AWS Compliance Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of cloud computing, the demand for AWS Compliance Specialists is skyrocketing.
As cloud technology continues to advance, the need for skilled professionals who can understand, manage, and ensure compliance within our digital infrastructure becomes more critical.
But what exactly does an AWS Compliance Specialist do?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker exploring what this role entails,
- A hiring manager laying out the perfect candidate profile,
- Or simply fascinated by the complexities of AWS compliance,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable AWS Compliance Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
AWS Compliance Specialist Duties and Responsibilities
AWS Compliance Specialists are professionals who ensure an organization’s Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure complies with relevant laws, regulations, and standards.
They also provide guidance on AWS best practices for security and risk management.
The duties and responsibilities of an AWS Compliance Specialist include:
- Assessing and auditing current AWS infrastructure to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory standards
- Developing and implementing policies and procedures for AWS usage that meet compliance standards
- Providing guidance on security best practices in AWS and assisting with the implementation of security controls
- Working closely with IT and operations teams to ensure secure and compliant AWS deployments
- Training and advising staff on AWS compliance issues and regulations
- Keeping up to date with changes in relevant regulatory environments and updating AWS usage policies as needed
- Documenting AWS architecture, data flow, and security controls for audit purposes
- Responding to audit inquiries and assisting with the resolution of any identified compliance issues
AWS Compliance Specialist Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a skilled AWS Compliance Specialist to join our team.
Your primary responsibility will be to ensure that our company’s operations and business transactions follow all relevant legal and internal rules, with a focus on AWS cloud services.
You will also review employees’ work and provide advice on compliance.
To succeed in this role, you should be a reliable professional who is not afraid to speak their mind and stand by their decisions.
You should be familiar with risk management and our industry’s standards.
If you also have a sharp business acumen, we’d like to meet you.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement effective AWS compliance programs.
- Create sound internal controls and monitor adherence to them.
- Conduct audits and reviews to ensure compliance with AWS standards and regulations.
- Draft, modify and implement company policies.
- Collaborate with external auditors and HR when needed.
- Set plans to manage a crisis or compliance violation.
- Educate and train employees on regulations and industry practices.
- Address employee concerns or questions on AWS compliance.
- Stay up-to-date with AWS regulatory developments and evolutions.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Compliance Officer or Compliance Manager.
- Experience in risk management.
- Knowledge of AWS legal guidelines and corporate governance best practices.
- Proficient in AWS cloud services and related technologies.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Integrity and professional ethics.
- Business acumen.
- Teamwork skills.
- Attention to detail.
- BSc/BA in law, finance, business administration or related field.
- Certification as a compliance officer or in a related field will be a plus.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: AWS Compliance Specialist
- Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Compliance Manager or Head of Compliance.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $140,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does an AWS Compliance Specialist Do?
An AWS Compliance Specialist primarily works in the field of cloud computing services, specifically for Amazon Web Services (AWS).
These professionals are responsible for ensuring the compliance of the cloud services and operations with the necessary laws, regulations, and company policies.
They oversee the adherence to data privacy and security standards, including GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO.
AWS Compliance Specialists review and assess system architectures, identify potential risks, and propose mitigation plans.
They work closely with other IT professionals like system architects, developers, and security experts to ensure the compliance of solutions deployed on the AWS platform.
They also play a significant role in auditing, where they check the effectiveness of implemented controls and report compliance status to management or external auditors.
AWS Compliance Specialists often provide advice and guidance on how to operate in a compliant manner and may be involved in training staff on compliance-related matters.
Moreover, they keep up-to-date with changes in relevant standards, laws, and regulations to ensure continuous compliance.
They might also work with legal and business teams to translate regulatory requirements into technical specifications.
In short, the role of an AWS Compliance Specialist is critical in maintaining the trust of customers by ensuring that their data and services on the AWS platform are handled according to established rules and regulations.
AWS Compliance Specialist Qualifications and Skills
AWS Compliance Specialists require a mix of technical skills, soft skills, and industry knowledge to ensure the organization’s cloud operations are compliant with regulatory standards and best practices, including:
- Having a comprehensive understanding of AWS infrastructure, including EC2, S3, IAM, VPC, and other services, to ensure adherence to compliance and security protocols.
- Using analytical and critical thinking skills to assess, develop, and implement compliance strategies for cloud operations.
- Utilizing excellent communication skills to convey compliance requirements and procedures to different stakeholders, ensuring understanding and cooperation.
- Applying keen attention to detail and organization to manage and monitor multiple AWS accounts and resources, ensuring all configurations meet compliance standards.
- Working well with different teams such as IT, operations, security, and legal to ensure a unified approach to AWS compliance.
- Demonstrating a strong understanding of compliance standards like GDPR, PCI DSS, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 to ensure the organization’s AWS operations are in line with legal and industry regulations.
- Efficiently identifying and resolving issues that arise during compliance audits and reviews using strong problem-solving skills.
- Staying updated on latest AWS features and technologies, and compliance and regulatory changes in the industry.
AWS Compliance Specialist Experience Requirements
AWS Compliance Specialists generally should have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in risk management, audit, and internal controls.
They should also have experience in implementing controls, conducting process and control assessments, and developing risk mitigation strategies.
Experience with AWS cloud services is essential, as is familiarity with global regulatory compliance requirements related to IT, including SOX, GDPR, and ISO27001.
Therefore, a background in IT compliance, information security, or a related field is typically required.
An AWS Compliance Specialist should also have experience in project management, as this role often involves managing multiple compliance projects simultaneously.
Additionally, experience with tools such as AWS Config, AWS CloudTrail, and AWS GuardDuty is highly desirable.
For more senior roles, candidates with more than 5 years of experience in AWS compliance may also have experience managing teams, leading large-scale compliance projects, and developing compliance strategies and programs.
Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) can also demonstrate advanced experience and knowledge.
AWS Compliance Specialist Education and Training Requirements
AWS Compliance Specialists generally hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, information technology, or a related field.
They are required to have a deep understanding of AWS (Amazon Web Services) cloud services and infrastructure, as well as experience with compliance regulations and standards such as ISO 27001, SOC, HIPAA, and GDPR.
It is beneficial for AWS Compliance Specialists to hold AWS Certifications, especially the AWS Certified Security Specialty, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or AWS Certified SysOps Administrator.
Strong knowledge in areas such as system architecture, IT security, data protection and privacy, risk management, and audit procedures is necessary.
Experience with programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Ruby, or PowerShell is also a plus.
Further, an AWS Compliance Specialist might need to possess knowledge about various aspects of IT governance, risk, compliance (GRC), and familiarity with GRC tools.
Although not always required, some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in information systems or IT security.
Continuous education and staying updated with the latest in AWS services and regulations related to data privacy and security is essential for this role.
It indicates the specialist’s commitment to ongoing learning and mastery in their field.
AWS Compliance Specialist Salary Expectations
An AWS Compliance Specialist earns an average salary of $102,000 (USD) per year.
This compensation may differ based on factors such as experience, certifications, the complexity of the compliance issues handled, and the location of the employer.
AWS Compliance Specialist Job Description FAQs
What skills does an AWS Compliance Specialist need?
An AWS Compliance Specialist should have solid knowledge of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and its related architecture.
They should be well-versed in security protocols, IT compliance standards, and regulatory laws.
Strong technical skills and a good understanding of cloud computing concepts are crucial.
The ability to analyze and resolve complex compliance issues, proficiency in risk management, and excellent communication skills are also important.
Do AWS Compliance Specialists need a degree?
Most AWS Compliance Specialists have a degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
However, experience with AWS, IT compliance, and cloud computing could be considered in lieu of formal education.
Additionally, certifications such as the AWS Certified Security Specialty or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can be beneficial.
What should you look for in an AWS Compliance Specialist resume?
Look for a solid background in AWS and cloud services, with demonstrated experience in handling IT compliance issues.
Certifications related to AWS, cybersecurity, or IT compliance are a plus.
In addition, look for experience in performing risk assessments, managing compliance audits, and implementing security controls in a cloud environment.
What qualities make a good AWS Compliance Specialist?
A good AWS Compliance Specialist should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
They should be detail-oriented, as they need to scrutinize systems for potential security and compliance issues.
They must be good communicators, capable of explaining complex compliance issues to non-technical team members.
A proactive approach, the ability to work under pressure, and a strong understanding of the ever-evolving regulatory landscape are also essential.
What are the daily duties of an AWS Compliance Specialist?
Typical duties of an AWS Compliance Specialist include conducting regular system audits, identifying potential security risks, ensuring AWS infrastructures comply with industry standards, and developing strategies to mitigate identified risks.
They might also be responsible for preparing compliance reports, collaborating with IT teams to implement security measures, and staying updated on the latest regulatory changes and IT security trends.
Conclusion
So there we have it.
Today, we’ve offered a deep dive into the vital world of an AWS Compliance Specialist.
And guess what?
It’s not just about managing AWS cloud computing architecture.
It’s about ensuring the security and compliance of the digital future, one AWS cloud configuration at a time.
With our comprehensive AWS Compliance Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to take the next step.
But why stop there?
Go further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every AWS configuration is a part of a bigger, secure cloud ecosystem.
Let’s build that future. Together.
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