Director - Data & Analytics

Central Hudson Gas & Electric•Poughkeepsie, NY

About The Position

We are seeking a visionary and enterprise-minded Director of Data & Analytics to lead the development and execution of enterprise-wide data and analytics capabilities. This role is part of the Office of the CIO and is central for partnering with the business to develop and execute data strategy, enable advanced analytics and AI capabilities, and oversee data engineering and support functions. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader with a deep understanding of data as a critical asset that enables decision support, predictive insights, and resilient grid operations. The Director must demonstrate a commitment to cross-functional partnerships, executive engagement, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, information systems, business administration or a related field of study and 7+ years of relevant experience in information technology, data & analytics, or a closely related domain
5+ years of leadership experience in data strategy, governance, engineering, or analytics
Strong understanding of data governance, engineering, and management best practices
Proficiency in modern data platforms and tools (e.g., Azure, Snowflake, Databricks, Power BI)
Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and change leadership skills
Experience with frameworks such as DAMA-DMBOK, ISO, or similar
Strong commitment to transparency, inclusion, and continuous improvement
Valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in computer science, data science, information systems, business administration or a related field of study
Experience in regulated industries, especially utilities or energy
Experience applying data and analytics to utility domains such as grid modernization, asset analytics, demand forecasting, and customer engagement

Responsibilities

Supports the development, adoption, and evolution of the enterprise data strategy, in close partnership with business leadership, aligned with utility operations, regulatory requirements, and Central Huson 2.0 transformation goals
Enables strategic adoption of AI and generative AI technologies, integrating responsible AI principles, and championing data-driven value creation through predictive analytics and decision intelligence across utility domains
Establishes and co-chairs enterprise data governance councils, setting policies, standards, and accountability structures that span business units and functions
Influences and aligns cross-functional business and IT leaders to ensure seamless integration of data initiatives with strategic priorities
Builds, leads, and mentors high-performing teams dedicated to data architecture, data analytics, data engineering, fostering a culture of constructive engagement and continuous innovation
Oversees the design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise data platforms and pipelines, ensuring reliability, scalability, and performance for mission-critical operations
Drives enterprise adoption of modern data engineering practices, including cloud-native architectures, data mesh, and real-time analytics, positioning the organization as an industry leader
Leads modernization of analytics platforms, enabling actionable insights through self-service capabilities and advanced tools (e.g., Power BI, Databricks), and fostering data literacy across the enterprise
Sets enterprise standards for data management, including metadata, lineage, master data, and data stewardship, ensuring data is trusted and fit for future
Partners with business leaders, cybersecurity, and IT/OT to ensure data solutions meet evolving compliance, security, and audit requirements, and proactively address regulatory changes
Defines, monitors, and reports on enterprise KPIs for data quality, platform performance, user adoption, governance maturity, and business impact to executive leadership
Ensures enterprise alignment with risk and compliance frameworks, collaborating with GRC, Cybersecurity, Regulatory, and Legal to mitigate risks and uphold regulatory standards
Provides support for storm restoration efforts