Data / AI Architect & Governance Analyst

Guidehouse • McLean, VA

1d • $130,000 - $216,000

About The Position

The Data / AI Architect & Governance Analyst evaluates enterprise data architecture, governance frameworks, integration patterns, ownership models, and data quality practices to identify gaps and recommend improvements. The role assesses organizational data ecosystems and designs target-state architectures that support analytics, reporting, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other data-driven capabilities.

The position develops data governance frameworks, policies, standards, processes, roles, and accountability models. It defines data domains, ownership and stewardship responsibilities, and governance operating models, while analyzing data flows and system interfaces to improve data sharing and consistency. The role also supports data quality strategies, controls, metrics, and remediation approaches.

Working with business, technology, and leadership stakeholders, the analyst aligns architecture and governance initiatives with organizational objectives and supports data modernization, digital transformation, and AI enablement. Deliverables include architecture assessments, implementation plans, executive briefings, recommendations, governance artifacts, and strategic roadmaps.

The role requires a bachelor's degree and at least five years of relevant experience. A master's degree, relevant professional certifications, and experience in enterprise governance, AI governance, modernization programs, or regulated environments are preferred. Travel is required up to 10%, and the candidate must have the ability to obtain Public Trust clearance. The annual salary range is $130,000–$216,000, with compensation based on factors including skills, experience, training, clearances, and certifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Data Management, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in data architecture, data governance, data management, analytics, or related disciplines.
• Experience evaluating and designing enterprise data architectures, data governance programs, or data management frameworks.
• Understanding of data governance principles, including data ownership, stewardship, metadata management, data quality, and master data management.
• Experience assessing and documenting data flows, integration architectures, and business data requirements.
• Knowledge of data warehousing, cloud-based data platforms, data integration technologies, and analytics environments.
• Familiarity with AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, and the data requirements needed to support them.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business-focused recommendations.
• Experience developing architecture diagrams, governance artifacts, strategic roadmaps, and executive presentations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience working with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain Public Trust clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Data Science, Information Management, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in data management, governance, architecture, or cloud technologies, such as CDMP, DAMA, DCAM, TOGAF, AWS, Azure, or Databricks.
• Experience establishing or maturing enterprise data governance organizations, councils, stewardship programs, or data operating models.
• Experience supporting AI governance, responsible AI frameworks, model governance, or AI readiness assessments.
• Knowledge of metadata management, data catalog, data lineage, master data management, and data quality platforms.
• Experience supporting large-scale data modernization, cloud migration, or enterprise analytics transformation programs.
• Experience with federal government, financial services, or highly regulated environments.
• Familiarity with enterprise architecture frameworks and strategic data management best practices.
• Experience developing data strategies, governance roadmaps, and implementation plans for executive leadership.
• Knowledge of privacy, cybersecurity, records management, and regulatory requirements related to enterprise data management.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate current-state data architecture, governance frameworks, integration patterns, ownership models, and data quality practices to identify gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Assess enterprise data ecosystems and recommend strategies to improve interoperability, accessibility, reliability, and stewardship of organizational data assets.
• Design target-state data architectures supporting analytics, reporting, AI, machine learning, and emerging data-driven capabilities.
• Develop and enhance data governance frameworks, including policies, standards, processes, roles, and accountability models.
• Define data domains, ownership structures, stewardship responsibilities, and governance operating models.
• Analyze data flows, system interfaces, and integration patterns to improve data sharing and consistency across platforms.
• Support development of data quality strategies, controls, metrics, and remediation approaches.
• Collaborate with business, technology, and leadership stakeholders to align data architecture and governance initiatives with organizational objectives.
• Support data modernization, digital transformation, and AI enablement through architecture assessments, roadmap development, and implementation planning.
• Develop executive briefings, recommendations, governance artifacts, and strategic roadmaps to guide data and AI investments.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package.
• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Personal and family sick time and company-paid holidays.
• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus.
• Parental leave and adoption assistance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Basic life and supplemental life insurance.
• Health Savings Account and dental/vision and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Student Loan PayDown.
• Tuition reimbursement, personal development, and learning opportunities.
• Skills development and certifications.
• Employee referral program.
• Corporate-sponsored events and community outreach.
• Emergency back-up childcare program.
• Mobility stipend.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level