About the role
Overview
C4ADS seeks an Cybersecurity and Data Governance Intern. Working directly with the Head of Cybersecurity & Head of Data, the intern will assess C4ADS against recognized security frameworks, research and evaluate data governance practices, and help build out internal documentation. The role suits a candidate who wants hands-on exposure to applied cybersecurity, GRC (governance, risk, and compliance), and IT operations at an organization whose data and research exposes illicit and malign networks on the global stage.
Key Responsibilities
- Framework identification and selection. Research and recommend cybersecurity frameworks appropriate to C4ADS's size, threat profile, and mission. Summarize the tradeoffs and justify which framework(s) best fit the organization.
- Security assessment. Conduct a gap assessment of C4ADS against the selected framework(s), mapping current controls, identifying deficiencies, and prioritizing remediation by risk and effort.
- Data governance. Research and evaluate leading data governance frameworks and produce practical, phased recommendations for implementation at C4ADS, accounting for data classification, retention, access controls, and stewardship.
- IT support documentation. Draft and standardize internal IT and support documentation—onboarding/offboarding procedures, common troubleshooting runbooks, software and access request workflows, and a knowledge base for end users.
Qualifications
- Pursuing or recently completed a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, IT, or a related field
- Strong written communication; able to translate technical findings into clear documentation
- Detail-oriented, self-directed, and comfortable working independently
- Discretion in handling sensitive organizational information
- Experience in international affairs, journalism, open source intelligence (OSINT), or national security preferred
What You'll Gain
Direct mentorship from the organization's security and IT lead, a portfolio of real deliverables (assessment report, governance roadmap, documentation library), and practical experience applying frameworks to a live operating environment.
Program Details
- Open to current undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates.
- Program starts 9/1/2016 and will run 12-14 weeks
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the US; C4ADS does not sponsor work authorizations for interns
- Stipend of up to $9,600 per semester, for interns who can commit to at least 30 hours per week
- Please note that we ask you are able to commit to at least 30 hours per week to your work.