Data Governance Consultant & Data Cataloging Tool Lead

Job Title: Data Governance Consultant & Data Cataloging Tool LeadLocation: Dallas Texas Job Type: Contract Job Description:We are seeking an experienced Data Governance Consultant with expertise in data cataloging tools to lead data governance initiatives across the organization. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in implementing, managing, and overseeing data governance frameworks and hands-on experience with data cataloging tools to ensure effective data stewardship, metadata management, and compliance with industry standards and regulations.Key Responsibilities:Data Governance Strategy and Framework:Develop and implement a comprehensive data governance framework across the organization.Ensure data governance policies align with industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and organizational goals.Collaborate with data stewards, IT, and business stakeholders to define and enforce data quality standards, roles, and responsibilities.Data Cataloging and Tool Implementation:Lead the deployment and management of data cataloging tools (e.g., Collibra, Alation, Informatica, Apache Atlas, or similar).Maintain an up-to-date data catalog that includes metadata, lineage, and classification for critical data assets.Work closely with data engineers, architects, and developers to ensure seamless integration of the data catalog with existing data pipelines and platforms.Metadata Management and Data Lineage:Design and implement processes for effective metadata management.Establish data lineage and classification mechanisms to ensure visibility and control over data usage across different systems.Monitor and maintain data lineage documentation to help stakeholders understand data flows and transformations.Data Quality and Stewardship:Define data quality metrics and ensure continuous monitoring and reporting on data quality issues.Work with business and technical teams to ensure data stewardship and data ownership are well-defined and maintained.Implement data cleansing, deduplication, and validation processes.Compliance and Risk Management:Ensure data management practices comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other relevant regulatory standards.Conduct regular audits to assess data security, privacy, and governance adherence.Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:Serve as the primary liaison between data governance, IT, and business teams to communicate objectives and progress.Provide training and guidance to data stewards and business teams on data governance policies and tools.Conduct workshops and sessions to educate stakeholders on data governance best practices.Reporting and Analytics:Design and generate regular reports on data governance KPIs (e.g., data quality scorecards, metadata completeness, and lineage coverage).Provide actionable insights into the health of the data governance program and areas for improvement.Continuous Improvement:Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in data governance and cataloging.Proactively identify opportunities to improve data management processes, tools, and governance frameworks.Required Skills and Qualifications:Educational Background:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.Experience:Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in data governance, data management, or a related field.3+ years of hands-on experience with data cataloging tools like Collibra, Alation, Informatica, or similar platforms.Proven experience in leading or significantly contributing to large-scale data governance programs.Technical Expertise:Strong understanding of metadata management, data lineage, and data quality principles.Proficiency in data cataloging tools and frameworks.Experience with data modeling, database design, and data architecture.Familiarity with data privacy regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and other relevant policies.Soft Skills:Strong leadership and project management skills.Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills.Problem-solving mindset with a strong focus on operational excellence and execution.Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.Preferred Qualifications:Certifications in data governance or data management (e.g., DAMA, DCAM).Experience with cloud platforms and data services (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).Familiarity with BI and analytics platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).