Director of Data Governance

RESPONSIBILITIES: Kforce is working with a client looking to add a Director of Data Governance to their team. This position is hybrid in the Greater Saint Louis area, and is contract to hire. Summary: The Director of Data Governance will play a critical role in establishing the policies, frameworks, and operating models that enable data to be treated as a trusted, well-managed strategic asset across the organization. This individual will partner closely with business, technology, and compliance stakeholders to ensure data quality, accessibility, and regulatory alignment-while also rolling up their sleeves to design and implement governance practices from the ground up. Duties: • Lead the design and execution of a comprehensive data governance strategy aligned with organizational priorities, regulatory needs, and analytics/AI readiness • Define and implement governance frameworks, policies, and standards related to data quality, classification, access, and lifecycle management • Establish and operationalize data stewardship and ownership models across functional areas • Drive enterprise data quality initiatives, including monitoring, remediation, and performance tracking • Identify, select, and implement data governance tools such as data catalogs, lineage, and stewardship platforms • Develop KPIs and dashboards to measure the effectiveness of data governance and quality efforts • Partner with IT, legal, risk, and compliance teams to ensure governance practices align with technology platforms and regulatory requirements • Promote data governance awareness through training, documentation, and stakeholder engagement • Provide regular reporting and insights on governance maturity and continuous improvement opportunities • Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on data governance, management, and strategy REQUIREMENTS: • 7+ years of experience in data governance, data management, or related disciplines with demonstrated leadership responsibility • Strong working knowledge of data governance principles, best practices, and frameworks • Proven ability to influence change and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders • Experience developing and implementing enterprise-wide policies and standards • Solid project management and execution skills • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities related to complex data environments Preferred Experience: • Master's degree in a related field such as Data Science, Information Management, Business Administration, or Public Policy • Hands-on experience operationalizing governance frameworks and managing data quality programs • Exposure to data visualization or analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and statistical tools • Familiarity with data governance platforms, data warehousing, and ETL processes • Experience working with enterprise systems such as ERP, CRM, or learning management platforms • Understanding of data architecture, modeling concepts, and database technologies Success Traits: • Confident leader with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with skill translating complex topics for diverse audiences • Proactive, outcomes-focused mindset with a passion for data-driven decision-making • Comfortable navigating ambiguity and building structure in evolving environments The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future. We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave. Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law. This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions. 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