Data Steward Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of big data, the emphasis on data stewards has become paramount.

As technology evolves and data proliferates, the demand for knowledgeable professionals who can organize, manage, and protect our vast data repositories surges.

But let’s unpack this: What is truly expected of a data steward?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager attempting to profile the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of data stewardship,

You’re in the correct location.

Today, we present a flexible data steward job description template, created for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Data Steward Duties and Responsibilities

Data Stewards play a pivotal role in managing company data.

They ensure that data across the organization is accurate, accessible, complete, and reliable for business operations, analytics, and decision-making processes.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Defining data elements and establishing policies and procedures for data collection
• Coordinating with different departments to identify and understand their data requirements
• Maintaining and ensuring the quality, integrity, and compliance of data across the organization
• Overseeing data migration, transformation, and validation processes
• Implementing data standards, rules, and quality requirements
• Providing support for data warehousing, mining, and distribution
• Resolving data issues and discrepancies and ensuring data consistency
• Developing and maintaining data catalogs, dictionaries, and taxonomies
• Conducting regular data audits to verify data accuracy and integrity
• Advising and training staff on data management and quality principles
• Implementing data privacy policies and ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR

 

Data Steward Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced Data Steward to oversee, coordinate, and drive data management activities within our organization.

The Data Steward will ensure that the data assets of the company are governed by a set of procedures and policies that include data integrity, data quality, data privacy, and data accessibility.

The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of data structures, data systems and tools, and the software development lifecycle.

A successful Data Steward combines a strong attention to detail with an understanding of the broader impact of data management on company operations.

 

Responsibilities

• Establish and ensure adherence to enterprise data governance frameworks, policies, and standards
• Maintain data quality by implementing tools and methodologies for quality data management
• Coordinate with different functional teams to ensure data accuracy and consistency
• Contribute to the definition, development and maintenance of data dictionary
• Participate in the design and implementation of data models
• Work with IT team to establish best practices for data systems
• Assess tests and validate data to ensure data integrity
• Manage and resolve data-related issues

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Data Steward or similar role
• Understanding of data management practices including data lifecycle management, data quality management, and data governance
• Knowledge of database structures and principles
• Experience with data analysis and statistical methods
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• BSc degree 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 Steward
• 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 Manager or Chief Data Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $95,000 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 Steward Do?

Data Stewards play a crucial role in the management and governance of company data.

They work across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and technology.

They are responsible for maintaining the quality, usage, privacy, and security of data following the company’s policies and regulatory compliance requirements.

This involves managing and improving data sources, ensuring data integrity, and implementing data handling procedures.

Data Stewards also collaborate with data scientists, data analysts, and other data professionals to understand their data requirements and ensure the data infrastructure meets these needs.

A significant part of their role involves defining data elements and establishing clear guidelines for data usage to ensure consistency across all business units.

They also identify and rectify data discrepancies and data quality issues, leading to improved accuracy and reliability of data.

Moreover, they play a key role in managing data related risks and ensuring data privacy by implementing best practices and regulations like GDPR.

They may also be involved in the development of data models and database design, and the creation and maintenance of data dictionaries.

In summary, the Data Steward acts as a custodian for an organization’s data, ensuring that it is accessible, reliable, and used correctly and securely.

 

Data Steward Qualifications and Skills

Data Stewards leverage a variety of technical skills, soft skills, and industry knowledge to ensure the organization’s data is accurate, accessible, and secure, including:

• Technical knowledge and proficiency in data management practices, including data governance, data quality, and data standards.
• Analytical skills to evaluate data and extract insights, as well as to identify inconsistencies and errors in data sets.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure data accuracy and consistency across multiple systems and databases.
• Communication skills to liaise with various stakeholders, translating complex data-related issues into simple, understandable terms.
• Problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and resolve data-related problems, and to develop effective strategies for data management.
• Understanding of data privacy regulations and standards to ensure compliance with legal and ethical requirements.
• Project management abilities to lead data initiatives, including setting objectives, establishing timelines, coordinating team members, and overseeing project execution.
• Proficiency with data management tools and software, such as SQL, Excel, and other data analytics tools.

 

Data Steward Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates are typically expected to have 1 to 2 years of experience in data management, data analysis, or a similar field, often gained through internships or part-time roles.

These professionals can also gain valuable experience in roles such as Data Analyst, Research Assistant, or other IT-related roles where data management is a key component.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level Data Steward or Data Analyst roles.

They should possess experience in data governance frameworks, data quality standards, and data modeling techniques.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background and might be ready for a managerial or team-lead position.

They are usually experienced in creating data stewardship policies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and have a deep understanding of relevant data privacy laws and regulations.

Moreover, these professionals often have experience with data management tools and software, such as SQL, Excel, or data visualization tools like Tableau.

A background in a relevant field like computer science, statistics, or information management can also be beneficial.

 

Data Steward Education and Training Requirements

Data Stewards typically possess a bachelor’s degree in data management, data science, information systems, or a related field.

A strong foundation in database management systems and proficiency in SQL or other database query languages is often required.

A deep understanding of data governance principles, data quality management and data architecture is critical for this role.

Moreover, knowledge of data protection and privacy laws is essential.

For more specialized roles, employers may prefer Data Stewards with a master’s degree in data or business analytics, or a similar discipline.

In addition, certifications such as Certified Data Steward (CDS) or Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) can be beneficial and may increase job prospects.

Continual professional development is important for Data Stewards, as they need to stay current with evolving technologies, data management practices and regulations.

Experience working with data in a business environment and strong problem-solving skills are also often required.

 

Data Steward Salary Expectations

A Data Steward can expect to earn an average salary of $81,294 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can fluctuate based on the individual’s level of experience, expertise in data management, the industry in which they work, and the geographical location of their employment.

 

Data Steward Job Description FAQs

What skills does a data steward need?

Data stewards need to possess a strong understanding of data structures, database systems, and data analysis tools.

They should have excellent attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of data, and good communication skills to collaborate with various teams and stakeholders.

Proficiency in data-related programming languages like SQL or Python is also beneficial.

 

Do data stewards need a degree?

Most data stewards hold a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field.

Some roles might require a master’s degree or relevant experience in data management.

However, proven expertise in handling data, irrespective of educational background, can also be considered.

 

What should you look for in a data steward resume?

A data steward’s resume should reflect strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of data management principles.

Look for experience in data quality assurance, data governance, and data protection.

Familiarity with relevant tools and programming languages, like SQL, Python, or R, is also important.

Certifications in data management can be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good data steward?

A good data steward is meticulous and detail-oriented, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of data.

They should be analytical thinkers, capable of interpreting complex data and turning it into useful information.

They should also be good communicators, able to liaise between technical and non-technical teams.

An understanding of data privacy laws and regulations is also crucial.

 

What are the daily duties of a data steward?

A data steward usually oversees the acquisition, validation, and maintenance of data.

They ensure data quality by implementing checks and balances and work to fix any inconsistencies.

They collaborate with various teams to define and implement data standards and policies.

They may also play a role in data security, ensuring data is protected and used in compliance with privacy laws and regulations.

 

Is it difficult to hire data stewards?

Hiring data stewards can be challenging due to the technical nature of the role.

It’s crucial to find candidates with the right blend of data management skills, understanding of data governance principles, and communication abilities.

Being a relatively new field, the pool of experienced candidates can be limited, making recruitment competitive.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a data steward.

And guess what?

It’s not only about handling data.

It’s about shaping the data-driven future, one dataset at a time.

With our go-to data steward job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why halt your momentum now?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your leap forward to meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every piece of data is a part of a larger narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Data Steward (Complete Guide)

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