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

In today’s data-driven era, the role of IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Managers has become more pivotal than ever.

As our reliance on technology deepens, the call for experienced professionals who can effectively oversee, manage risks, and ensure compliance within our IT infrastructures grows louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of IT governance, risk, and compliance management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager Duties and Responsibilities

IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Managers are involved in planning, implementing and managing the governance and risk management frameworks for IT departments within organizations.

They are responsible for ensuring that the IT systems align with business objectives, and adhere to regulatory and legal requirements.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing, implementing, and overseeing the strategic IT governance program within the organization
• Identifying and managing IT risks, developing risk management strategies, and implementing action plans to mitigate risks
• Ensuring IT systems and processes are compliant with relevant laws, regulations, and standards
• Monitoring changes in legislation and accreditation standards that affect IT and making necessary changes
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures for IT governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC)
• Training and educating staff about risk management and compliance requirements
• Conducting regular audits and reviews to ensure compliance and identify areas of improvement
• Creating and presenting reports on IT governance, risk, and compliance to senior management and stakeholders
• Working closely with other departments, such as legal and finance, to ensure organization-wide compliance
• Addressing any data privacy breaches and compliance violations and implementing corrective actions

 

IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a diligent IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager to oversee our company’s IT compliance programs.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager will identify and assess potential risks, develop risk management strategies, and ensure that the company’s IT systems and processes comply with regulations and standards.

Candidates should possess excellent analytical skills and a deep understanding of IT systems and procedures.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IT governance, risk and compliance programs
• Perform regular risk assessments and audits of IT systems
• Develop risk management strategies and processes
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards
• Communicate and report on compliance issues to management
• Monitor and update policies and procedures in line with changing regulations
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors
• Provide training and guidance on compliance matters to IT staff
• Stay current on industry trends and changes in IT compliance laws and regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience in IT governance, risk and compliance management
• Knowledge of IT systems, operations, and processes
• Familiarity with relevant regulations and standards, including ISO 27001, GDPR, and SOX
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• BSc degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field
• Relevant certification such as CISM, CRISC, CGEIT, or similar is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental 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 client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Information Officer or IT Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $97,000 minimum to $162,000 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 Manager, often referred to as a GRC Manager, generally works for corporations across various industries, typically within the IT or Risk Management departments.

Their primary role is to oversee and ensure the organization’s information technology systems are in line with set policies and regulations, and that they meet the standards of corporate governance.

They are responsible for identifying IT risks such as security breaches or data loss, and implementing measures to manage or mitigate these risks.

This often involves designing and executing plans for IT controls, audits, and compliance tests.

The GRC Manager also coordinates with various teams to incorporate risk management strategies in the development and implementation of IT projects.

They often have to communicate complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders and collaborate with them to balance business goals with IT risk considerations.

Moreover, they stay up-to-date with the latest industry standards, legal regulations, and best practices in IT governance to ensure the organization’s IT systems are compliant and resilient.

The IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager plays a crucial role in enhancing the organization’s information security, reducing IT-related risks, and ensuring business continuity.

 

IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager Qualifications and Skills

A proficient IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Strong understanding of IT governance, risk and compliance methodologies and processes to ensure the organization’s IT systems are compliant with regulations and meet the organization’s standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to identify, assess, and manage risks related to IT systems and operations, and develop effective risk mitigation strategies.
• Superior communication skills to effectively liaise with various stakeholders, convey complex information in an understandable manner, and drive compliance awareness and understanding across the organization.
• Experience in conducting IT audits to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and internal policies, and to identify areas of improvement.
• Understanding of IT operations, systems, and infrastructure to ensure they align with the organization’s governance framework and risk appetite.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in using various IT GRC tools and technologies for risk assessment, compliance management, and reporting.
• Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and standards such as GDPR, ISO 27001, and COBIT.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) are highly desirable.

 

IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager typically require a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a related field.

This could include roles such as IT Auditor, IT Risk Analyst, IT Compliance Specialist, or IT Governance Specialist.

Experience in implementing and managing IT governance, risk, and compliance programs is crucial for this position.

Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of IT controls, risk management, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Candidates with more than 7 years of experience might have held leadership roles in IT governance, risk, and compliance, and thus, have a strong background in setting strategic direction and managing teams.

These individuals often possess advanced skills in risk management, governance, and compliance frameworks.

Additionally, prior experience with IT audits, risk assessments, and implementation of compliance standards like ISO 27001, SOX, or GDPR is often required.

Those with a strong technical background, especially in information security, also have an advantage as they can better understand the complexities of IT systems and processes to manage risk and compliance effectively.

Finally, experience with common IT GRC tools, such as RSA Archer or ServiceNow, is often a preferred requirement.

 

IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager Education and Training Requirements

To become an IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager, one typically requires a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.

They should also have a strong background in IT governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance, with experience in implementing IT governance frameworks such as COBIT, ITIL, or ISO 27001.

A deep understanding of information security principles, data privacy laws, and IT audit procedures is also vital for this role.

For advanced positions, a master’s degree in IT management or a related field may be preferred.

Professional certifications like Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can further enhance a candidate’s credentials.

Additionally, a minimum of five to ten years of experience in IT governance, risk management, and/or compliance is typically required, with a portion of this experience in a leadership or managerial role.

Continuing education is important in this role to stay updated with the latest changes in IT regulations, risk management strategies, and compliance requirements.

Ongoing learning can also signal a candidate’s commitment to their career and their potential for leadership.

 

IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager Salary Expectations

An IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $119,550 (USD) per year.

However, the actual compensation can vary widely, depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the size and industry of the employing company, and the cost of living in the geographical location.

 

IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does an IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager need?

An IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager should have strong knowledge of IT governance frameworks and industry standards like ISO 27001, COBIT, and ITIL.

They should possess a good understanding of risk management practices and compliance regulations applicable to their industry.

Strong analytical skills, leadership abilities, excellent communication, and interpersonal skills are also essential for this role.

 

What qualifications should an IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager have?

A bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field is typically required.

A master’s degree or other advanced degree is often preferred.

Relevant certifications such as Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are highly desirable.

 

What are the typical responsibilities of an IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager?

The IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager is responsible for designing and implementing IT governance frameworks and ensuring adherence to these frameworks.

They manage IT risks by identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential threats.

They also ensure the organization’s IT operations comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

Other responsibilities include conducting audits, preparing reports, and guiding the IT team on compliance matters.

 

What qualities make a good IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager?

A good IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager should have strong leadership skills, be detail-oriented, and have the ability to think strategically.

They should have excellent problem-solving skills and be able to make decisions under pressure.

Good interpersonal and communication skills are also crucial, as they need to explain complex concepts to various stakeholders.

 

Is it challenging to find qualified IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Managers?

Finding qualified candidates for an IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager role can be challenging due to the specialized knowledge and skills required for the job.

Candidates should have a solid understanding of IT governance, risk management, and compliance regulations, as well as a strong background in IT.

Organizations may need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain top talent in this field.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dissected the complexities of being an IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about managing IT systems.

It’s about shaping a secure, compliant, and efficient technological environment, one policy at a time.

With our comprehensive IT Governance, Risk, and Compliance Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re on the right track.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next tool for creating spot-on job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Keep in mind:

Every policy and process are fragments of a larger, efficient system.

Let’s construct that future. Together.

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