Data Governance Lead

Alberta Innovates; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health & pension benefits

Professional development

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Alberta Innovates is seeking a Data Governance Lead to advance governance, data quality, and metadata management across the organization. Hybrid work arrangement in Edmonton with strong collaboration across IT, analytics, and business units.

You will define policies, oversee metadata standards, lead data quality program management, and guide AI/ML governance initiatives to improve data trust and decision making.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Information Management or related discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 7 years of progressively responsible experience in data governance, data management, data quality, metadata management, or related data programs.
• Experience leading multi-stakeholder data initiatives or programs in complex, multi-system or public sector environments.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain governance policies, standards, classification rules, and stewardship models that support consistency, privacy, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee metadata standards, data definitions, and enterprise glossaries across systems and business units.
• Champion governance practices across the organization through communication, training, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure governance alignment with enterprise architecture, information management, cyber/privacy requirements, and AI/ML governance needs.

Skills

Effective communication

Influence without authority

Analytical thinking

Education

Diploma in Information Management or related

Job description

Location: Edmonton, Edmonton Research Park

Work Model: Hybrid

About The Opportunity

The Data Governance Lead is an opportunity to be part of a professional, purpose-driven team that values collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. Most importantly, your work will contribute to meaningful outcomes that make a difference for Albertans and help shape the future of our province.

Key responsibilities in the role of Data Governance Lead include:

• Define and maintain governance policies, standards, classification rules, and stewardship models that support consistency, privacy, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee metadata standards, data definitions, and enterprise glossaries across systems and business units.
• Champion governance practices across the organization through communication, training, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure governance alignment with enterprise architecture, information management, cyber/privacy requirements, and AI/ML governance needs.

Data Quality Program Management

• Lead and develop the organization’s data quality program, establishing rules, metrics, and controls for critical datasets.
• Oversee data profiling, quality assessments, and root cause analysis to identify systemic data issues.
• Collaborate with technical teams and data owners to develop remediation plans that improve accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness.
• Develop and maintain data quality dashboards and reporting mechanisms to support transparency and decision making.
• Ensure data quality practices are embedded into ingestion, transformation, and consumption workflows.
• Oversee the enterprise metadata repository, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and alignment with business needs.
• Guide integration of metadata from platforms such as Open Meta Data, Microsoft Purview and Microsoft Fabric.
• Ensure automated lineage practices are implemented for key systems and data products.
• Promote enterprise-wide use of metadata, cataloging, and lineage to support analytics, AI, and operational reporting.
• Monitor evolving best practices in data governance, data quality, AI governance, and information management.
• Identify opportunities to automate governance processes and support scalability.
• Recommend improvements to platforms, processes, and policies to enhance organizational trust in data.
• Support evaluation and acquisition of governance technologies aligned with strategic direction.

What You Need to Thrive in This Role

• Diploma in Information Management, Computer Science, Data Management, Information Systems, or a related discipline. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• 7 years of progressively responsible experience in data governance, data management, data quality, metadata management, or related data programs, including experience supporting analytics or AI/ML environments.
• Experience leading multi stakeholder data initiatives or programs in complex, multi system, or public sector/quasi government environments.
• Certifications in data governance, data management, or data quality (e.g., DAMA CDMP, DGSP, DCAM) considered an asset.
• Certifications in cloud or data technologies (e.g., Microsoft Purview, Azure Data Fundamentals, Microsoft Fabric) considered asset.
• Certifications related to AI/ML, model governance, or ethical AI (e.g., Azure AI Engineer Associate) considered an asset.
• Ability to analyze complex data issues, interpret patterns, and recommend practical governance solutions.
• Strong ability to influence without authority across IT, analytics, and business units.
• Effective communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non technical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, oversee enterprise programs, and deliver results in evolving data environments.

Who We Are

Alberta Innovates is the province’s most comprehensive research and innovation agency. From funding to commercialization, we are Alberta’s innovation engine. We foster and accelerate research and innovation to support entrepreneurs and drive economic growth for the benefit of Albertans.

What We Offer

At Alberta Innovates we believe our people are our greatest asset. That's why we offer a comprehensive total rewards package that supports your career growth, wellbeing, and work-life balance.

• Competitive compensation aligned with our internal career framework and pay structures
• Comprehensive health, dental, and pension benefits to support you and your family
• Professional development and learning opportunities to help you grow and advance your career
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and every contribution matters
• Flexible work arrangements, where operationally appropriate, along with vacation and earned time off to rest, recharge and help you bring your best self to work.

The minimum starting salary for this position is $88,600 annually. Placement within the salary range will be based on the successful candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, and internal equity.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a security clearance and provide credible references.

Employment Equity

Alberta Innovates is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Additional Information

This recruitment process does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select candidates. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.

If you are selected for an interview, please note that recording the interview or using AI tools or assistance during the interview is not permitted.