Information Governance Senior Manager

Sidley Austin LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 123,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP is seeking an Information Governance Senior Manager in Chicago to lead the firm’s governance program, ensure compliant data handling, and optimize document management across practices.

You will partner with the Records Management Director, oversee classification and retention, manage NetDocuments, and drive improvements with IT and counsel. This role requires strong leadership, 10+ years in governance, and a security-focused mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with relevant work experience.
• Minimum 10 years in records management, information governance, or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years leading teams or large initiatives.
• Experience implementing governance controls and improving efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day execution of the information governance program, setting priorities and resolving issues.
• Partner with Records Management Director to implement governance strategies and policies.
• Oversee governance controls including classification, access, retention, and disposition.
• Coordinate with Legal, IT, and stakeholders to assess and remediate risks.
• Oversee NetDocuments and related information management applications.
• Collaborate with IT, practice groups, and administration to improve processes and implement tech solutions.
• Coordinate information governance activities related to legal holds and preservation.
• Lead development and improvement of governance procedures and training.
• Provide leadership and knowledge sharing to governance personnel and cross-functional teams.
• Establish performance measures and report on governance risks and trends.

Skills

Records governance

Information governance

Policy development

Compliance

Team leadership

Risk assessment

Information security

Enterprise content management

NetDocuments administration

LegalKEY records management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

NetDocuments

iManage

FileTrail

LegalKEY Records Management

Job description

The Information Governance Senior Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations and execution of the Firm's information governance program to ensure the effective management, protection, retention, and disposition of Firm and client information. Reporting to the Records Management Director, this role implements information governance strategies, policies, processes, and controls that support regulatory compliance, mitigate information risks, and improve operational effectiveness. The Senior Manager collaborates with Firm leadership, practice groups, the Office of General Counsel, Information Technology, and other stakeholders to strengthen information governance practices, optimize document management technologies, and promote the consistent application of Firm policies.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day execution of the Firm's information governance program, establishing operational priorities, monitoring effectiveness, resolving complex issues, and escalating significant risks or policy exceptions to the Records Management Director.
• Partner with the Records Management Director to implement information governance strategies, policies, and initiatives that support the effective management, protection, retention, and disposition of Firm and client information.
• Oversee information governance controls and processes, including information classification, access restrictions, ethical and confidentiality screens, retention requirements, and defensible disposition practices, to support compliance with legal, regulatory, contractual, and Firm requirements.
• Coordinate with the Office of General Counsel, Information Technology, and other stakeholders to identify, assess, and remediate information governance risks, including access control failures, system misconfigurations, policy exceptions, and process deficiencies.
• Oversee the administration and operational effectiveness of NetDocuments and related information management applications, including cabinet administration, security configuration, system controls, and the resolution of complex or escalated issues affecting lawyers and Firm personnel.
• Collaborate with Information Technology, practice groups, and Firm administration to identify business requirements, improve information governance processes, and implement technology solutions that strengthen controls, automate workflows, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Coordinate information governance activities related to legal holds and information preservation requirements, working with the Office of General Counsel and other stakeholders to ensure records subject to holds are appropriately identified, preserved, collected, and released in accordance with established procedures.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of information governance procedures, operational standards, and related training programs to promote consistent practices, technology adoption, and compliance across the Firm.
• Provide operational leadership, guidance, and subject matter expertise to information governance personnel and cross-functional project teams, supporting effective prioritization, issue resolution, knowledge sharing, and execution of departmental objectives.
• Establish and monitor operational performance measures, assess information governance risks and trends, and prepare management reporting and recommendations for the Records Management Director and Firm leadership to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

Required

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in records management, information governance, compliance, information security, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience managing teams, operational programs, or complex information governance initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience implementing operational, technical, or process improvements to strengthen information governance controls, mitigate risks, and improve efficiency.
• Comprehensive knowledge of information governance principles, records lifecycle management, retention and disposition requirements, and information security and confidentiality controls.
• Experience administering or supporting enterprise document management systems, including security configurations, access controls, and related information governance processes.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex operational and technical issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement practical solutions.
• Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining policies, procedures, standards, and operational controls.
• Strong understanding of information governance risks and compliance requirements within a complex professional services or similarly regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple initiatives, establish priorities, and influence stakeholders across functional areas.

Preferred

• Experience in information governance or records management within a large, global law firm.
• Experience with NetDocuments, iManage, FileTrail, LegalKEY Records Management, or similar information and records management applications.
• Professional certification such as Information Governance Professional (IGP), Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Certified Records Manager (CRM), or a comparable designation.
• Experience implementing information governance automation, technology integrations, or enterprise information management improvements.

Other Skills And Abilities

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

The Target Salary Range For This Role Is

$123,300 - $200,800 if located in California, Illinois, New York, Texas, or Washington, D.C.

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [e-mail] (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.