Data Governance Manager

Ignite Digital • Chesapeake, VA

19h • $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Ignite Digital is seeking an experienced Data Governance Manager to lead and mature a Navy-aligned enterprise data governance program in the Norfolk, Virginia area. The role oversees a team of data governance professionals, shapes governance strategy, and collaborates with senior leadership to define priorities, establish standards, and monitor compliance across mission systems. The ideal candidate has deep data-governance expertise, strong leadership skills, and experience driving adoption of governance frameworks in complex federal environments.

The manager leads the development, execution, and improvement of the enterprise data governance program; oversees governance frameworks, policies, standards, and stewardship models; and drives alignment on data ownership, quality expectations, metadata standards, and governance processes. The role also manages and mentors governance analysts and specialists, monitors compliance and program performance, oversees data governance documentation, and leads data quality and metadata initiatives. The position supports stakeholder guidance and training, communications, governance councils, working groups, and decision-making forums.

An active DoW SECRET clearance is required. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Salary is $120,000+ and aligned with education and experience. Ignite Digital describes itself as a small business committed to serving government agencies and as an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in data governance, including leadership or managerial responsibilities.
• Expert-level knowledge of data governance frameworks, policy development, data quality management, and metadata practices.
• Proven leadership skills, including team management and project oversight.
• Strong stakeholder management capabilities across business, technical, and executive audiences.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Active DoW SECRET clearance.
• Must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and be subject to a government security investigation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting governance in regulated or federally aligned environments.
• Additional certifications in data governance, data management, or analytics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, execution, and continuous improvement of the Navy’s enterprise data governance program.
• Partner with senior management to define governance priorities, objectives, and implementation roadmaps.
• Develop and oversee enterprise-wide governance frameworks, policies, standards, and stewardship models.
• Drive organizational alignment on data ownership, quality expectations, metadata standards, and governance processes.
• Manage and mentor a team of data governance analysts and specialists.
• Assign responsibilities, oversee performance, and ensure delivery of governance initiatives.
• Build a high-performing culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Monitor compliance with data governance policies, standards, and procedures across systems and functional areas.
• Report data governance performance, risks, and maturity metrics to senior leadership.
• Oversee documentation of business rules, data definitions, metadata structures, lineage, and quality indicators.
• Ensure consistent stewardship engagement and adherence to governance workflows.
• Lead identification and remediation of data quality issues and establish KPIs and quality monitoring procedures.
• Support implementation of metadata management tools, business glossaries, and enterprise data catalogs.
• Collaborate with data owners and stewards to enforce governance standards and ensure high-quality mission data.
• Provide guidance and best practices to stakeholders, data owners, and stewards.
• Lead governance training, reinforcement, and communication campaigns.
• Support and facilitate governance councils, working groups, and decision-making forums.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits, including PTO.
• Education stipends.
• Referral bonuses.
• Compelling work with the U.S. federal government.
• Strong emphasis on volunteer and community engagement.
• Opportunity to shape the future of the industry.
• Supportive colleagues and management who invest in employee growth.

What This Job Offers

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