Enterprise Data Governance Program Manager

Rice University • Houston, TX

6h • $125,000 - $135,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Enterprise Data Governance Program Manager serves as a strategic and collaborative leader advancing the university’s vision for trusted, accessible, and data-informed decision-making across the institution. This role leads the development and continuous evolution of the university’s enterprise data governance framework, promoting strong data stewardship, quality, integrity, security, and regulatory compliance in alignment with FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR, and institutional standards. Working closely with academic, administrative, research, legal, and technology partners, the Program Manager helps foster a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement while serving as a trusted advisor to stakeholders across the university community.

In addition to leading governance initiatives, the Program Manager plays a key role in strengthening institutional analytics and business intelligence by coordinating projects, engaging stakeholders, and advancing data literacy. The position oversees the design and delivery of training programs focused on Tableau, Power BI, data visualization, institutional business rules, and best practices for data utilization, helping translate complex technical concepts into practical and meaningful guidance for diverse audiences. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical and communication skills, experience navigating complex organizations, and a passion for empowering others through data, collaboration, innovation, and service in support of the university’s mission and long-term strategic goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis
• 4+ years of experience
• In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis
• Leads a team in accomplishing systems analysis, functional and technical design, programming, testing, and production systems support tasks for the university
• Knowledge of computer system capabilities, business processes, and workflows; current knowledge of rapidly changing computer technology
• Extensive experience with enterprise applications and understanding of database-driven applications
• Ability to design and document complex business systems
• Proven problem-solving and analytical thinking skills with the ability to approach problems logically and systematically
• Strong understanding of the software development life cycle
• Project management skills as needed
• Skill in conducting interviews and facilitating group meetings
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to bridge functional and technical resources by communicating effectively with individuals of varying systems expertise and business needs
• Strong listening, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field
• Over five years of experience in business intelligence, data analytics, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in a higher education environment
• Proven track record of successfully implementing data governance frameworks in complex organizations
• Advanced proficiency in multiple business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Qlik)
• Extensive experience in developing e-learning content and using learning management systems (LMS)
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex datasets and provide actionable insights

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the university’s enterprise data governance framework, including policies, standards, and practices that promote data integrity, security, stewardship, and compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements such as FERPA, GDPR, and HIPAA. Partner closely with IT, legal, academic, and administrative stakeholders to strengthen data quality standards, address data-related challenges, and cultivate a culture of responsible and trusted data stewardship across the institution.
• Design, develop, and deliver engaging training and enablement programs focused on business intelligence tools such as Tableau, Power BI, data visualization practices, institutional business rules, and data literacy. Create and maintain a variety of learning resources, including presentations, guides, e-learning modules, documentation, and online materials, while providing personalized and group-based training experiences tailored to diverse university audiences.
• Provide project management and coordination support for Office of Institutional Data, Evaluation, Analytics, and Strategy (IDEAS) initiatives and enterprise business intelligence efforts. Manage and support projects across data, analytics, governance, and business intelligence portfolios by coordinating timelines, deliverables, stakeholder communication, documentation, reporting, risks, and dependencies to promote transparency, visibility, and informed decision-making.
• Plan, manage, and lead analyses of business processes, operational workflows, and organizational functions to identify opportunities for improvement and operational effectiveness. Serve as a trusted advisor to university leadership, supervisors, managers, and stakeholders by providing thoughtful consultation and practical recommendations related to systems, processes, analytics, and data-informed strategies that support institutional priorities and sound decision-making.
• Continuously assess and enhance the effectiveness of governance practices, training programs, and enablement initiatives through feedback, assessments, metrics, and evolving institutional needs. Stay informed on emerging trends and best practices in data governance, analytics, business intelligence, and higher education compliance while fostering a culture centered on continuous learning, collaboration, innovation, and data-informed decision-making across the university community.
• Serve as a collaborative leadership and advisory resource by mentoring colleagues, supporting cross-functional partnerships, and strengthening communication and engagement across departments to advance data literacy, accessibility, and effective data utilization throughout the institution.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the university’s mission and strategic objectives.

Benefits

• Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
• Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University https://www.rice.edu/mission-values

What This Job Offers

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