Director, Data Governance

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do.

Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer.

This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers.

The Director of Data Governance will occupy a critical, highly visible position within our firm, tasked with designing and implementing a robust enterprise framework to uphold the integrity, quality, and confidentiality of our data assets. This role involves strategic collaboration with multiple departments across the firm to develop, implement, and uphold data governance standards, policies, and protocols. Key responsibilities entail diagnosing data quality discrepancies, formulating and applying comprehensive data governance frameworks, and leading projects aimed at enhancing our data stewardship practices.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of data governance methodologies, exceptional analytical capabilities, and a robust ability to engage and communicate with stakeholders throughout the organization. This position is pivotal in ensuring that our data assets are accurately managed and leveraged to support the firm’s strategic objectives, requiring a candidate who is not only technically proficient but also adept at navigating the complexities of a large, multifaceted corporate environment.

What You Will Do:

• Develop and enforce detailed data governance frameworks and policies that ensure the integrity, privacy, and legal compliance of data assets.

• Collaborate with IT, legal, compliance, and business stakeholders to define and standardize data quality and security practices across the firm.

• Identify, assess, and correct data quality issues using advanced analytical methods to uphold superior standards of data accuracy and reliability.

• Spearhead initiatives that integrate data governance procedures into business and operational processes to improve data utilization and decision-making.

• Conduct training and provide consultation to stakeholders on data governance strategies, enhancing organizational understanding and management of data.

• Design, implement, and maintain data governance frameworks, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with organizational standards.

• Monitor and assess data quality issues, establish data quality metrics, and develop strategies to improve data accuracy, completeness, and consistency.

• Classify data assets based on sensitivity and criticality, establish metadata standards, and implement metadata management processes to enhance data discoverability and usability.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT, and business departments, to define data governance requirements, build and support existing data governance policies, resolve data-related issues, and promote a culture of data stewardship.

• Implement data access controls, encryption mechanisms, and data anonymization techniques to protect sensitive information.

• Evaluate, recommend, and implement data governance tools and technologies to support data governance initiatives, such as data cataloging, master data management, data lineage, and data quality monitoring (e.g., Microsoft Purview)

• Generate and distribute regular reports on data governance activities, including data quality assessments, compliance audits, and remediation efforts, to senior management and stakeholders.

• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and optimization of data governance workflows to enhance efficiency and effectiveness

Who You Are:

• BS in Computer Science or related field is preferred

• Advanced degree or professional certifications are a plus

• Minimum of 12 years of direct experience in data governance and/or data management with a deep understanding of principles, best practices, and tooling, preferably with some exposure to legal or professional services 

• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies

• Familiarity with data modeling techniques and data architecture principles preferred

• Experience managing complex projects with multiple work streams and stakeholders

• Takes ownership of responsibilities and can independently drive a work stream, proactively leads by example

• Works fluidly within own team as a contributor, trains others, and must be effective in coaching talent

• Take complex issues/problems, organize, structure and formulate solution

• Adaptive problem-solving approach without getting caught up in low value details

• Ability to influence and build trust-based relationships with peers and senior stakeholders

• Can deliver and adapt simultaneously in a dynamic environment

• Up to 15% travel or ~3 business days per month

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Benefits and More

At Goodwin, you will discover your next career opportunity with a rewarding compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including:

• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid work schedule

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Life and disability insurance

• Retirement & Savings Plan

• Emergency back-up child and adult care

• Paid vacation, sick time off, and holidays

• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

• Employee recognition and reward programs

• Employee wellness and assistance programs

• Employee discounts and perks

​Consistent with the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration.

Consistent with the SF Fair Chance Ordinance, an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration.

Goodwin Procter LLP is an equal opportunity employer. This means that Goodwin Procter LLP considers applicants for employment, and makes employment decisions without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Please note: Various agencies of the United States government require employers to collect information on applicants and employees. The National Association of Law Placement (NALP) and certain clients request us to keep track of certain aggregate information regarding lawyers. EEO information requested on this application is for purposes of compliance with these recordkeeping and reporting requirements and to determine recruiting and employment patterns. Submission of this information is voluntary and refusal to provide it will not subject you to any adverse treatment.

This position is eligible for overtime: No

Target Salary Range: $200,000.00 - $275