Data Governance Specialist (The Data Steward) - Unreal Gigs

Are you passionate about ensuring data is handled responsibly, accurately, and consistently across an organization? Do you excel at creating policies, frameworks, and processes that uphold data integrity, security, and compliance? If you’re ready to establish and enforce best practices in data management, our client has the ideal role for you. We’re seeking a Data Governance Specialist (aka The Data Steward) to lead data governance initiatives, safeguard data assets, and enable data-driven decision-making within a structured, compliant environment.

As a Data Governance Specialist at our client, you’ll work with data engineering, IT, legal, and business teams to develop governance frameworks that align with regulatory standards and business goals. Your expertise will be key in creating a culture of data stewardship and ensuring that data is managed as a valuable, reliable asset.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and Implement Data Governance Policies:
• Design and implement data governance policies, frameworks, and standards that ensure data quality, consistency, and security across the organization. You’ll define ownership, access, and data lifecycle management protocols.
2. Establish Data Quality Standards and Metrics:
• Work with data quality teams to set standards and metrics for data accuracy, completeness, and integrity. You’ll monitor and report on data quality issues, implementing corrective actions as needed.
3. Ensure Compliance with Regulatory Requirements:
• Develop and enforce policies that comply with regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA. You’ll maintain data governance practices that uphold privacy, security, and ethical standards.
4. Facilitate Data Access and Stewardship:
• Collaborate with data custodians and business users to ensure appropriate data access, usage, and handling. You’ll promote a culture of data stewardship across teams and train staff on best practices.
5. Manage Data Catalogs and Metadata:
• Create and maintain data catalogs and metadata repositories that provide transparency into data sources, definitions, and lineage. You’ll make it easy for users to understand and trust the data they’re working with.
6. Identify and Address Data Governance Issues:
• Proactively identify data governance issues, working to resolve data ownership disputes, access concerns, or quality issues. You’ll implement solutions to reduce risk and improve data reliability.
7. Support Data Governance Tools and Technology:
• Evaluate and implement tools that support data governance, such as data cataloging, data quality, and metadata management platforms. You’ll ensure these tools are integrated and aligned with governance goals.

Requirements

Required Skills:

• Data Governance and Quality Expertise: In-depth knowledge of data governance principles, standards, and best practices. You understand data stewardship, data quality management, and regulatory compliance.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to assess data quality and governance issues, conduct root cause analysis, and implement practical solutions.
• Technical Knowledge of Data Management Tools: Familiarity with data governance tools, such as Collibra, Alation, Informatica, or Talend, for data cataloging, lineage, and quality management.
• Regulatory Compliance Understanding: Proficiency in privacy and security regulations, including GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA, and the ability to translate these into actionable policies.
• Collaboration and Communication: Excellent communication skills to work with cross-functional teams, explain governance policies, and train users on data management best practices.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Management, Information Technology, Business, or a related field. Equivalent experience in data governance or data management may be considered.
• Certifications in data governance, data management, or compliance (e.g., Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)) are beneficial.

Experience Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in data governance, data quality management, or data compliance, with a proven track record of establishing effective governance frameworks.
• Experience with data governance implementation in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) is advantageous.
• Familiarity with metadata management and data cataloging practices.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with low co-pays and premiums.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation, sick leave, and 20 paid holidays per year.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules and telecommuting options.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certification reimbursement, and career advancement programs.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs, including gym memberships, health screenings, and mental health resources.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education and professional development.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities to participate in community service and volunteer activities.
• Recognition Programs: Employee recognition programs to celebrate achievements and milestones.