Head of Data Strategy and Governance

BRAINS WORKGROUP, INC.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 220,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great benefits package

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

BRAINS WORKGROUP, INC. seeks a Head of Data Strategy and Governance in New York City.

This executive role reports to the Chief Data Officer and drives the enterprise data management framework, ensuring governance, quality standards, regulatory alignment, and strategic collaboration with business and technology teams. The role emphasizes data vision, the long-term roadmaps, prioritizing use cases, and coordinating implementation to achieve high-quality, on-time delivery while fostering a culture

Qualifications

• Translate business needs into data requirements and roadmaps.
• Lead Enterprise Data Management initiatives.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver data programs.

Responsibilities

• Update and maintain data strategy aligned with business goals.
• Govern enterprise data management policy and standards.
• Bridge data vision with technology partners and business units.
• Coordinate reporting to governance bodies and executives.
• Oversee risk and compliance considerations in data programs.
• Lead change management and data governance initiatives.
• Ensure readiness for audits and data-related reviews.
• Manage budgets, resources, and vendor relationships.

Skills

Data strategy

Data governance

Roadmaps

Regulatory compliance

IT GRC

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Change management

Communication

Executive briefing

Job description

Our client, a major bank in New York City, is looking for Head of Data Strategy and Governance.
New York City Location (Executive Director Level)
This is hybrid commute, 5 days per 2 weeks in the office.
Salary range 220-250K, plus around 20% bonus, plus great benefits package.

Head of Data Strategy & Governance

The Head of Data Governance reports to the Chief Data Officer and leads the implementation of the Enterprise Data Management Framework across the bank. This role is accountable for establishing governance and quality standards, ensuring compliance, and driving strategic alignment with business and technology initiatives. The Head of Data Governance acts as a thought leader and change agent, fostering a culture of data stewardship and continuous improvement.

The role requires the candidate to act as influential thought leader bringing in external perspectives on the execution to drive adoption. As a change agent, the candidate will ensure a good understanding of data vision across the company. The role will focus on defining the long-term data management roadmap, constantly working with business units to identify use cases for data, and then on prioritizing such use cases and coordinate implementation efforts to achieve high-quality and on-time delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Implementation

• Update and maintain the data strategy, ensuring alignment with Mizuho’s business and technology strategies.
• Support the development and execution of strategic initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive transformation, efficiency, and innovation.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to inform strategic planning and data management practices.
• Track progress through key performance indicators and report on benchmarks across data management capabilities.

Governance & Controls

• Own and refresh Enterprise Data Management Policy, capabilities Standards, and Standards of Care.
• Ensure policies and standards enable the data strategy and support business objectives.
• Drive alignment and document preparation of reporting, including to the Data Executive Committee and Enterprise Data Council.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Serve as the point of contact for IT GRC, Internal Audit, and Non-Financial Risk teams for capability reviews and assessments.
• Demonstrate adherence to policies and standards, identify potential risks, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Oversee internal audits reviews and coordinate reporting on corrective actions as necessary.

Operational Execution

• Coordinate the definition and assembly of board, head office, and regulatory presentation decks.
• Manage resource planning, recruitment, and onboarding efforts.
• Support change management procedures and data governance initiatives.
• Drive alignment and readiness across capabilities to support production and audit review.
• Ensure business continuity planning and initiative closure documentation.

Culture & Communication

• Foster understanding and conviction of the data management vision across the organization.
• Oversee enhancements and change management responsibilities for Mizuho Data Academy.
• Manage the EDMO SharePoint site and produce regular communications (e.newsletters).
• Drive collaboration and transparency across departments and leadership teams.

Portfolio & Financial Oversight

• Manage project portfolios and reporting structures, tracking the book of work roadmap.
• Oversee financial reporting, vendor relationships, initiative costing, and vendor data cleanup.
• Coordinate annual planning and budgeting processes, setting and monitoring performance benchmarks

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• 15+ years of experience with data, including strategy, project management, and governance.
• 10+ years in management/executive roles.
• Strong leadership in enterprise or cross-functional roles.
• Ability to translate business needs into data needs and draft data roadmaps.
• Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and drive change in large organizations.
• Knowledge of enterprise data domains, data products, and operational best practices.

Keywords:data strategy governance data roadmaps frameworks regulatory IT GRC Internal Audit