Data Governance Manager

Princeton University; Princeton (NJ); Hybrid; USD 152,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton University is seeking a hands-on Data Governance Manager to lead the implementation and adoption of our data governance program across the institution. You will partner with functional and technology teams to improve data quality, metadata management, stewardship, and data lifecycle practices in a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities include operationalizing governance frameworks, driving adoption, and developing metrics.

Qualifications

• Experience implementing governance frameworks and stewardship practices.
• Knowledge of data quality, metadata, data lineage, and governance controls.
• Strong ability to influence stakeholders and manage organizational change.
• Experience with governance platforms such as Purview, Collibra, or similar tools.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

Responsibilities

• Operationalize the data governance framework with policies, standards, and procedures.
• Drive adoption of governance practices across functional and tech teams.
• Coordinate governance activities, stakeholder engagement, and accountability.
• Develop governance metrics, maturity indicators, and progress tracking.
• Support integration of governance into business and technology processes.
• Lead implementation and adoption of data governance tools and platforms.
• Configure capabilities for cataloging, metadata, lineage, stewardship, and quality.
• Develop templates, standards, procedures, and user guidance materials.
• Monitor tool usage and recommend enhancements to maximize value.
• Collaborate with technology teams to embed governance in the data ecosystem.
• Define and operationalize data quality standards, controls, and monitoring.

Skills

Data governance

Data quality management

Metadata management

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Purview

Collibra

Alation

Informatica

Job description

Overview

The Data Governance Manager, a hands on role, leads the implementation and adoption of the institution's data governance program, ensuring governance policies, standards, and practices are effectively embedded across the organization.

This role partners with functional and technology stakeholders to advance data quality, metadata management, stewardship, and data lifecycle practices. The position is responsible for operationalizing governance frameworks, processes, and tools that improve the trust, accessibility, security, and consistency of institutional data. Through stakeholder engagement and change management, the Data Governance Manager fosters a culture of data accountability, and data-informed decision-making.

This position is a hybrid role.

Responsibilities

Data Governance Program Implementation and Adoption

• Operationalize the institution's enterprise data governance framework, policies, standards, and procedures.
• Drive the adoption of data governance practices across functional and technology teams.
• Coordinate governance activities, and stakeholder engagement efforts to ensure alignment and accountability.
• Develop and monitor governance metrics, maturity indicators, and implementation progress.
• Support the integration of governance practices into business and technology processes.

Data Governance Tools and Process Enablement

• Lead the implementation and adoption of data governance and data management platforms (e.g. Collibra, Alation, Microsoft Purview, Informatica, Atlan)
• Configure and support capabilities related to data cataloging, metadata management, lineage, stewardship, and data quality.
• Develop governance templates, standards, procedures, and user guidance materials.
• Monitor tool utilization and recommend enhancements to improve adoption and business value.
• Collaborate with technology teams to ensure governance capabilities are effectively integrated into the data ecosystem.

Data Quality Management

• Implement and Operationalize data quality standards, controls, and monitoring processes.
• Develop data quality metrics, scorecards, and reporting mechanisms to measure and improve data health.
• Partner with stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and resolve data quality issues.
• Promote best practices for data quality management and continuous improvement.
• Support the definition and management of critical data elements and quality requirements.

Metadata Management and Data Stewardship

• Lead the development and maintenance of enterprise business glossaries, data dictionaries, and data definitions.
• Implementing processes for gathering, documenting, governing, and maintaining business and technical metadata.
• Promote consistent use of standardized data definitions across systems and business functions.
• Support stewardship activities that improve the quality, consistency, and usability of institutional data assets.

Stakeholder Engagement, Continuous Improvement

• Build strong relationships with functional and technology stakeholders to support governance objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on governance-related matters and organizational change initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve governance capabilities, operational processes, and stakeholder experience.
• Implement enhancements that increase the value, reliability, and accessibility of institutional data.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Data Governance & Stewardship: 7+ years of experience implementing and operationalizing data governance frameworks, policies, standards, and stewardship practices.
• Data Quality Management: Establishing, monitoring, and driving adoption of data quality processes, controls, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Metadata & Data Management: Knowledge of metadata management, business glossaries, data definitions, and data lifecycle management practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Change Management: Proven ability to influence stakeholders, drive adoption, and foster a culture of data ownership and accountability.
• Governance Program Execution: Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to deliver governance initiatives and measurable outcomes.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree of equivalent related work experience

Preferred:

• Experience with data governance and data management platforms (such as Microsoft Purview, Collibra, Alation, Informatica, or similar tools).
• Knowledge of industry-standard data management frameworks and practices (e.g., DAMA-DMBOK).
• Experience developing data literacy, stewardship, and organizational adoption programs.
• Familiarity with data privacy, information security, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience working in higher education, healthcare, research, or other complex matrixed organizations.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours

36.25

Eligible for Overtime

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

No

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Driver’s License Required

No

Experience Level

Director#LI-JJ1

Salary Range

$152,000 to $170,000