Program Manager - Data and GIS Governance

Creative Solutions Services, LLC; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Creative Solutions Services, LLC is seeking an Associate Program Manager for Data and GIS Governance in Richmond, VA, on a hybrid schedule. The role drives data governance, GIS governance, and master data management across a large organization to ensure high-quality, well-managed data assets supporting enterprise decision-making.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in enterprise data programs, data lifecycle management, and ArcGIS and FME toolsets, with proven ability to translate

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading enterprise data programs within a large organization.
• Deep understanding of data governance principles, frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Proven capability in managing the full data lifecycle within complex organizational structures.
• Expertise in metadata management, data quality enhancement, and building sustainable data documentation processes.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a track record of designing scalable processes and governance mechanisms.
• Ability to translate abstract or technically complex concepts into approachable, actionable insights.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for executive-level and cross-functional engagement.

Responsibilities

• Participate in Client's enterprise data governance framework, ensuring consistency, accountability, and effective data stewardship.
• Oversee master data management efforts supporting mission-critical datasets.
• Champion data lifecycle best practices — from creation and storage to archival — ensuring alignment with regulatory, operational, and security requirements.
• Manage and mature metadata standards, data dictionaries, classification systems, and documentation practices.
• Drive remediation strategies for data quality issues by collaborating closely with business units, technical teams, and subject matter experts.
• Provide strategic direction for geospatial governance, ArcGIS platform utilization, and integration of GIS capabilities into enterprise processes.
• Support adoption of emerging data tools, technologies, and platforms, ensuring Client's remains modern, efficient, and data-driven.
• Communicate complex data topics clearly to technical and non-technical audiences; develop training, guidance materials, and governance communications.
• Facilitate cross-functional working groups, ensuring alignment on data priorities and policies.

Skills

Data governance

Data lifecycle management

Data quality remediation

Data documentation

Tools

ArcGIS

Safe Software FME

Job description

Title: Program Manager - Data and GIS Governance

Location: Richmond VA (Hybrid)

Duration: 9 Months

Interview type: In-person

Job Description

• The Associate Program Manager for Data and GIS Governance plays a critical role within Client enterprise data management initiatives. This position drives the strategy, coordination, and execution of data governance, GIS governance, and master data management activities across a large, complex organization. The Associate Program Manager ensures Client's data assets are high-quality, well managed, properly stewarded, and leveraged effectively to support enterprise decision-making, operational efficiency, and long-term digital transformation goals.
• Candidates must demonstrate seasoned expertise in enterprise data programs, data lifecycle management, and remediation of data quality challenges within similarly sized public or private organizations. Proficiency with the ArcGIS platform and related tools is essential for supporting Client's geospatial data ecosystem.
• This long-term engagement requires three onsite days per week at 1401East Broad Street, Richmond, VA. Contractors are responsible for securing parking through Client's Parking Management Office or independently.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in Client's enterprise data governance framework, ensuring consistency, accountability, and effective data stewardship.
• Oversee master data management efforts supporting mission-critical datasets.
• Champion data lifecycle best practices — from creation and storage to archival — ensuring alignment with regulatory, operational, and security requirements.
• Manage and mature metadata standards, data dictionaries, classification systems, and documentation practices.
• Drive remediation strategies for data quality issues by collaborating closely with business units, technical teams, and subject matter experts.
• Provide strategic direction for geospatial governance, ArcGIS platform utilization, and integration of GIS capabilities into enterprise processes.
• Support adoption of emerging data tools, technologies, and platforms, ensuring Client's remains modern, efficient, and data-driven.
• Communicate complex data topics clearly to technical and non-technical audiences; develop training, guidance materials, and governance communications.
• Facilitate cross-functional working groups, ensuring alignment on data priorities and policies.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading enterprise data programs within a large organization.
• Deep understanding of data governance principles, frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Proven capability in managing the full data lifecycle within complex organizational structures.
• Expertise in metadata management, data quality enhancement, and building sustainable data documentation processes.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a track record of designing scalable processes and governance mechanisms.
• Ability to translate abstract or technically complex concepts into approachable, actionable insights.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for executive-level and cross-functional engagement.

Desired/Required Skills

• Data quality remediation and enhancement experience
• Data lifecycle management experience
• Data governance experience
• ArcGIS platform experience
• Safe Software FME experience