Data Governance & Data Catalog Lead

Guidehouse•Washington, DC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lead governance workstreams and small delivery teams to design and implement data/AI governance programs that are actionable and sustainable. Own client relationships for your workstream by setting expectations, facilitating executive discussions, and driving alignment across business, IT, privacy, security, and legal stakeholders. Design and operationalize governance operating models including council structures, data stewardship models, decision escalation paths, and integrated controls across data, analytics, and AI. Define implementation roadmaps that connect strategy to execution, including sequencing, dependency management, change management, and measurable adoption outcomes. Establish AI governance and responsible AI guardrails such as model and use case inventory, risk management workflow, review boards, documentation standards, third-party oversight, and ongoing compliance reporting. Institute tactical and functional governance operations and controls that assist in operationalizing program and product-level governance. Translate governance needs into scalable enablement including templates, playbooks, training, and communications that improve adoption and reduce operational friction. Contribute to growth and pursuits by supporting proposal development, scoping, staffing plans, and the creation of reusable assets and accelerators.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship required
Must be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD “PUBLIC TRUST”.
Bachelor’s degree obtained.
7+ years of relevant experience with progressive responsibility, including workstream leadership and oversight of junior staff.
Proven ability to lead client workstreams end-to-end, including planning, facilitation, issue resolution, and executive communications.
Experience shaping roadmaps and operating models that connect governance to delivery, adoption, and measurable outcomes.
Experience delivering consulting or client-facing work, including workshops, written deliverables, and stakeholder management.
Demonstrated knowledge of data governance fundamentals, such as data stewardship, data lifecycle, metadata, data quality, privacy, and access controls.
Familiarity with AI governance concepts such as model risk considerations, transparency and documentation, monitoring, and responsible AI practices.
Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex topics in clear, practical language and produce polished client-ready outputs.
Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and deliver high-quality work products in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to travel as needed based on client and project needs

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting governance programs in public sector, justice, health and human services, or regulated environments.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Information Systems, Public Policy, Business, Data/Computer Science, Engineering, or similar).
Hands-on experience with governance and privacy tooling such as Microsoft Purview, Collibra, Alation, Informatica, OneTrust, Immuta, Datadog, or similar platforms.
Experience designing or facilitating AI literacy, adoption, and change management efforts, including training plans and communications.
Familiarity with modern data platforms and delivery patterns such as Azure, Databricks, Snowflake, lakehouse architectures, and data products.
Certifications in areas pertaining to data governance, privacy, security, cloud, or analytics.

Responsibilities

Lead governance workstreams and small delivery teams to design and implement data/AI governance programs.
Own client relationships for your workstream by setting expectations, facilitating executive discussions, and driving alignment across business, IT, privacy, security, and legal stakeholders.
Design and operationalize governance operating models including council structures, data stewardship models, decision escalation paths, and integrated controls across data, analytics, and AI.
Define implementation roadmaps that connect strategy to execution, including sequencing, dependency management, change management, and measurable adoption outcomes.
Establish AI governance and responsible AI guardrails such as model and use case inventory, risk management workflow, review boards, documentation standards, third-party oversight, and ongoing compliance reporting.
Institute tactical and functional governance operations and controls that assist in operationalizing program and product-level governance.
Translate governance needs into scalable enablement including templates, playbooks, training, and communications that improve adoption and reduce operational friction.
Contribute to growth and pursuits by supporting proposal development, scoping, staffing plans, and the creation of reusable assets and accelerators.

Benefits

Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Basic Life & Supplemental Life
Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Student Loan PayDown
Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
Skills Development & Certifications
Employee Referral Program
Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
Mobility Stipend