Lead, Data Governance

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario; Toronto; On-site; CAD 104,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time off

Pension plan

Health, dental, vision plans

Well-being credits

Parental leave top‑up

Professional development

Employee assistance program

Central office near subway

Job summary

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is hiring a Lead, Data Governance to advance the enterprise data governance program. You will establish policies, standards, and processes, and collaborate with stakeholders to mature data management and governance practices across the organization.

You will guide the development of the AGCO Enterprise Data Catalogue, enable data stewardship, ensure regulatory compliance, and support analytics and AI initiatives with strong governance controls.

Qualifications

• Six or more years of data governance and management experience.
• Degree or equivalent education in a relevant field.
• Ability to interpret legislation, guidelines and policies.
• Knowledge of data classification, retention and disposition.
• Experience building risk assessment tools and governance policies.
• Understanding of privacy, security, IT systems design and risk management.
• Familiarity with MPBSDP/IPC directives.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills and eligibility to work in Canada.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of data governance activities and initiatives.
• Develop, implement and maintain governance frameworks, policies and procedures.
• Establish governance bodies, forums and decision-making processes.
• Conduct data governance maturity assessments and identify improvements.
• Identify and mitigate data governance risks with stakeholders.
• Oversee AGCO Enterprise Data Catalogue development and use.
• Lead data stewardship practices including metadata management and glossaries.
• Integrate governance requirements into processes, projects and procurements.
• Provide expert advice balancing compliance and business needs.
• Advance data sharing controls and open data publication practices.
• Develop communications, training and guidance for governance adoption.

Skills

Data governance

Data management

Legislation interpretation

Risk assessment

Stakeholder collaboration

Privacy & security concepts

Education

University degree (Information Science / Public Administration / Data Management)

Job description

Division/Branch

Information and Information Technology Division / Enterprise Data and Analytics Branch

Position Title

Lead, Data Governance

Employment Type

Permanent, Full-Time

Existing Vacancy

Yes

Application Deadline

August 28, 2026

Pay Level

10

Pay Range

$103,518 to $129,393

Work Location

Head Office, Toronto, ON ; (In-Office)

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an agency where innovation thrives, ideas flourish, and passion drives us to new heights of excellence. Reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General, the AGCO is responsible for regulating Ontario’s vibrant alcohol, gaming, horse racing, and private retail cannabis sectors with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to the public interest.

The AGCO has an exciting opportunity for a Data Governance Lead within the Enterprise Data and Analytics branch. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Data Governance and Information Management, you will play a critical role in advancing the AGCO’s enterprise data governance program and establishing trusted, well-managed data as a strategic organizational asset. This role provides specialized program and technical expertise to ensure AGCO’s data assets are effectively governed, optimized for enterprise value, and compliant with applicable legislative and policy frameworks.

In this role, you will lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of data governance policies, standards, frameworks, and processes, driving their adoption across the organization. You will also provide senior-level guidance, collaborate extensively with internal and external stakeholders, and lead and support enterprise-wide initiatives to strengthen data management practices.

As a trusted advisor and subject matter expert, you will help mature AGCO’s data governance capabilities, support compliance with legislation and policy, and enable the effective, secure, and informed use of data across the organization.

What You Will Do

• Lead the planning and delivery of data governance (DG) activities, services, and initiatives which will mature the DG program, aligning with corporate and divisional strategic priorities.
• Develop, implement, and maintain data governance frameworks, policies, and procedures that support effective data management across the organization, including collaboration with domain leads on DG-related standards (e.g., sensitivity, privacy, data quality).
• Establish data governance bodies, forums, and decision-making frameworks, adapting these as needed to accommodate changes in organizational resources and direction.
• Conduct data governance maturity assessments and identify opportunities to strengthen organizational capabilities, processes, and controls.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate data governance risks related to data management practices, data sharing, data quality, system implementations, and emerging technologies in collaboration with Legal, Privacy, Cybersecurity, and other business and technical stakeholders.
• Lead the continued development and expansion of the AGCO Enterprise Data Catalogue as a foundational data governance capability, enabling enhanced discoverability, understanding, and stewardship of data across the organization while ensuring alignment with enterprise data management and modelling practices.
• Oversee the development and implementation of data stewardship practices, including metadata management, business glossaries, and accountability models.
• Integrate data governance requirements and considerations by design into processes, projects, procurements, digital products, and other initiatives.
• Provide expert advice and recommendations on complex data governance matters, balancing operational needs, compliance requirements, and strategic priorities.
• Drive the ongoing maturity of data sharing and open data publication practices through the development and enhancement of governance controls, standards, and processes that support the secure and compliant exchange of data with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver communications, training, and guidance that promotes awareness, adoption, and organizational maturity in data governance practices.
• Support the responsible use of data for analytics, reporting, and artificial intelligence initiatives by ensuring appropriate governance and controls are in place.

You Have

• Six (6) or more years of practical and progressive experience in data and information governance, data management, or related discipline.
• University degree in a relevant field (such as Information Science, Public Administration, or Data Management), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive knowledge of and demonstrated ability to interpret applicable legislation, guidelines, and policies, with experience providing advice, recommendations, and guidance on their application.
• Knowledge of policies, business rules, procedures, and guidelines relating to data management, including classification, retention, and disposition of information.
• Experience in developing maturity and risk assessment tools, methodologies, policies, and procedures to effectively manage and govern information and data.
• Good understanding of related disciplines such as privacy, security, IT systems design, policy development, business and data architecture, legal processes, risk management, and project management.
• Excellent knowledge of emerging data management standards and best practices, including de-identification of personal information and data quality assessment, with experience applying these concepts within systems and processes.
• Familiarity and experience with directives, policies, and guidelines released by the Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement (MPBSDP) and/or the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC).
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships, influence decision-making, and collaborate effectively across business and technical stakeholder groups.
• Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Eligibility to work in Canada and the ability to successfully complete a criminal background check.

Nice To Have

• Professional certification in applicable areas (Privacy, Information Governance, Recordkeeping, Data Management) is an asset.
• Experience supporting data governance for advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.

About The AGCO

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an Ontario provincial regulatory agency that reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General. We are responsible for regulating the alcohol, gaming, horse racing and cannabis retail sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.

The AGCO is proud to be recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for the second year in a row. This annual distinction reflects our commitment to cultivating a workplace environment that prioritizes employee well-being, emphasizing work-life balance, mental health resources, and opportunities for professional growth. We remain committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees.

What We Offer

• Generous time-off policy, including 2 volunteer days to contribute to causes that matter to you.
• Defined benefit pension plans to secure your financial future.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, with 100% employer-paid premiums.
• Well-being credits to support gym memberships, therapy, financial planning, and more.
• Employer-paid parental leave top-up.
• Professional development opportunities with access to training programs, leadership resources, and reimbursement for professional memberships.
• 24/7 confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Convenient, central location near the subway line for easy access when working in the office. Paid onsite parking is also available.

The AGCO is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer.

The AGCO has the responsibility to lead by example in advancing racial equity and to build a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful workplace where every employee has a voice and the opportunity to fully contribute. To this effect, you are encouraged to reflect upon the diversity you would bring to the role within your application including, but not limited to, individuals identifying with one or more of the under-represented groups identified within Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

Disability related accommodation during the recruitment process is available upon request. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation during the application process, or who need job postings in an alternative format, may email their request to [e-mail]. The subject line should read “Accommodation in Application – [Position Title].”

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by our Human Resources team and hiring managers.