Information Governance Manager (Milwaukee)

Godfrey & Kahn; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Godfrey & Kahn is seeking an Information Governance Manager to lead the transformation of the firm's information governance and records management program. You will partner with attorneys, leadership, and technology teams to modernize governance, improve efficiency, reduce risk, and ensure legal and regulatory compliance.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, technology-enabled process improvements, and change management as the firm moves to a digital-first records environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field or experience
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in information governance/records management
• Certifications such as CRM or CRA are preferred and helpful

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year roadmap for information governance and records modernization.
• Lead digital-first records environment transition with retention, disposition, and governance of records.
• Evaluate governance practices and implement policies and standards to improve efficiency and reduce risk.
• Promote change management and cross-functional adoption of governance initiatives.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Project management

Communication

Collaboration

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

5+ years information governance/records management

CRM/CRA certification preferred

Job description

Lead the transformation of information governance at Godfrey & Kahn. In this role, you’ll bring strategy, technology, and change management together to modernize the firm’s records environment and strengthen how information is protected, organized, and managed. Working alongside attorneys, firm leadership, and technology teams, you’ll turn forward-thinking ideas into practical solutions and create lasting improvements across the firm.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Information Governance Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for the Firm's information governance and records management program. This role will lead the Firm's transition to a digital-first records environment while modernizing governance practices, improving operational efficiency, reducing risk, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate is an innovative leader who embraces technology, drives organizational change, and partners across the Firm to implement scalable information governance solutions. This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of the Firm's information governance program through modernization, process improvement, and technology-enabled transformation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership

• In collaboration with senior leadership, develop and execute a multi-year roadmap for the Firm's information governance and records modernization initiatives.
• Lead the Firm's transition to a digital-first records environment while ensuring appropriate retention, disposition, and governance of physical and electronic records.
• Evaluate the Firm's information governance and records management practices, developing policies, standards, and innovative solutions that improve efficiency, reduce risk, ensure compliance and support the Firm's strategic objectives.
• Serve as the Firm's information governance subject matter expert, partnering with the General Counsel, Information Technology, Practice Management, and administrative leadership to implement firmwide governance initiatives.

Technology

• Partner with Information Technology to implement and optimize technologies that strengthen information governance, records management, accessibility, and the protection of client and Firm information.
• Leverage automation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies to improve records lifecycle management, data quality, and operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with professional responsibilities.
• Participate in enterprise technology and governance initiatives that enhance the security, organization, compliance and management of the Firm's information assets.

Process Improvement

• Design, implement, and measure standardized firmwide information governance processes governing the lifecycle of Firm records while ensuring compliance with professional responsibilities.
• Lead legacy records remediation, compliance audits, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance information hygiene, reduce storage costs, and strengthen governance practices.
• Oversee the Firm's file transfer process, records disposition activities, and related electronic records management functions.

Change Management

• Lead organizational change by promoting adoption of modern legal industry information governance practices through communication, education, and stakeholder engagement.
• Direct cross-functional initiatives that drive consistent records management standards and successful implementation of strategic projects.

Leadership & Administration

• Supervise, coach, mentor, and develop records management staff while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support the administration of legal holds, ethical walls, and other risk management initiatives in partnership with the General Counsel and Firm leadership.
• Perform other duties, special projects, and strategic initiatives as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in information governance, records management, or document management, in a law firm or law department environment.
• Experience developing and implementing information governance policies, records management programs, and technology-enabled process improvements.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives, organizational change, and technology implementations involving attorneys, Information Technology, and administrative departments.
• Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop practical, scalable solutions.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the Firm.
• Self-motivated with sound judgment, strong initiative, and the ability to work independently while leading and developing others.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Records Manager (CRM) or Certified Records Analyst (CRA) are preferred. Ability to work independently and collaboratively.