Research Privacy & Data Governance Coordinator (Volunteer)

Research Privacy & Data Governance Coordinator (Volunteer)

PromiseShield | Research Privacy, Data Governance & Compliance Systems

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Remote with NYC-based collaboration as needed

Type: Volunteer

Reports To: Chief Legal & Governance Officer / Chief of Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

Works Closely With: PromiseMeasure (Data, Research & Impact), IT Security Team, Legal & Compliance Team, Program Leadership

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, and community. Our work centers dignity, equity, and accountability—ensuring that every interaction, dataset, and system reflects care, protection, and ethical responsibility.

As MAP expands its research, evaluation, and partnerships with schools and institutions, safeguarding data is not optional—it is core to trust, compliance, and institutional integrity.

About PromiseShield | Privacy, Security & Data Governance

PromiseShield is MAP’s division responsible for privacy, compliance, and data governance systems. The division ensures that all data—especially student and program data—is collected, structured, used, stored, and shared in ways that are lawful, ethical, and operationally sound.

PromiseShield establishes the systems that make responsible data use possible.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Research Privacy & Data Governance Coordinator to support the development and implementation of MAP’s data governance and research privacy practices.

This role plays a critical function in ensuring that data across programs and evaluation systems is:

• Properly structured
• Minimally collected
• Securely stored
• Responsibly used
• Fully compliant with applicable regulations

The Coordinator will connect research workflows, data systems, and privacy obligations, ensuring that MAP’s growing data infrastructure is both analytically strong and ethically governed.

Key Responsibilities

Data Mapping & Governance Systems

• Map and document data flows across MAP programs and platforms
• Support development of structured data systems (e.g., Student Name to Student ID frameworks)
• Establish and maintain data governance practices including minimization, retention, and access controls

Privacy Risk Assessment & Compliance

• Conduct Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs/DPIAs) for programs, tools, and data processes
• Identify, assess, and document privacy and data governance risks
• Support mitigation strategies aligned with legal and ethical standards

Research & Evaluation Alignment

• Partner with PromiseMeasure to ensure research and evaluation practices are privacy-compliant
• Support ethical data collection, consent processes, and responsible data use
• Ensure alignment between data practices and programmatic evaluation goals

Regulatory & Framework Alignment

• Support compliance with applicable laws and frameworks, including:
  • FERPA
  • New York SHIELD Act
  • DOE expectations for Outside Providers
  • NIST Privacy Framework principles
• Maintain documentation and audit-ready records for compliance activities

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with IT Security on secure data storage and system design
• Partner with Legal & Compliance on governance and risk management
• Support training and internal guidance on data governance and privacy practices

Operational Excellence

• Maintain organized documentation of policies, data flows, and compliance processes
• Support continuous improvement of data governance systems
• Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via Google Workspace

Qualifications

Required

• Strong understanding or interest in data governance, privacy, or compliance
• Knowledge of FERPA and student data privacy requirements
• Familiarity with data governance principles (minimization, retention, access control)
• Strong analytical, documentation, and organizational skills
• Ability to translate complex data practices into structured processes
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred

• Familiarity with NIST Privacy Framework and New York SHIELD Act
• Experience conducting PIAs/DPIAs or supporting compliance reviews
• Background in data governance, cybersecurity, research, or evaluation
• Experience in nonprofit, education, or youth-serving environments

Commitment

• Volunteer role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Fully remote with optional NYC-based collaboration

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in data governance, privacy compliance, and research systems
• Exposure to real-world regulatory frameworks and institutional data practices
• Collaboration with legal, research, and technology teams
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• A meaningful role building systems that protect and responsibly use data for impact

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing relevant experience or interest in data governance, privacy, or research compliance and interest in MAP’s mission

Help build the systems that ensure every data point is handled with integrity—because responsible data is the foundation of trust, impact, and accountability.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals based in the United States due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.