Head of Technology Governance

Guardian Life•New York, NY

46d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Head of Technology Governance will lead the design, implementation, and oversight of enterprise-wide technology governance frameworks, ensuring that all technology initiatives-including innovation, architecture, cybersecurity, and risk-align with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. This role manages cross-functional governance councils and bodies such as the Innovation Council, Architecture Review Board, IT Security Committee, and CyberRisk Council, driving strategic alignment, operational excellence, and risk mitigation across the technology landscape.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business, or related field.
12+ years of progressive experience in technology governance, enterprise architecture or technology strategy within complex, regulated industries preferably within financial services or insurance
Demonstrated experience managing enterprise governance councils, architecture review boards, and IT risk/security committees
Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks (NIST, ISO) and technology risk management best practices
Strong leadership, facilitation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders
Experience engaging with executive leadership, regulators, and auditors.
Strategic mindset with a track record of linking governance to business outcomes and digital transformation

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and continuously improve the enterprise technology governance framework, policies, and standards to support business strategy, technology modernization and AI transformation.
Chair and coordinate governance bodies, including the Innovation Council, Architecture Review Board, IT Security Committee, and CyberRisk Council, ensuring effective decision-making, prioritization, and execution of technology initiatives
Ensure governance supports business outcomes - enabling faster decision making while managing risk and compliance.
Advise executive leadership on technology trends, risk posture, and governance best practices; act as a key liaison to regulators and auditors during reviews and exams
Lead regular meetings of governance councils, set agendas, and ensure transparent communication and documentation of decisions and actions
Oversee the review and approval of major technology investments, architectural standards, and security controls, ensuring alignment with business and compliance objectives
Lead the design and deployment and of AI and analytics driven governance models (e.g. automated policy checks, pattern validation)
Build reporting / dashboards for technology governance, compliance.
Introduce predictive insights for early detection of risk, duplication and technical debt.
Ensure technology and cyber risks are proactively identified, assessed, managed, and reported in accordance with internal policies and external regulations (e.g., NIST, ISO, NYDFS)
Maintain and enhance technology risk policies, risk appetite statements, and key risk indicators; monitor breaches and escalate exceptions as needed
Oversee the execution of risk assessments, control self-assessments, and continuous monitoring programs across all technology domains
Approve and enforce changes in IT policies, standards, and procedures, including architectural and security frameworks
Guide the Architecture Review Board in evaluating solution designs for consistency, interoperability, and alignment with enterprise standards
Ensure governance processes support innovation while maintaining compliance, security, and operational resilience
Develop and report on governance metrics, project progress, and portfolio health to executive leadership and governance bodies
Optimize technology investments by evaluating proposals for business value, risk, and strategic fit
Manage the governance function's budget and resource allocation, ensuring efficient support for all governance activities