Published: August 2014

After analyzing more than 100 privacy-related job descriptions—from the c-suite level to novice roles—the IAPP has pulled out some common threads to help both candidates and organizations put their best foot forward in pursuit of the perfect fit.

The five most essential skills organizations are looking for in prospective candidates are:

• Organization: Candidates must possess the ability to manage a diverse workload and multiple projects at the same time and keep track of multiple and varying regulatory obligations.

• Communication: Privacy professionals must be able to gain consensus, uniting disparate ideas with practical plans; work with a cross-section of people in all departments of an organization, and have effective presentation and influencing skills.

• Critical Thinking: The ability to work comfortably in the face of ambiguity while continuing to move toward a goal is an essential skill for the privacy professional. Candidates must have the ability to form solid assumptions and make decisions and recommendations based on a diverse pool of information.

• Adaptability: Changing conditions, regulations and best practices require quick thinking. The ability to evolve and stay current in knowledge of technology and industry information security and privacy arenas is essential.

• IT knowledge: Depending on the job, levels of required technical knowledge vary, but in general, experience with and/or knowledge of information security protocols, tools and systems are an important qualification.

AVAILABLE JOBS

The career levels with the most openings are intermediate and advanced. These positions almost always require a bachelor’s degree, usually in IT or business and most often 5-7 years of experience, but range from 3-10.

RECOMMENDED CERTIFICATIONS

Many mid-range to leadership level positions recommend applicants achieve a form of privacy or security certification—the most common requested being the IAPP’s CIPP.

TITLES

Words like specialist, analyst and officer appear in many job titles, and they appear across all levels of advancement—not necessarily indicating a hierarchy unless in combination with the word chief, as in chief privacy officer. The manager distinction indicates mid-level positions and senior, counsel/attorney and director indicate a high-level position often requiring a minimum of five years of experience and a law degree.