Data Governance Manager

The Director, Data Governance, will be a strategic yet hands-on data governance leader who will design and implement an enterprise-wide data governance program. This role will be responsible for building and enforcing the foundational elements of data governance, including data policy, classification, catalogs, quality, access, tooling, and process design. The ideal candidate will be comfortable rolling up their sleeves to build and execute a program that supports our mission, leverage data as a strategic asset, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and influence cross-functional stakeholders.Responsibilities Develop and implement a comprehensive data governance strategy aligned with organizational goals, AI readiness, and regulatory requirements. Establish data governance frameworks, policies, and standards to ensure data integrity, access, and compliance. Lead cross-functional teams to drive data stewardship, data quality initiatives, and data lifecycle management. Select and implement data governance tools and platforms (e.g., data cataloging, stewardship, lineage). Define and operationalize data stewardship models across the university. Oversee data quality initiatives, including monitoring, remediation, and reporting. Develop and enforce data quality KPIs and dashboards to track progress and impact. Facilitate training and awareness programs on data governance best practices across the organization. Collaborate with IT, legal, and compliance teams to ensure data governance aligns with technological and regulatory landscapes. Measure and report on data governance effectiveness and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on data governance and management issues.Required Qualifications 7+ years of experience with a proven track record of leadership in data governance, data management, or related fields. Strong understanding of data governance frameworks, methodologies, and best practices. Demonstrated ability to influence and drive change across diverse teams and stakeholders. Experience in enterprise-wide policy development, writing, and implementation. Strong project management skills with a focus on delivery. Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data management issues.Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in data science, Information Management, Business Administration, Public Policy/Administration, or a related field. Experience in operationalizing governance frameworks and managing quality initiatives. Familiarity or experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, SAS). Knowledge of data governance platforms (e.g., Data Cookbook), data warehousing, and ETL processes. Familiarity with Student Information Systems (PeopleSoft preferred), learning management systems, and CRM platforms. Strong understanding of data architecture, data modeling, and database technologies.