IT Governance Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern business environment, the role of IT Governance Specialists is becoming increasingly critical.

As technology continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can steer, refine, and safeguard our IT governance structure is growing.

But what does an IT Governance Specialist really do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the complexities of IT governance,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a tailor-made IT Governance Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

IT Governance Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

IT Governance Specialists are responsible for ensuring that IT investments align with business objectives.

They design, implement and manage the framework that provides accountability and visibility of IT operations.

The following are typical duties and responsibilities of an IT Governance Specialist:

• Develop and implement IT governance framework to ensure that IT initiatives align with business strategies and objectives
• Review and evaluate IT projects to ensure they are in line with the governance framework
• Conduct audits of IT systems to ensure adherence to established standards and procedures
• Develop, implement, and monitor IT policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
• Work closely with key stakeholders to define IT standards, procedures, and processes
• Manage IT risk and ensure that the organization has an effective disaster recovery and business continuity plan
• Communicate the IT governance framework and policies to all stakeholders and provide necessary training
• Track and report on IT governance performance metrics
• Stay updated with the latest trends in IT governance and make recommendations for improvements

 

IT Governance Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated IT Governance Specialist to implement and manage our IT governance frameworks.

This role includes identifying and managing IT risks, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and coordinating with different stakeholders.

The successful candidate should be well-versed in IT governance principles, risk management, and have an understanding of IT infrastructure.

You will play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of our IT systems and operations.

 

Responsibilities

• Implement and manage IT governance framework across the organization
• Identify and manage IT risks and ensure compliance with relevant regulations
• Develop and implement IT policies and procedures
• Conduct IT governance training for employees
• Monitor and report on adherence to IT governance framework
• Coordinate with different departments to ensure alignment with business objectives
• Conduct regular audits to ensure IT systems and processes are in compliance
• Stay up-to-date with latest IT governance trends and regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an IT Governance Specialist or similar role
• Deep understanding of IT governance principles and best practices
• Knowledge of IT infrastructure and risk management
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Experience with IT audits and compliance
• Proficiency in IT governance tools and software
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or related field. Certifications like COBIT, CISA, CRISC, or ITIL are a plus.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: IT Governance Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for audits or team meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the IT Governance Manager or IT Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $130,000 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 Specialist Do?

An IT Governance Specialist is a professional who primarily manages and oversees the IT strategy and policies within an organization.

Their main objective is to align the organization’s IT strategy with its overall goals and objectives, ensuring efficient and effective use of IT resources.

They are responsible for developing and implementing IT governance frameworks, standards, and policies to ensure a consistent and structured approach to IT within the organization.

This includes managing risks related to information technology and ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.

IT Governance Specialists often work closely with other IT professionals, as well as with upper management, to establish and monitor key performance indicators for the IT department.

They are also involved in strategic decision-making regarding IT investments and initiatives.

In addition to governance activities, an IT Governance Specialist may also be involved in IT project management, IT audit activities, and the implementation of new technologies.

They play a crucial role in ensuring the organization’s IT systems are secure, reliable, and able to support business operations and growth.

Furthermore, they may be responsible for educating other employees about IT governance and related policies, and may be involved in resolving any IT-related issues or conflicts within the organization.

 

IT Governance Specialist Qualifications and Skills

An IT Governance Specialist should possess a variety of technical and soft skills to efficiently manage the organization’s IT governance framework, including:

• Strong understanding of IT governance frameworks, as well as knowledge of risk management and compliance requirements.
• Analytical thinking and decision-making skills for evaluating the effectiveness of IT governance and making recommendations for improvement.
• Exceptional communication skills to clearly explain complex IT governance concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, as well as facilitate communication between different departments.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of IT professionals and senior management to develop and implement IT governance strategies.
• Proficiency in using various IT tools and software, and staying up-to-date on the latest technology trends and best practices in IT governance.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address any issues that may affect the organization’s IT governance and overall IT performance.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensure they are completed on time and within budget, and align with the organization’s IT governance framework.
• Professional certification in IT governance, such as Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), is often preferred.

 

IT Governance Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level IT Governance Specialists often possess a bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field and have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in IT governance, IT compliance, or risk management.

This experience may be acquired through internships, part-time roles, or entry-level jobs in IT departments.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience may have had roles in IT audit, IT security, or other IT governance-related positions.

They often have comprehensive knowledge and practical experience with IT governance frameworks such as COBIT, ITIL, or ISO 27001.

Professionals with more than 5 years of experience may have served as IT Governance Analysts or IT Compliance Officers, with a solid understanding of IT regulatory requirements, risk management, and business continuity.

They may also have certifications like Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), demonstrating a higher level of expertise in IT governance.

Those with extensive experience often possess strong leadership skills and may be ready for management or executive positions, such as IT Governance Manager or Director of IT Governance.

They are also expected to be proficient in strategic planning, policy development, and implementing IT governance strategies across the organization.

 

IT Governance Specialist Education and Training Requirements

IT Governance Specialists typically hold a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, business administration, or a related field.

This role often requires a thorough understanding of IT systems, regulations, and standards, hence having a background in IT management or cybersecurity can be beneficial.

In addition to a degree, several years of experience in IT governance, risk management, or compliance-related roles are usually required.

Advanced positions may require a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or information systems, focusing on IT governance or risk management.

Certifications such as Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are highly desirable and can enhance the employability of IT Governance Specialists.

Continuous learning is essential in this role due to the rapidly evolving nature of information technology.

Therefore, ongoing professional development, through seminars, workshops, or additional certifications, is often necessary.

Knowledge of various IT frameworks like COBIT, ISO 27001, or ITIL is often required, as the IT Governance Specialist needs to ensure that the organization’s IT strategy aligns with these standards.

Understanding of data protection and privacy laws, as well as experience with internal and external audits, are also important for this role.

 

IT Governance Specialist Salary Expectations

An IT Governance Specialist can expect an average salary of approximately $95,000 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation can fluctuate depending on various factors such as experience, qualifications, the size and sector of the employing company, and the cost of living in the geographical area.

 

IT Governance Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an IT Governance Specialist need?

IT Governance Specialists should possess a good understanding of IT standards and best practices, such as ITIL or COBIT.

They should have strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also required to liaise between different business units and IT.

Additionally, understanding of risk management, compliance and security standards is essential.

 

Do IT Governance Specialists need a degree?

Yes, IT Governance Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in a related field like computer science, information technology or business administration.

Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree.

Additionally, certifications like Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) could also be advantageous.

 

What should you look for in an IT Governance Specialist resume?

An IT Governance Specialist resume should demonstrate a strong background in IT governance, risk and control principles.

Look for experience in implementing IT governance frameworks and managing IT audits.

Also, certifications related to IT governance and risk management, as well as knowledge of current industry regulations and standards, are important considerations.

 

What qualities make a good IT Governance Specialist?

A good IT Governance Specialist is meticulous and has a strong attention to detail, as they are often responsible for ensuring compliance with complex regulations and standards.

They should be good problem solvers and able to make informed decisions based on risk assessment.

Excellent communication skills are also important, as they often need to explain complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

 

Is it difficult to hire an IT Governance Specialist?

Hiring an IT Governance Specialist can be challenging due to the specific skill set required for the role.

The candidate needs to have a blend of technical IT knowledge, understanding of regulatory compliance, and strong communication skills.

Additionally, due to the increasing importance of IT governance in organizations, there is a high demand for these professionals, which can make finding the right candidate more difficult.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved deep into the core of what it means to be an IT Governance Specialist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about managing information technology.

It’s about architecting the digital landscape, one IT policy at a time.

With our comprehensive IT Governance Specialist job description template and practical examples, you’re all set to level up.

But why halt the journey?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next leap towards meticulously crafted job postings or honing your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every IT policy, every strategy is part of the larger digital narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become an IT Governance Specialist (Complete Guide)

Work Without Walls: The Most Flexible Jobs in Today’s World

Glide Through Your Workday: Low-Stress Jobs You’ll Love

The Unusual Job Journey: Exploring Unique Career Paths

The Job Rush: In-Demand Careers That Are Taking Off