Senior Data & GIS Governance Program Lead

Mbi Llc; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Transportation seeks an Associate Program Manager for Data and GIS Governance to lead governance programs and drive data strategy across the agency.

You will coordinate data lifecycle initiatives, champion metadata standards, and guide GIS governance with ArcGIS tool integration into enterprise processes. This role is onsite with senior stakeholder engagement and a focus on data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading enterprise data programs in large organizations.
• Deep understanding of data governance principles and frameworks.
• Proven ability to manage full data lifecycle across complex structures.
• Expertise in metadata management, data quality, and documentation processes.

Responsibilities

• Participate in and evolve the enterprise data governance framework ensuring accountability and data stewardship.
• Oversee master data management efforts for mission-critical datasets.
• Champion data lifecycle best practices from creation to archival.
• Manage metadata standards, data dictionaries, classification, and documentation practices.
• Lead remediation strategies for data quality issues with business units and IT teams.
• Provide strategic direction for geospatial governance and ArcGIS integration into enterprise processes.
• Support adoption of new data tools and platforms to keep VDOT modern and data-driven.
• Communicate complex data topics clearly to technical and non-technical audiences; develop governance guidance materials.
• Facilitate cross-functional working groups to align on data priorities and policies.

Skills

Data quality remediation

Data governance

Tools

ArcGIS

FME

Job description

Program Manager - Data and GIS Governance

• 31-Aug-2026 to 14-Sep-2026 (UTC)
• Full Time
• 40 Weekly Hours

Position Overview

- The Associate Program Manager for Data and GIS Governance plays a critical role within VDOT’s 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 VDOT’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 VDOT’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 VDOT’s Parking Management Office or independently.

Key Responsibilities

- Participate in VDOT’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 VDOT 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.

Fill the skill matrix below:

Skill

Amount

Candidate's No. of years of experience

Data quality remediation and enhancement experience

Required

8

Required

8

Data governance experience

Required

8

ArcGIS platform experience

5

Safe Software FME experience

5

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