Data Governance Program Specialist

Job Title: Data Governance Program Specialist (P&C) Location: Exchange Place, NJ (3 days onsite) Location Requirement Candidates must be located in the New Jersey area and able to work onsite three days per week. Job Summary The Data Governance Program Specialist is responsible for the end-to-end execution of Data Governance initiatives once priorities, scope, and intent have been defined by leadership. This role reports to the SVP, Data Governance, and works closely with AVPs to ensure governance initiatives are delivered on time, aligned with expectations, and successfully adopted. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who operates independently, applies a “trust-but-verify” approach, and thrives in a dynamic environment where governance frameworks and processes are continuously evolving. Key Responsibilities 1. Initiative Execution & Delivery (Primary Accountability) • Own day-to-day execution of Data Governance initiatives (e.g., stewardship cohorts, data quality remediation, catalog/lineage enhancements, data masking, MDM use cases). • Translate governance priorities into clear delivery plans, including milestones, dependencies, risks, and success criteria. • Drive initiative cadence (check-ins, stand-ups, working sessions) and ensure cross-functional alignment. • Identify and escalate risks, blockers, and trade-offs with recommended solutions. • Validate scope and decision boundaries with AVPs/SVP before progressing. • Execute within approved scope and escalate when changes impact governance intent. 1. Communications & Coordination • Coordinate communication timing and sequencing across initiatives. • Ensure all communications are accurate, approved, and aligned with governance objectives. • Manage logistics including distribution, reminders, and follow-ups. • Maintain clear status reporting for leadership (progress, risks, decisions, next steps). • Support governance forums, working groups, and meetings with materials and follow-ups. • Assist in preparing leadership presentations and documenting outcomes. 1. Enablement, Training, Surveys & Feedback • Coordinate training logistics (sessions, materials, attendance, follow-ups). • Support development and enhancement of training materials, including: • Stewardship training • Tool enablement • Governance process education • Assist in creating self-paced training modules (e.g., Data Fluency program). • Manage end-to-end survey lifecycle: • Scheduling and distribution • Tracking completion • Consolidating results • Support survey analysis and execution of follow-up actions. 1. Metrics, Tracking & Visibility • Support KPI tracking and reporting as defined by governance leadership. • Collaborate with SMEs and consultants to maintain tracking mechanisms. • Prepare inputs and summaries for leadership reporting. • Identify key outcome signals (adoption, risk reduction, efficiency improvements). • Highlight gaps, trends, and areas requiring follow-up. 1. Change Management & Flexible Support • Support execution of change management activities for governance initiatives. • Identify adoption risks and facilitate resolution discussions. • Coordinate timelines and cross-functional execution of governance decisions. • Adapt to shifting priorities while maintaining clarity on ownership and delivery expectations. • Take on additional responsibilities to support broader Data Team goals. Required Experience & Skills • Proven experience delivering complex, cross-functional initiatives in data, technology, or governance-related domains. • Strong execution and organizational skills with attention to detail. • Ability to work independently in ambiguous environments. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Strong problem-solving and risk identification capabilities. • Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint for reporting and presentations. Preferred Qualifications • Experience in the P&C Insurance industry (underwriting, actuarial, operations, regulatory, or analytics). • Familiarity with Data Governance concepts (Data Quality, Metadata, Stewardship, Privacy, MDM). • Experience supporting training programs or change management initiatives. • Experience with Power BI or similar tools for dashboards and KPI tracking.