and increase agency awareness.

Both the Program Specialist 3 and Program Specialist 4 qualifications listed above are typically gained from a minimum of three (3) years of full-time professional experience. Experience can be concurrent. 

In addition, all qualified candidates should have:

• Demonstrated experience and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, (version 2016 or newer), and;
• Demonstrated proficiency in the following competency areas: 

Analysis – Studies and reviews documents and information closely; readily identifies information that is not pertinent and understands when additional or verifying data is needed. Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make recommendations.

Customer Focus – Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of customers. Partners to deliver high quality services and products. Establishes and maintains effective customer relationships. Committed to continuous improvement and always acts with the customer in mind.

Problem Solving – Analyzes problem to identify the root cause(s). Evaluates possible courses of action; uses reason, logic, and creativity to reach conclusions. Develops timely, effective solutions that take into consideration alternatives, risks, and consequences in relation to organizational goals, resources, and constraints.

Communication– Effectively conveys information in writing and through the spoken word, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience. Sees communication as a vital component of high performing teams.

Teaching and Training – Effectively communicates information for the purpose of having others learn, understand, and apply specific principles, techniques, or information. Accurately assesses the training needs of individuals, identifying both strengths and areas to be developed.

Meeting the Needs of Others – Demonstrates empathy, flexibility, and responsiveness when interacting with customers, colleagues, and community members. Understands that others have varied needs and perspectives and adapts communication and actions accordingly. Builds relationships and collaborates to increase access, opportunity, and positive outcomes for all. Balances and considers all parties’ needs when developing solutions, ensuring equity, respect, and service excellence in every interaction.

Judgment – Displays balanced thinking that combines data-based analysis, experience, and perspective while also considering decision impacts. Effectively weighs alternatives and makes decisions that incorporate facts, opinions, and other relevant information.

Dependability – Shows commitment, dedication, and accountability in work. Works effectively and fulfills commitments made to customers, peers, and team members. Is reliable in punctuality and attendance; can be counted on to get things done.  

Learning and Growth – Demonstrates a growth mindset by actively seeking opportunities to learn, improve, and expand capabilities. Displays curiosity about new ideas and perspectives and an openness to innovation, change, and feedback. Takes responsibility for personal learning by identifying and communicating needs and challenges, and applying new knowledge to navigate systems, tools, and processes. Reflects on experiences to identify strengths and areas for improvement, using learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective in serving the people of Washington. 

Proven experience maintaining and maturing an organization-wide government privacy program and/or advising on agency privacy practices and recommending improvement opportunities is highly desired. 

Supplemental Information

Be sure to read this entire section – We promise, it’ll be helpful!

How to Apply: Interested applicants who meet the qualifications and competencies in this announcement are encouraged to apply. 

• To be considered for this position, please be sure to attach the following to your online application: 
  1. A cover letter clearly describing how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
  2. A chronological resume outlining your experience to-date. Please keep in mind that professional or verifiable volunteer experience may be relevant.  
• Be sure to complete all sections of the on-line application and answer all supplemental questions. The work history section of the on-line application should be completed fully. Application fields that say “see resume/attachment” will not be considered. Only those applicants whose background and experience most closely match the qualifications and competencies of this position will be considered for this opportunity.

References, Personnel File Review, and Background Checks

• DRS requires at least two professional references including a professional reference from your current or most recent supervisor.
• If you are a current or recent state employee, we will also review your personnel file as part of our selection process;
• A job offer is contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review.

Work Authorization

• Candidates who are offered a job with DRS must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future;
• DRS complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
• DRS does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
• Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Certified Candidate Pool

• This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Why Work for DRS? At DRS, we are one team. We administer eight public retirement systems, 15 retirement plans, and the Deferred Compensation Program, and we serve over 930,000 current and former public employees in Washington. Our customers include fire fighters, teachers and school employees, state and local government employees, and public safety and law enforcement officers.

Regardless of what our specific duties may be, we are all dedicated to one purpose: ensuring our members have the information, tools, expertise and services that ensure they receive the retirement benefits earned while in public service. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where team members are fully engaged and supported in meeting (and exceeding) our customers’ expectations. All DRS leaders are focused on providing the coaching, mentoring, resources and support that team members need to be successful. 

DRS offers a generous benefits package that includes membership in the Public Employees Retirement System, health, dental and vision coverage and participation in the Deferred Compensation Program. Also, as a public service employee you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness. (See the Benefits tab at the top of this post for more information).

Other perks include: 

• Flexible work schedules
• Infants at Work Program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Access to LinkedIn Learning
• Commitment to team member safety and wellness
• Community involvement and charitable giving opportunities
• Commute Trip Reduction Program
• Free Parking & and EV Chargers available

Veteran’s Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veteran’s Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or redact any personally identifiable information such as social security numbers and year of birth. For additional information on Veteran’s Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. 

The Washington State Department of Retirement Systems is an equal opportunity employer supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. DRS does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

If you need assistance with the online application or have questions regarding the recruitment, please contact Human Resource office at drs.recruitment@drs.wa.gov. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternate format, may call the Human Resources Office at (360) 664-7309 or TTY Relay Service at 711.

Come join the DRS team!