Data Governance Director

EMC Insurance Companies; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life, medical, dental, vision and Rx

PTO and volunteer time

401(k) with company match

Pension plan

OneEMC bonus plan

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness programs

Flexible dress code & alternative work

Job summary

EMC is seeking a senior Data Governance leader to define and drive the enterprise governance strategy, roadmap, and operating model. You will partner with business, technology, analytics, risk, and product leaders to embed governance into enterprise initiatives and improve data value and accountability.

The role requires substantial experience in data governance, strategic planning, and change leadership, with preference for insurance industry background and Agile delivery collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in data governance, information management, analytics, data management, or related disciplines.
• Five or more years of leadership experience managing teams, programs, or cross-functional initiatives.
• Property and casualty insurance industry experience is preferred.
• Experience working in Agile product delivery environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Defines the enterprise Data Governance strategy, roadmap, and operating model.
• Directs execution of the Data Governance strategy through portfolio planning and resource alignment.
• Oversees governance programs, initiatives, and third-party service providers to ensure delivery.
• Establishes measures for outcome, adoption, quality, and capability maturity; monitors risks and performance.
• Bridges business and technology priorities and aligns senior leaders around governance objectives.
• Leads development and continuous improvement of data governance policies, standards, and frameworks.

Skills

Data governance

Strategy development

Stakeholder management

Risk & compliance

Change management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, information management, computer science, analytics, finance, or related field

Ten years of data governance/related experience

Five+ years of leadership experience

Job description

At EMC, we’re all about working together to make an impact. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to grow, contribute, and gain experience that matters. We strive to be caring leaders, close partners, and responsive experts—always supporting each other to do our best work. Join us, and let’s improve lives together. This position is eligible to work from home anywhere in the United States with preference given to those living in the Des Moines, Iowa metro area. This role would also need to work hours based on Central Time Zone This role leads EMC’s enterprise Data Governance program and is accountable for the strategy, operating model, capabilities, technical direction, and organizational adoption required to improve the value, quality, protection, accessibility, and responsible use of enterprise data. Partners with senior business, technology, analytics, risk, compliance, and Digital Product Management leaders to integrate governance into enterprise priorities, strengthen data ownership and accountability, and deliver measurable business and risk-management outcomes. Essential Functions: Defines the enterprise Data Governance strategy, roadmap, and operating model in alignment with business and technology strategies, ensuring governance supports EMC’s business model, enterprise priorities, and evolving data needs. Establishes strategic direction and capability expectations for data stewardship, business metadata management, data quality management, master and reference data management, governance operations, and governance technology platforms. Aligns investment and capability priorities based on business objectives, regulatory and risk-management needs, and enterprise data and technology strategies. Directs execution of the Data Governance strategy through portfolio planning, prioritization, resource alignment, and management of internal and external delivery resources. Oversees governance programs, initiatives, consulting partners, contractors, and third-party service providers to ensure delivery aligns with approved objectives, commitments, and enterprise priorities. Establishes outcome, adoption, quality, and capability-maturity measures; monitors performance; manages enterprise-level risks, issues, and dependencies; and initiates corrective action when delivery does not meet established expectations. Bridges business and technology priorities by building consensus across competing interests and aligning senior leaders around governance objectives, operating model changes, and accountability expectations. Partners with business, technology, and product management leaders to clarify decision rights, establish shared ownership, and integrate governance requirements into enterprise initiatives. Exercises decision authority for Data Governance-led initiatives and facilitates resolution or escalation of material conflicts, exceptions, and decisions that require broader enterprise alignment or authority. Leads the development, enterprise approval, implementation, and continuous improvement of data governance policies, standards, controls, and frameworks in partnership with business and functional leaders. Champions data ownership and accountability, and leads organizational change to address systemic barriers, strengthen program maturity, and sustain adoption across the enterprise. Leads and develops the Data Governance team through workforce planning, clear performance expectations, coaching, succession planning, and talent development. Establishes team objectives and ways of working aligned with strategic priorities, promotes accountability and continuous improvement, and builds the skills and capacity needed to deliver and sustain the enterprise Data Governance program.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business, information management, computer science, analytics, finance, insurance, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in data governance, information management, business analytics, data management, or related disciplines
• Five or more years of leadership experience managing teams, enterprise programs, or cross-functional initiatives
• Property and casualty insurance industry experience preferred
• Experience working within Agile product delivery environments and partnering with Digital Product Management organizations preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of data governance frameworks, operating models, policies, and standards
• Advanced knowledge of data management practices, including metadata, data quality, stewardship, and master and reference data management
• Strong knowledge of property and casualty insurance operations, business processes, products, and data domains
• Knowledge of data-related regulatory requirements, privacy principles, information protection, and emerging industry trends
• Strong knowledge of data governance technologies and their application to enterprise data management
• Advanced strategic planning, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Strong ability to translate enterprise strategy into actionable governance roadmaps and operating models
• Advanced ability to lead organizational change and drive adoption of governance practices
• Excellent ability to influence senior leaders, align cross-functional stakeholders, and resolve competing priorities
• Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex governance and technical concepts to diverse audiences

Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination due to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, active military status, citizenship status, marital status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. All of our locations are tobacco free including in company vehicles.

Why should you choose to apply for a position at EMC?

We can give you plenty of reasons why EMC is a great place to work: More than 105 years of financial strength and stability Named a five-star insurance carrier by Insurance Business America Two-time recipient of the Best Practices Award of Excellence from the Independent Agents & Brokers of America Multiple locations recognized as Top Workplaces based solely on team member feedback Corporate culture that engages and empowers team members to achieve their best

• Outstanding benefits with life, medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Competitive paid time off plan and a full day of volunteer time off annually
• Financial incentives, including a 401(k) plan match, pension plan, OneEMC bonus plan and recognition and anniversary awards
• Professional development and growth opportunities, including tuition reimbursement
• Wellness initiatives to improve team member well-being and reduce health insurance costs
• Flexibility to dress for your day and opportunities for alternative work arrangements

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