Senior Director of Data Governance

Emory University

. Set the strategic direction for a university-wide data governance program spanning administrative, academic, research, and operational data .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeAtlanta • Georgia • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in establishing and leading data governance programs, including developing strategies, managing compliance with data privacy regulations, and fostering data literacy across the institution. Proven ability to translate complex data issues for executive decision-making and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Data Governance Program LeadershipData Privacy Regulations ComplianceData Quality ManagementEnterprise Data Catalog ExperienceExecutive Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data Governance FrameworksData ArchitectureMaster Data ManagementMetadata ManagementBusiness IntelligenceAnalyticsData Quality StandardsData ClassificationData StewardshipData Lineage

Soft Skills

DiplomacyFacilitation SkillsConsensus BuildingExecutive PresenceCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

ERP SystemsWorkdayPeopleSoftBannerEnterprise Data Governance Platforms

Certifications & Qualifications

CDMPDGSP

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationAcademic Medical CenterFERPAHIPAAGLBAControlled Unclassified InformationFederal Research Data ManagementData Protection ControlsArtificial Intelligence GovernanceMachine Learning Governance

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set the strategic direction for a university-wide data governance program spanning administrative, academic, research, and operational data
Partner with university offices, security, compliance, privacy, research administration, schools, and units to establish data governance as a core institutional capability
Coordinate with Emory Healthcare data governance leadership on data shared across the enterprise
Develop and execute a multi-year data governance strategy and roadmap
Establish and lead the data governance operating model, including charters, decision rights, escalation paths, and executive governance support
Define program performance measures and maturity targets; report progress, risks, and outcomes to university leadership and Board of Trustees committees as requested
Translate complex data issues into clear business terms for executive decision-making
Direct the enterprise data stewardship structure and define roles, accountabilities, and service expectations
Establish shared agreements on data definition, documentation, classification, and appropriate use
Oversee the enterprise business glossary, data catalog, metadata management, and data lineage capabilities
Establish data quality standards, metrics, and remediation processes
Lead data policy development and advise on compliance with FERPA, HIPAA, GLBA, export control, Controlled Unclassified Information, federal research data management and sharing policies, and applicable privacy laws
Partner on data classification, handling standards, retention, data protection controls, audits, and inquiries
Oversee data access, data sharing, and data use agreement processes
Lead data governance for artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, including standards for data readiness, provenance, and permissible use
Embed data governance requirements into system selection, implementation, integration, ERP modernization, data platform, and vendor decisions
Build, lead, and develop a team of data governance professionals
Manage the program budget and vendor relationships
Lead institution-wide data literacy and data governance training
Represent Emory University in consortia and professional organizations
Monitor emerging practices and recommend strategic directions to university leadership
Perform related responsibilities as required

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in information systems, data science, analytics, business administration, or related field and eight years of progressively responsible experience in data governance, data management, or related field, including four years of supervisory or managerial experience, OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
Demonstrated success building or leading an enterprise data governance program in a complex, decentralized organization; higher education or academic medical center experience strongly preferred
Deep knowledge of data governance frameworks (e.g., DAMA-DMBOK), data architecture, master data and metadata management, data quality, business intelligence, and analytics
Working knowledge of data privacy and security regulations and frameworks relevant to higher education and research
Familiarity with the governance of data used in artificial intelligence and machine learning
Experience with enterprise data catalog and governance platforms and with ERP systems such as Workday, PeopleSoft, or Banner
Exceptional executive presence, diplomacy, and facilitation skills, with a demonstrated ability to build consensus among senior leaders, faculty, and staff
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex topics to executive leadership and governing boards
Master's degree preferred
Professional certification such as CDMP or DGSP preferred
Must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs
Requires residency in the state of GA

Benefits

Comp & perks

Opportunity to work from home regularly
Hybrid remote work arrangement
Equal opportunity employment
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities
Access to Emory University employee benefits (not specifically detailed in the posting)