Data Governance Specialist

The Opportunity
The Data Governance Specialist is a critical member of the Data Governance Office, responsible for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive data governance framework at SAIT. This role focuses on defining and implementing data-related policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure institutional data security, privacy, and quality. The incumbent will manage data stewardship and ownership, stakeholder engagement, promote data literacy, and conduct thorough data impact analyses to assess the risks and benefits of data-related projects.
The position collaborates closely with data stewards, data trustees, technical teams, and business stakeholders to ensure alignment with governance best practices and compliance with data regulations. Reporting to the Manager of the Data Governance Office, the specialist works under the direct supervision of the Data Management Technical Lead. This role also collaborates closely with various IT teams, project managers, and subject matter experts to align data initiatives with organizational objectives while staying abreast of industry trends, fostering innovation, and adhering to data standards.

The Role

• Develop and maintain data governance frameworks. Define and implement data governance policies, procedures, and standards. Ensure adherence to data privacy and security regulations.
• Contribute to the Data Governance Program activities. Coordinate and facilitate DG Working Sessions and support the DG Operating Committee meetings. 
• Promote Data literacy and awareness. Develop and deliver training sessions on data governance principles and data management tools to enhance data literacy across the organization.
• Document and maintain governance artifacts. Create and update data governance documentation, including policies, data dictionaries, guidelines, procedures, user guides, and process flows.
• Support operations of the institutional Data Catalog and Business Glossary. Align data definitions and standards across SAIT.
• Work with the Data Management Technical Lead to align governance efforts with Data Quality, Master Data Management (MDM), and Reference Data Management (RDM) initiatives.
• Manage data stewardship and data ownership initiatives. Work with data stewards to establish accountability for data assets and promote data quality best practices.
• Oversee data classification. Ensure appropriate classification and handling of sensitive data, in collaboration with the Security team. 
• Define business rules and data standards. Work with data stewards and trustees and document the business rules and data standards per data domains.
• Conduct data impact analyses. Evaluate the risks and benefits of data-related initiatives and provide recommendations to stakeholders.
• Facilitate and coordinate the collaboration and communication between data trustees, data stewards, business stakeholders, and IT teams to improve data efficiency, governance, and value.

Qualifications

• Minimum Required   
• Post-secondary degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, or a related field
• 5+ years of progressive experience in data management, data governance, or a related field, with direct experience implementing and managing data management platforms (e.g., Ataccama One, Collibra, Informatica).
• Data governance or management certification or demonstrated training
• Demonstrated knowledge of data privacy regulations such as GDPR or PIPEDA.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing data governance frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating data stewardship and establishing data ownership.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing data classification and security controls.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering data literacy training and workshops.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing data policies, standards, and best practices.
• Demonstrated experience in documenting data governance artifacts.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating and coordinating data governance activities, including working sessions and committee meetings. 
• Demonstrated experience supporting and working with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated experience in good communication and public speaking skills in data-related events, workshops and meetings.


• Preferred
• 5+ years of experience in data governance roles within large, complex organizations, preferably in higher education
• Significant hands-on experience with Ataccama One or similar management platforms.
• Prior experience in coordinating Data Governance Committees or similar governance structures.
• Experience leading enterprise-wide Data Governance Programs, including data standards, stakeholder engagement, and operational oversight.


• Skills Required
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in data governance and quality tools.
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical capabilities

Job Classification: P2041 - Systems Analyst IISalary Range: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00Paid Leave: 4 Weeks Vacation / 14 Flex Days per yearPosting End Date: December 13th, 2024
View a summary of our benefits and perks for salaried employees as one of Alberta's Top Employers, including health & dental care, pension plan, vacation & special leave and flexible work options at our beautiful inner-city campus.
A flexible Hybrid work model can be offered for this role in accordance with SAIT guidelines.