IT Risk and Compliance Specialist - Hybrid Chicago Loop Office or Remote

NORC at the University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

11h • $110,000 - $165,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking a seasoned IT Risk and Compliance Specialist to join our Information Technology Department within the DSS Security and Compliance team. This critical role will focus on driving the organization’s adherence to complex regulatory frameworks, with particular emphasis on FedRAMP, CMMC, NIST 800-171, and ISO 27001. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in auditing, risk management, and compliance within high-stakes environments, particularly for Government security standards. Preferably, this position will have a hybrid work schedule of one or two days a week in either our Washington, DC or Chicago, IL office. Remote applicants may also be considered. Technology is integral to NORC’s mission of advancing social science research. The IT department delivers innovative, high-quality solutions that support both our staff and clients, ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field. Or equivalent experience in IT security, risk, or compliance may be considered.
• Current certifications in IT security compliance, such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC).
• Minimum of 6+ years of experience in IT security auditing, risk assessment, or compliance, with a primary focus on government security frameworks and contracts.
• Proven expertise in auditing IT systems for compliance with security frameworks, including preparing and reviewing System Security Plans (SSPs), Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), and Contingency Plans.
• Proficiency in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) or Information Risk Management (IRM) systems, with a track record of managing compliance across multiple frameworks, including FedRAMP, NIST, and ISO standards.
• Deep knowledge of information security protocols across infrastructure layers, including networks, servers, databases, and applications, with hands-on experience in advanced security assessment techniques.
• Experience managing compliance in hybrid and multi-tenant infrastructures, with strong familiarity with privacy regulations such as GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
• Extensive experience in the implementation and oversight of frameworks such as FedRAMP, CMMC, NIST 800-171, ISO 27001, and HITRUST.
• Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive internal and external IT compliance audits, ensuring alignment with critical security standards such as FedRAMP, CMMC, NIST 800-171, and ISO 27001.
• Execute in-depth risk assessments and security impact analyses of information systems, identifying potential vulnerabilities and proposing mitigation strategies.
• Develop, review, and manage key audit documentation, including the creation of corrective action and remediation plans to address identified deficiencies.
• Oversee and ensure continuous compliance with contract requirements, with a focus on tracking and reporting the progress of Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).
• Collaborate closely with Security Engineers and stakeholders to remediate compliance issues, ensuring alignment with regulations such as FISMA, Section 508, NIST SP 800-53, HITRUST, and HIPAA Security & Privacy standards.
• Design, implement, and optimize policies, procedures, and automated processes for compliance in hybrid and multi-tenant infrastructures.
• Provide mentorship and strategic guidance to IT teams, translating complex regulatory requirements into actionable technical steps for seamless compliance execution.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with NORC’s research community and other key stakeholders, facilitating a culture of compliance and security.

Benefits

• Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment
• Dental and vision insurance
• A defined contribution retirement program, along with a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program
• Group life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Benefits that promote work/life balance, including generous paid time off, holidays; paid parental leave, bereavement leave, tuition assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level