VP of Data Governance

First Tech Federal Credit Union; Marlborough (MA); Hybrid; USD 221,000 - 277,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Lending discounts

Job summary

First Tech Federal Credit Union seeks an experienced Vice President, Data Governance to lead our enterprise second-line data governance risk program and provide independent oversight of first-line activities. You will establish frameworks, standards, and risk reporting aligned with our risk appetite, while partnering with risk, privacy, compliance, and technology leaders.

The role requires deep data governance expertise, executive presence, and a track record of influencing outcomes in complex

Qualifications

• 10+ years providing independent second-level oversight of data governance risk.
• 8+ years' experience leading teams and mentoring staff.
• Deep knowledge of data governance, data risk management, and data quality.

Responsibilities

• Direct the enterprise second-line data governance risk program with risk frameworks and reporting.
• Provide independent oversight of first-line data governance and data management activities.
• Establish methodologies to identify, monitor, and escalate material data risks.
• Lead independent risk assessments and monitor governance capabilities for themes and gaps.
• Define second-line expectations for governance of data supporting regulatory and financial reporting.
• Develop data risk metrics, KRIs, and executive-level risk insights.

Skills

Second-line oversight

Data governance

Risk assessment

Executive communication

Regulatory knowledge

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Description

The Vice President, Data Governance provides enterprise leadership and independent second-line oversight of data governance risk, establishing the frameworks, standards, and risk practices necessary to promote effective governance of data across the organization. The position provides credible challenge of first-line data management activities and evaluates whether material data risks are appropriately identified, assessed, monitored, and remediated. This role partners with business, technology, analytics, privacy, compliance, and risk leaders to strengthen data governance and support reliable data used for regulatory, risk, financial, and strategic decision-making. The position provides executive leadership with independent insight into enterprise data risk and emerging areas of concern.

Here's what you can expect from the job and what you need to be successful:

What You'll Do:

• Direct the enterprise second-line data governance risk program, establishing risk frameworks, standards, oversight practices, and reporting aligned with organizational objectives and risk appetite.
• Provide independent oversight and credible challenge of first-line data governance and data management activities, including data ownership, data quality, lineage, classification, critical data elements, metadata, and issue remediation.
• Establish methodologies for identifying, assessing, monitoring, and escalating material data risks and evaluate whether first-line controls appropriately mitigate those risks.
• Lead independent risk assessments and monitoring of enterprise data governance capabilities, identifying systemic themes, control gaps, emerging risks, and areas requiring management attention.
• Define second-line expectations for governance of critical data supporting regulatory reporting, financial reporting, risk management, member outcomes, analytics, and other material business processes.
• Develop enterprise data risk metrics, key risk indicators, reporting, and executive-level insights that provide visibility into data risk exposure, trends, control effectiveness, and remediation.
• Provide effective challenge of significant data governance issues and remediation plans, including assessment of root cause, risk acceptance, prioritization, sustainability, and closure.
• Partner with Enterprise Risk Management, Operational Risk, Model Risk, Information Security, Privacy, Compliance, Technology, Internal Audit, and business leaders to promote integrated oversight of data-related risks.
• Advise executive leadership and appropriate governance committees on significant data risk matters, emerging regulatory expectations, material issues, and recommended risk responses.
• Maintain awareness of regulatory expectations and industry practices related to data governance and incorporate relevant developments into the second‑line oversight framework.
• Develop and lead a high‑performing data governance risk function, establishing clear accountability, appropriate expertise, and effective engagement across the organization.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Skills:

• 10+ years of experience providing independent second‑line oversight of data governance risk, including enterprise governance frameworks, risk assessment, monitoring, and remediation.
• 8+ years' experience as a people leader, leading a diverse team including hiring, coaching and performance management
• Deep knowledge of data governance, data risk management, data quality, lineage, metadata, data ownership, and control frameworks.
• Strong understanding of second‑line risk management principles, including independent oversight, credible challenge, risk assessment, monitoring, escalation, and issue management.
• Ability to distinguish clearly between first-line ownership and execution responsibilities and second‑line risk oversight responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of financial‑services regulatory expectations related to data governance, risk management, privacy, records, reporting, and information management.
• Demonstrated ability to identify systemic data risks and translate complex data and technology matters into clear executive‑level risk insights.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to constructively challenge senior leaders and influence outcomes across organizational boundaries.
• Experience developing risk appetite measures, KRIs, governance reporting, risk assessments, and executive or board‑level reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence in complex, highly matrixed environments.
• Strong strategic thinking, judgment, communication, and organizational leadership capabilities.
• Experience leading senior professionals and building specialized risk capabilities.
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree), advanced degree preferred.
• Certification/License: Relevant professional certification such as CDMP, DCAM accreditation, CRISC, CISA, or similar data/risk credential preferred.

Location:

Hillsboro, OR | Marlborough & Chelmsford, MA

Target Compensation:

$221k - $276,500 annually + annual bonus

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Who We Are:

First Tech and DCU were founded on the belief that financial solutions should put people first. That belief has fueled decades of innovation and service, rooted in the tech sector and expanding to support members from all walks of life.

What makes First Tech different?

Every great journey begins with a bold idea-and ours is no different. First Tech and DCU were founded on the belief that financial solutions should put people first. That belief has fueled decades of innovation and service, rooted in the tech sector and expanding to support members from all walks of life.

Employees are eligible for:

• Traditional medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous 401(k) match
• Paid Time Off: You'll accrue up to 15 days in your first year. In addition, you'll receive 40 hours of sick time and 3 personal days, which refresh annually
• Paid federal holidays
• Special employee pricing on lending products such as mortgage, auto, and personal loans (eligibility subject to standard account requirements and underwriting criteria)

Employment Statements:

First Tech is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity, inclusion, and equity at our company. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

First Tech is not currently offering Visa transfer/sponsorship for this position.

If you're applying for a job and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.