Data Governance Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s era of data-driven decision-making, the role of a Data Governance Specialist is increasingly vital.

As the digital landscape evolves, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can navigate, manage, and protect our data infrastructure.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s really expected from a Data Governance Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the complex world of data governance,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Data Governance Specialist job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Data Governance Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Data Governance Specialists play an integral role in managing an organization’s data assets, ensuring they meet company standards and compliance requirements.

They oversee the full lifecycle of data, from creation to deletion, and assist in the formation and execution of data-related policies and procedures.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing data governance strategies and processes
• Ensuring adherence to data management standards and regulations
• Working with data owners to improve data quality and integrity
• Monitoring and auditing data systems to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Facilitating cross-functional team meetings to discuss and resolve data governance issues
• Training and educating staff on data management policies and procedures
• Defining roles and responsibilities related to data governance to ensure clear accountability
• Documenting data governance processes, standards and decisions
• Working with IT and business stakeholders to ensure data-related business requirements are met
• Assisting with data risk assessments and data privacy initiatives

 

Data Governance Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a highly skilled Data Governance Specialist to join our team.

As a Data Governance Specialist, you will be responsible for planning, managing and implementing data governance initiatives, policies and procedures.

This role includes establishing and ensuring adherence to an enterprise data governance framework for data policies, standards and practices, both at the department and Business and Functional areas level, to achieve the required level of consistency, quality and protection to meet overall business needs.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement data standards, policies and governance processes
• Coordinate with business and technology departments to align data governance initiatives
• Monitor compliance of data flows and data management with internal and external regulations
• Ensure data quality and consistency in all data-related activities
• Assist in the design and implementation of data models
• Provide training and guidance on data governance to team members and stakeholders
• Identify and address data-related issues and risks
• Collaborate with IT and data management teams to implement new data strategies and measures
• Develop reports and metrics for data governance performance

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Data Governance Specialist or similar role
• Understanding of data governance principles and practices
• Proficiency in data analysis and management
• Familiarity with data privacy laws and regulations
• Ability to interpret and analyse complex data
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills
• BSc/BA in Computer Science, Information Management or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Data Governance 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 Data Governance Manager or Data Operations Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $150,000 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 a Data Governance Specialist Do?

A Data Governance Specialist works within an organization to ensure that high quality, relevant, and usable data is available to meet the organization’s needs.

They are responsible for developing and implementing data governance strategies and policies to manage the organization’s data effectively.

Data Governance Specialists work closely with data stewards, data analysts, and IT professionals, and they play a key role in data management, data protection, and data privacy.

They help in establishing guidelines and standards for data collection, storage, and usage.

They are also responsible for data classification, data lineage, and data cataloging.

One of their main tasks involves ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards related to data, such as GDPR and other privacy regulations.

This includes carrying out data audits and identifying any data issues, discrepancies, or violations.

Additionally, they may also be involved in data-related projects, ensuring the correct data governance procedures are followed, and data quality is maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

Data Governance Specialists also provide guidance and training to other staff on data governance principles and practices, promoting a data-driven culture within the organization.

They often serve as the main point of contact for any data governance-related queries or issues within the organization.

Therefore, a Data Governance Specialist plays a pivotal role in managing and protecting an organization’s data, ensuring it is used effectively, responsibly, and in compliance with all relevant regulations.

 

Data Governance Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Data Governance Specialist should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job role, including:

• Deep understanding of data governance principles, procedures, and standards to ensure data integrity, quality, and compliance.
• Excellent analytical skills to interpret and evaluate complex data, recognize patterns, and derive useful insights.
• Strong technical skills, including proficiency in data management software and database systems, to manage and organize large amounts of data effectively.
• Exceptional communication skills to liaise with stakeholders, explain complex data concepts in understandable terms, and promote data governance across the organization.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and rectify data discrepancies, anomalies, and quality issues.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to maintain a comprehensive data governance framework.
• Detail-oriented approach to ensure data accuracy and consistency across various databases and systems.
• Understanding of data privacy and security regulations to ensure compliance and protect sensitive data.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of teams, including IT, business operations, and legal, to implement and enforce data governance policies and procedures.

 

Data Governance Specialist Experience Requirements

Data Governance Specialists are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field as a minimum qualification.

Entry-level candidates often have 1 to 2 years of experience, which may include internship or part-time roles in data analysis, data management, or IT-related positions.

These professionals might have gained experience in data profiling, metadata management, data stewardship, or data quality management during this period.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a solid foundation in data governance principles and are familiar with data governance tools and technologies.

They may have worked as Data Analysts, Data Stewards, or Data Governance Associates, honing their skills in data classification, data quality, and data privacy.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are usually experts in data governance frameworks and processes.

They may have leadership experience, having led data governance initiatives or managed teams.

These professionals are typically adept at strategic planning, stakeholder management, and aligning data governance with overall business goals.

At this level, a Master’s degree in a related field or relevant certifications such as Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) may be preferred by employers.

 

Data Governance Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Data Governance Specialists typically hold a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, data management, or a related field.

Apart from the foundational degree, they need a strong background in data analysis and familiarity with data management tools such as SQL, Excel, Hadoop and others.

Understanding of regulatory requirements related to data privacy and security is also essential for this role.

Hence, knowledge of laws like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is often required.

Many positions, especially those in certain industries like finance or healthcare, may require a master’s degree in a specific data or IT discipline.

In these sectors, understanding specific data norms and regulations is crucial.

Certifications like Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can enhance a Data Governance Specialist’s prospects.

These certifications, along with a master’s degree, can indicate a candidate’s dedication to ongoing learning and their potential for leadership roles within the organization.

Additionally, experience with data governance programs, data modeling, and data integration processes is often preferred by employers.

 

Data Governance Specialist Salary Expectations

A Data Governance Specialist earns an average salary of $80,000 (USD) per year.

The actual income may differ based on the years of experience in the field, the complexity of the tasks performed, geographical location, and the company they are employed with.

 

Data Governance Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Data Governance Specialist need?

Data Governance Specialists need excellent analytical skills to understand and interpret complex data.

They should have a strong knowledge of data management principles and data-related regulations.

Strong communication skills are also essential to convey data-related concepts to a non-technical audience.

They should also be skilled in data analysis tools and systems, including SQL, Excel, and data visualization software.

 

Do Data Governance Specialists need a degree?

Yes, most Data Governance Specialists need a degree in a data-related field, such as Data Science, Computer Science, or Information Systems.

Many employers also prefer candidates with a master’s degree in these fields.

In addition, relevant certifications such as Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) can be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Data Governance Specialist resume?

A Data Governance Specialist should have a solid understanding of data management and governance principles, so look for evidence of this knowledge through education or certification.

You should also look for experience in managing data governance projects, expertise in data analysis tools, and a proven ability to work with cross-functional teams.

Knowledge of relevant data regulations and standards is also crucial.

 

What qualities make a good Data Governance Specialist?

A good Data Governance Specialist is detail-oriented and analytical, with a strong ability to interpret complex data.

They are proactive problem-solvers and are adept at working collaboratively with various teams.

They also need to stay up-to-date with the latest data regulations, technologies, and trends.

Good Data Governance Specialists are also excellent communicators, capable of explaining complex data concepts in simple terms.

 

Is it difficult to hire Data Governance Specialists?

Recruiting Data Governance Specialists can be challenging due to the high demand for data professionals and the specific set of skills required.

It may require offering competitive salaries, continuous learning opportunities, and a meaningful role where they can make a significant impact on the organization’s data strategy.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the complexities of what it truly means to be a Data Governance Specialist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about managing data.

It’s about orchestrating the digital future, one piece of data at a time.

With our comprehensive Data Governance Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take your next step.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next leap towards precisely-detailed job listings or honing your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every piece of data is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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