Director of Data Programs

Farm Credit•Columbia, SC

28d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager of Data Governance & Enablement will play a key role in advancing AgFirst's enterprise data governance program by partnering closely with association stakeholders and internal technical teams. This role focuses on identifying high-impact data use cases and enabling their success through scalable Master Data Management (MDM) architecture, metadata management, and data cataloging to improve data discoverability and usability. The Manager will also support initiatives that enhance data quality and ensure secure, compliant handling of both structured and unstructured data. Success in this role requires strong collaboration, alignment of data initiatives with business priorities, and the ability to promote a shared vision of data as a strategic asset across the Bank and its associations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in information systems, Computer Science, or related field; master's in business, Data Science, or Information Governance preferred.
8-10 years of experience in data governance or enterprise data management, with 5+ years in a leadership role.
Strong background in financial services or other regulated industries.
Deep understanding of data governance principles, frameworks, and best practices.
Proficiency with data management tools and platforms, and experience leading cross-functional teams.
Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and analytical problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Preferred certifications: CDMP, DAMA Data Governance, CISA, CISM, TOGAF.

Responsibilities

Support the implementation of data governance policies, procedures, and stewardship activities across departments.
Coordinate with business units to ensure compliance with governance standards and promote data quality.
Provide tools, training, and operational support to enhance data literacy and responsible data usage.
Assist in deploying data enablement platforms and ensure governed data is accessible and actionable.
Track and report on enablement KPIs, adoption metrics, and data quality improvements.
Collaborate with association partners to identify high-impact data use cases aligned with governance practices.
Facilitate onboarding and support for data stewards to promote local accountability and ownership.
Serve as a liaison between tec hnical teams and business users to translate governance into practical processes.
Monitor adoption of governance tools and recommend improvements for usability and effectiveness.
Manage a team, translating strategic goals into operational plans while ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.