View Job description for Data Governance Lead

College of Western Idaho•Nampa, ID

2d•$77,052 - $87,000•Onsite

About The Position

Lead Institutional Data Excellence as the Data Governance Lead at CWI! Are you passionate about building structure, trust, and clarity around data? The College of Western Idaho (CWI) is seeking a Data Governance Lead to provide institution‑wide leadership for data governance, ensuring the quality, integrity, security, and responsible use of institutional data. In this role, you will guide governance strategy, facilitate cross‑functional collaboration, and partner with campus leaders to strengthen data stewardship and support informed, data-driven decision-making across the college. Why Join CWI? At CWI, data is a critical asset that supports student success, operational excellence, and strategic planning. As Data Governance Lead, you’ll shape how data is defined, protected, and used across academic and administrative areas—empowering teams with shared standards, improving trust in analytics, and advancing a strong culture of data accountability and literacy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Data Management, Business Administration, or a related field
Five (5) years of experience in data governance, data management, analytics, business analysis, or enterprise systems administration
Demonstrated experience leading cross‑functional initiatives or governance programs within a complex organization
Strong understanding of data governance frameworks, metadata management, and data lifecycle concepts
Ability to interpret regulatory requirements and institutional data privacy and security standards
Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 tools, including Power BI, Teams, SharePoint, and related collaboration platforms

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of a college‑wide data governance program, including policies, standards, and procedures
Chair the Data Governance Committee and facilitate governance discussions and decisions across functional areas
Establish and maintain institutional taxonomies and a shared data dictionary across systems
Interpret and apply data governance frameworks, institutional standards, and regulatory requirements
Collaborate with department‑level data stewards to define data entry standards, data classification, and data lifecycle practices
Develop and oversee a data quality program, including monitoring processes, validation standards, and continuous improvement initiatives
Communicate data quality metrics, governance updates, and compliance requirements to leadership and operational teams
Serve as a key liaison between IT, data, and business stakeholders to ensure governance alignment and clear communication
Partner with IT security teams to support data privacy policies, risk management practices, and regulatory compliance (e.g., FERPA)
Support responsible data access and use while balancing institutional needs and security requirements
Identify gaps in data understanding and lead initiatives to strengthen data literacy across the college
Develop communication strategies and resources that promote shared understanding of institutional data and metrics
Foster a culture of accountability, consistency, and transparency in data use