Data Governance Specialist

About this Role: 

The Data Governance Specialist will support enterprise-level data governance initiatives across the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This role is responsible for implementing data governance frameworks, policies, and standards that promote data quality, security, and compliance across multiple HHS mission areas. The Data Governance Specialist will work closely with data stewards, data owners, program managers, and IT leadership to ensure effective data management and enable trustworthy, mission-critical decision-making. 

This position requires strong knowledge of data governance principles, metadata management, data lineage, and federal data policies. The ideal candidate has experience working in complex data environments, preferably within a federal agency, and can drive governance implementation across distributed teams and systems. 

Key Responsibilities: 

·       Develop and implement comprehensive data governance frameworks, policies, and procedures aligned with federal requirements.

·       Support the development of data sharing agreements, Interconnection Security Agreements (ISAs), and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to facilitate secure and compliant data exchange across agencies and departments.

·       Lead stakeholder collaboration to define governance needs, facilitate government engagement meetings, and deliver training and awareness programs.

·       Establish and maintain data quality standards, monitor data integrity, and drive continuous improvement through remediation planning.

·       Design and manage metadata strategies including data cataloging systems, business glossaries, data dictionaries, and repositories to enhance discoverability and understanding.

·       Implement data lineage tracking and documentation to support transparency and auditability.

·       Coordinate with security teams to ensure data classification and handling align with federal security mandates.

·       Ensure compliance with federal regulations such as FISMA, Privacy Act, FERPA, and agency-specific directives.

·       Provide guidance on data lifecycle management, including retention, archiving, and disposal practices.

·       Create metrics and reporting mechanisms to evaluate the effectiveness of data governance programs.

Qualifications and Skills: 

·       Bachelor's degree in Information Management, Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field

·       5+ years of experience in data governance, data management, or related roles

·       3+ years of experience working with federal government agencies or supporting federal contracts

·       Demonstrated experience implementing data governance frameworks and programs

·       Experience with data quality management methodologies and tool

·       Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance/ must be a US Citizen 

·       Deep knowledge of data governance principles, frameworks, and methodologies, with hands-on experience developing policies, standards, procedures, and training programs.

·       Strong understanding of metadata management and experience with data cataloging tools, business glossaries, and metadata repositories.

·       Proficient in data quality dimensions and improvement strategies, supporting stewardship programs and continuous enhancement initiatives.

·       Skilled in assessing complex data ecosystems and applying analytical techniques to support governance and operational decisions.

·       Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to build consensus and explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

·       Proven ability to collaborate across organizational boundaries and lead cross-functional initiatives.

·       Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage tasks efficiently, and meet deadlines with minimal oversight, while applying strong project management skills and attention to detail to ensure timely delivery of governance objectives..

Desired Skills and Competencies: 

·       Master’s degree in Information Management, Data Science, or a related field.

·       Certified in data governance and management (e.g., CDMP, DGCP).

·       Hands-on experience implementing the Federal Data Strategy and supporting open data initiatives.

·       In-depth knowledge of the Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework, including HHS EA (HHS-OCIO-OES-2024-10-005).

·       Skilled in conducting data privacy impact assessments and applying NIST data security guidelines.

·       Familiar with data ethics, AI governance, and responsible machine learning practices.

·       Proficient in cloud-based data governance, master data management, and data architecture principles.

·       Experienced with business intelligence and data visualization tools.

·       Knowledgeable in records management standards and federal compliance procedures.