Associate Director, Data Strategy & Governance

The Associate Director, Data Strategy & Governance leads the University’s data governance program, partnering with senior leaders and data stewards to strengthen a data-informed culture. This role promotes best practices in metadata, data quality, and data security/privacy to increase Harvard’s overall data maturity.

The position reports to the Associate Provost for Institutional Research & Analytics, with a dotted line to the AVP for Administrative Technology Services in HUIT and works closely with both OIRA and HUIT to support University-wide data needs.

Job-Specific Responsibilities: 

The Associate Director, Data Strategy & Governance will play a pivotal role in bringing together stakeholders from across the University to tackle our most pressing data challenges, while also creating a mechanism to protect our data and leverage our data for strategic initiatives. Outlined below are the primary focus areas for this position. However, the expectation is that as the University’s data maturity grows, the responsibilities of the Associate Director may evolve. 

Organizational Development & Communications:

• Convene, lead, and recruit members of the University’s Executive Data Committee (EDC), University Data Advisory Group (UDAG), and Data Stewardship Council (DSC). 
• Foster communication channels on data initiatives across schools and functional areas and develop an active community of practice amongst data stewards. 
• Create and maintain data governance learning and development curriculum for data stewards and other key data stakeholders. 
• Maintain and elevate executive buy-in on data governance efforts across all aspects of the University. 
• Provide executive updates on strategic data initiatives to stakeholders across the University. 
• Participate in thought leadership and higher education leadership forums on data strategy and governance. 

Data Strategy Development:

• Collaborate on the development of an enterprise data strategy for the University, and upon establishment of an enterprise data strategy, serve as the primary project manager for tracking progress towards its objectives. 
• Drive the identification, business case development, and socialization of strategic data Initiatives. 

Data Governance Execution:

• Create data governance standards, policies, procedures, and best practices, and establish a mechanism to diffuse these practices across stakeholder groups. 
• Enhance the University’s ability to manage metadata (i.e., data definitions, data lineage, etc.) across data sources. 
• Actively partner with the Information Security and Data Privacy (ISDP) team on data security and privacy efforts, including compliance with data privacy regulations (e.g., General Data Protection Regulation, Family Educational Rights and Privacy (GDPR), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), etc.). 
• Enable data stewards and other data stakeholders to implement tactical data quality improvement solutions. 
• Collaborate with OIRA staff to conduct research and analysis to inform data governance proposals and challenges. 

Performance & Maturity Measurement:

• Establish and report on metrics to measure the effectiveness of data governance and other strategic data initiatives relative to the institution’s priorities and data strategy. 
• Create a mechanism to monitor and report data governance effectiveness regularly to university leadership.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications: 

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role.

• Minimum of seven years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Required Essential Knowledge and Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Strong understanding and knowledge of data management and governance principles, methodologies, and best practices. 
• Experience managing large-scale organizational change efforts related to data governance. 
• Knowledge of data security, privacy, and compliance regulations and requirements. 

The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.  

• Experience working with executive leadership and technology teams at large, complex higher education institutions. 
• Strong ability to develop a strategic vision, influence business and technology stakeholders to buy into the vision and effectively execute the vision. 
• Senior leadership experience leading teams across data management and governance.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred.

Additional Information

Working Conditions:

• Onsite work will be performed in an office setting.

Appointment End Date:

• This is a fully benefited, full-time Harvard University position that has been funded through 6/30/28. There is the possibility of renewal, contingent upon your work performance meeting the needs of the department and the continued availability of funding designed to support the position.

Standard Hours/Schedule: Monday-Friday

• This position requires onsite work 3-4 days per month.
• Harvard employees must live and work from one of the following states; California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, or Washington.

• Relocation assistance is not available.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

Other Information:

• Please provide a cover letter and resume as one document with your application.
• This position has a 180-day orientation and review period.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.