Student Data Privacy Specialist

Full Job Description

The student data privacy team at the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is a small group of amazing people. We pride ourselves in our customer service approach, serving districts, charter schools, parents, families, and USBE board members and staff as our primary customers. This position works with districts, charter schools, and USBE staff to improve privacy practices and meet state and federal requirements. On our team, we strive for employee job satisfaction and a healthy work-life balance. As a Student Data Privacy Specialist, you will have a fulfilling career that includes helping others, being creative, informed problem-solving, continuous learning, and teaching.

This position is a hybrid position, with in-office days on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Utah State Board of Education building in Salt Lake City and the option to work remotely on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The position requires some in-state travel (“day trips”). Minimal overnight travel may also be required. The planned start date for this position is February or March 2026; however, we can be somewhat flexible on the start date if needed.

• Become an expert in student data privacy, data protection, and records management laws and best practices

• Earnestly collaborate with team members

• Give and seek critical feedback to improve team products and services

• Establish and maintain positive, supportive, and professional relationships with privacy, cybersecurity, and records point persons in districts and charter schools across the state

• Conduct close readings of technical documents, including data privacy agreements, contracts, and laws

• Develop, implement, and maintain an updated process for receiving and addressing privacy complaints, questions, and concerns from parents

• As needed, conduct thorough investigations into complaints and potential violations of student data privacy laws

• Provide training and support to districts and charter schools on student data privacy best practices

• Provide virtual and in-person professional development, both to USBE staff and districts and charter schools

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to districts and charter schools on data privacy, data protection, and records management

• Create training materials for educators and other school and district employees, such as interactive training modules, one-page explainers, animations, and videos

• Create resources and guidance documents to help districts, charter schools, parents, and other stakeholders understand the law

• Support “monitoring” of districts and charter schools to assess compliance with Utah Code 53E-9-3, Board Rule R-277-487, and other federal and state laws

• Work with districts and charter schools to remediate any identified areas of improvement

• Support and train districts and charter schools in understanding and implementing data privacy agreements and best practices

• Support districts’ and charter schools’ use of the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC) to comply with state privacy law

• Review districts’ and charter schools’ data privacy agreements

• Participate in national partner groups, including the ongoing development of the National Data Privacy Agreement (NDPA)

Perform other related tasks as assigned and support other members of the team with their work.

These additional tasks may include, but are not limited to: responding to and documenting data incidents, maintaining the student data privacy webpage, reviewing USBE contracts and data sharing agreements, reviewing bills during legislative session, maintaining USBE’s data agreement repository, and documenting state contracts


Ideal Candidate



• Has experience in public schools, in any capacity (e.g. teacher, counselor, administrator, district employee, secretary, etc.)

• Has strong interpersonal skills

• Can prioritize work based on the evolving needs of districts and charter schools and the direction of supervisors

• Is capable of developing a deep understanding of student data privacy laws, regulations, and best practices (you don’t need to be an expert yet, but you need to be willing/capable of becoming one)

• Has excellent written and oral communication skills and is motivated to provide timely responses

• Can clearly and objectively communicate ambiguous and complex information

• Graciously gives and seeks critical feedback

• Is self-motivated and skilled at time management

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, preferred

• Is able to create sustainable solutions to complex issues

• Has a proven ability to manage stakeholder relationships

• Willing and able to research and investigate solutions to new challenges or questions

• Able to conduct thorough and detailed analyses of technical documents, including contracts

• Has acute attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in written email responses, training resources, and guidance documents

• Is patient and helpful

• Demonstrates flexibility in their work and is willing to help out other team members as needed

• Is proficient in using Google tools (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.) and Microsoft tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Preferred qualities



• Experience providing professional development for adults

• Existing knowledge of student data security and privacy law

• Experience creating or maintaining courses in Canvas learning management system

• Has experience with digital content creation (e.g. interactive training modules, infographics, one-pagers, animations, videos)

• Portfolio of digital content creations




Additional Information

Why You Should Join Our Team
Working for USBE affords you the opportunity to help make a difference across the State. USBE professionals know they are serving a higher purpose because their work impacts the lives of Utah students. The student-focused culture helps create a friendly work environment.

Additionally, you will receive an excellent compensation package which includes generous paid time off, top notch retirement plan options, and a variety of medical insurance plans. This allows you to stay healthy, secure your financial future, and spend more time with loved ones. For more information regarding the benefits we offer please click here.

The Agency
The Utah State Board of Education employs over 300 employees who work in such diverse areas as information technology, educational standards and curriculum, finance and auditing, charter schools, data and statistics, child nutrition programs, student advocacy services, and special education. Click here for more information about the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).