IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of digital technology, the role of IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Managers is more significant than ever.
As technology continues to evolve, the demand for proficient individuals who can streamline, secure, and manage our IT framework is rapidly increasing.
But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from an IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager?
Regardless if you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager aiming to define the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the intricate aspects of IT governance, risk, and compliance,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive in.
IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager Duties and Responsibilities
IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Managers are responsible for overseeing and coordinating the information technology policies, standards, and procedures within an organization.
They also ensure that IT systems and practices are compliant with relevant laws and regulations.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing IT governance frameworks within the organization
- Assessing and managing IT risks, including cyber security threats
- Ensuring IT compliance with laws and regulations
- Overseeing IT policies and procedures and ensuring they align with business objectives
- Coordinating with other departments to ensure compliance and risk management strategies are integrated across the organization
- Auditing systems and practices to ensure they meet internal and external standards
- Providing guidance and advice on IT governance, risk and compliance to senior management and other staff
- Training staff in IT governance, risk and compliance procedures and practices
- Keeping up-to-date with developments in IT governance, risk management and compliance, including legislation changes and new security threats
IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager to join our team.
The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing and managing the organization’s strategies for IT governance, risk management and compliance with applicable laws, regulations and best practices.
The IT GRC Manager will be in charge of evaluating and improving the efficiency of IT systems while ensuring they are compliant with all relevant regulations and standards.
They will manage risks related to information security, privacy, and business continuity.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement IT governance, risk, and compliance strategies and processes
- Conduct IT risk assessments and implement mitigation plans
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations and standards including GDPR, ISO 27001, and SOX
- Create and manage a framework for IT controls, policies and procedures
- Lead and coordinate IT audits
- Develop and deliver training on IT risk and compliance matters
- Liaise with stakeholders to ensure IT systems are compliant and risks are managed
- Stay updated with the latest IT trends, risks, and security standards
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as an IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager or similar role
- Knowledge of IT governance, risk and compliance standards and regulations
- Experience conducting IT risk assessments and audits
- Excellent understanding of IT systems, infrastructure and security
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- BSc degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field
- Certifications such as CISA, CISM, CGEIT, or CRISC are highly desirable
Benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Life and disability insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager
- Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or audits.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of IT or Chief Information Officer.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $105,000 minimum to $165,000 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 an IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager Do?
An IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Manager works mainly in corporate sectors where they oversee the information technology systems, processes, and policies of an organization.
They are responsible for ensuring that the IT operations align with business objectives and comply with necessary legal and regulatory requirements.
The GRC Manager is involved in establishing and managing the enterprise architecture to ensure it supports the most efficient and secure IT environment.
They are responsible for identifying and assessing potential risks and implementing suitable risk management strategies.
Their job involves developing and implementing IT governance frameworks and policies to improve the efficiency of IT operations and to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
They often conduct audits to monitor adherence to these frameworks and policies and to ensure data security and privacy.
GRC Managers also play a crucial role in disaster recovery planning.
They are responsible for creating and managing plans to ensure business continuity in the case of unforeseen incidents or disruptions.
The IT GRC Manager often collaborates with other departments such as finance, human resources, and legal, to ensure their policies and procedures align with the IT governance framework.
They also communicate and report to top executives and stakeholders about the status of IT governance, risks, and compliance activities.
IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager Qualifications and Skills
An IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job role, such as:
- Understanding of IT governance and frameworks like COBIT, ITIL and ISO 27001 to implement and maintain best practices in the organization.
- Strong knowledge of IT risk assessment methodologies and frameworks to evaluate risks and ensure that controls are effective.
- Experience in IT compliance, understanding legal and regulatory requirements that affect IT operations.
- Excellent analytical skills to identify and assess potential risks, and develop strategies to mitigate them.
- Outstanding communication skills to explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and to liaise with various departments within the organization.
- Strong leadership skills to supervise the IT governance, risk and compliance team, and ensure that they work together effectively.
- Project management skills to oversee the implementation of governance, risk and compliance initiatives.
- Ability to stay up-to-date with the latest IT trends, threats and security standards.
IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager Experience Requirements
The IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager role generally requires candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, along with 5 to 7 years of experience in IT Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance.
Entry-level roles in this field typically require 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through an internship or a similar role in IT compliance, IT audit, risk management, or information security.
In these roles, professionals gain practical experience in understanding and managing IT risks, assessing IT controls, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have more refined skills in IT governance, risk management, and compliance, often obtained through roles such as IT Risk Analyst, Compliance Officer, or IT Auditor.
They are expected to have a strong understanding of applicable regulations, standards, and frameworks, such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, or COBIT.
Those with more than 5 years of experience are typically considered for managerial roles.
They should have solid leadership experience and the ability to manage a team of IT governance, risk, and compliance professionals.
Furthermore, they should have a track record of developing and implementing IT governance, risk, and compliance strategies aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives.
Professional certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can further enhance a candidate’s qualifications.
IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager Education and Training Requirements
IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Managers typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field.
This foundational education should be complemented with a thorough understanding of IT systems, principles, and applications.
Strong knowledge of IT governance, risk management, and compliance regulations is essential for this role.
This includes understanding how to implement and enforce IT policies, identifying potential risks, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards such as GDPR, ISO 27001, and others.
Some positions may require a master’s degree in IT management, cybersecurity or another related discipline.
Such higher qualifications can indicate a candidate’s advanced knowledge of IT governance, risk and compliance principles, and their ability to manage complex IT systems and teams.
Additionally, professional certifications can strengthen a candidate’s profile.
Certifications like Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can be beneficial.
Besides formal education and certifications, candidates should have several years of experience in IT governance or a related area, ideally in a managerial role.
This experience is crucial in understanding the practical application of theoretical knowledge and leading teams to manage IT risks and ensure compliance.
Continuing education and staying updated with the latest in IT governance, risk management, and compliance is also important due to the rapidly changing technology landscape.
IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager Salary Expectations
An IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager earns an average salary of $124,500 (USD) per year.
The actual salary can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, industry, the size of the company, and geographical location.
IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does an IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager need?
Typically, an IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager must have a bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, business administration, or a related field.
Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or relevant certifications such as Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
What skills does an IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager need?
An IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager should have excellent knowledge of IT systems and infrastructure, and a good understanding of IT laws and regulations.
They should also have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and have excellent communication skills to effectively interact with various stakeholders.
What are the daily responsibilities of an IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager?
On a typical day, an IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager may review and update policies and procedures to ensure they meet the latest regulations and standards.
They might also conduct risk assessments, oversee internal audits, and liaise with other departments to understand their compliance needs.
They also play a key role in developing strategies and plans to mitigate risk.
What qualities make a good IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager?
A good IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager has a deep understanding of IT systems and compliance requirements.
They are analytical and detail-oriented, allowing them to identify and manage potential risks effectively.
They also possess strong leadership skills, have the ability to communicate complex information clearly, and have a proactive approach to problem-solving.
What should you look for in an IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager’s resume?
Look for a strong educational background in a relevant field such as IT or business administration, along with any relevant certifications.
Check for experience in IT governance, risk management, and compliance, especially in your industry.
Other important aspects to look for include project management experience, knowledge of IT laws and regulations, and experience in developing and implementing policies and procedures.
Conclusion
So, we’ve just lifted the lid on the world of an IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager.
Surprised?
It’s not just about managing technology.
It’s about steering the digital journey with careful risk management and compliance adherence.
Equipped with our detailed IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to step up.
But why not go further?
Expand your knowledge with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating pinpoint-accurate listings or refining your resume to ultimate precision.
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Let’s navigate this digital voyage. Together.
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