Data Strategy and Governance Specialist

We are looking for a Data Strategy and Governance Specialist to help strengthen enterprise-wide data practices in New York, New York. This role will guide the development of practical governance standards, foster collaboration across business and technical teams, and support a more consistent approach to managing information assets. The ideal candidate brings strong communication and change leadership skills, along with experience turning governance concepts into workable processes in evolving organizations.

Responsibilities:
• Partner with stakeholders across departments to establish data governance practices and encourage consistent adoption without relying on direct authority.
• Lead workshops and working sessions that align business and technical teams on policies, ownership, and stewardship expectations for critical data assets.
• Develop and refine standards related to data classification, retention, lifecycle management, and responsible information use across the organization.
• Analyze recurring data quality concerns, identify underlying trends, and recommend practical corrective actions that improve trust in enterprise data.
• Support the use and optimization of tools within the Microsoft ecosystem, including SharePoint and Microsoft 365, with exposure to Microsoft Purview where applicable.
• Translate complex governance, privacy, and technical topics into clear guidance tailored to executives, operational teams, and other stakeholder groups.
• Drive incremental change by introducing governance structures in environments where formal processes may be limited or still maturing.
• Contribute to reporting and insight development using business intelligence platforms such as Power BI or Tableau to monitor governance-related outcomes.
• Advise on ethical AI and data privacy considerations as part of broader data management and governance efforts.• Bachelor’s degree in Information Management, Data Science, or a related discipline.
• At least 7 years of experience in data governance, data policy, enterprise information management, or a closely related area.
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks, stewardship models, and data lifecycle practices.
• Experience creating or applying policies for data classification, records retention, and cataloging activities.
• Proficiency with SharePoint and Microsoft 365; familiarity with Microsoft Purview is preferred.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders and adapt messaging for different audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, manage competing priorities, and work effectively through resistance or ambiguity.
• Analytical mindset with experience identifying patterns in data quality issues; familiarity with Power BI or Tableau is a plus.