Assistant Director, Data Strategy & Governance.

About the Role

The Assistant Director, Data Strategy & Governance operationalizes and advances Dartmouth’s data governance and related data strategy objectives. Using knowledge of project management, data governance, change management, and continuous improvement practices, the Assistant Director develops processes, documentation, and partnerships that support effective data stewardship, improve data quality, and strengthen the responsible use of institutional data. The Assistant Director reports to the Senior Associate Provost for Institutional Research and Effectiveness and partners with Information, Technology and Consulting and other campus constituents to achieve institutional goals. The role serves as a key connector among Institutional Research, technology partners, data stewards, data governance sponsors, and functional stakeholders, helping translate institutional data governance priorities into practical, sustainable action.

Responsibilities

• Data Governance and Strategy Implementation (50%)
  • Implements data governance standards, usage expectations, policies, and requirements with clients and stakeholders.
  • Develops and manages project plans, timelines, deliverables, communication approaches, and follow-through mechanisms to support successful execution of institutional-level data governance initiatives.
  • Collaborates with data governance sponsors to develop, enhance, and implement Dartmouth’s data governance framework, roadmap, and related data strategy priorities.
  • Identifies and coordinates cross-functional opportunities to strengthen data stewardship, improve data quality, clarify data definitions, and promote consistent use of institutional data.
  • Establishes mechanisms to track the impact of data governance programs, including indicators of adoption, effectiveness, data quality improvement, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Leads cross-functional teams and stakeholders, providing guidance, support, and oversight throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Researches data governance best practices at other institutions and adapts relevant practices to Dartmouth’s context.
  • Supports documentation of data governance decisions, stewardship responsibilities, business processes, data definitions, and related standards.
• Solutions Management (15%)
  • Manages data governance-related systems, including reviewing new features and upgrades and advising on their implementation.
  • Configures and manages access control for data governance-related systems in alignment with institutional policies and appropriate data use.
  • Maintains knowledge of core systems and their functionality, with attention to how system capabilities support data governance, data quality, documentation, and stewardship.
  • Partners with functional and technical teams to improve data governance-related workflows, reporting, documentation, and system use.
  • Advises stakeholders on effective use of data governance tools and related systems.
• Collaboration and Relationship Management (25%)
  • Collaborates with internal and external teams to share information, build relationships, and achieve shared goals.
  • Serves as primary liaison to data stewards and supports consistent stewardship practices across campus.
  • Establishes and maintains communication channels that support ongoing collaboration and engagement among stakeholders involved in data governance initiatives.
  • Coordinates meetings, working groups, or governance forums that support data governance priorities, including preparing materials, documenting decisions, tracking action items, and supporting follow-through.
  • Builds shared understanding among technical, functional, and institutional stakeholders regarding data governance goals, expectations, responsibilities, and progress.
  • Prepares clear updates, summaries, recommendations, and decision materials for data governance sponsors, Institutional Research leadership, and campus partners.
  • Promotes a collaborative, service-oriented approach to data governance that supports trust, transparency, and institutional decision-making.
• Training, Communication, and Development (10%)
  • Develops and delivers training programs, workshops, guidance materials, and communications to educate stakeholders on data governance principles, practices, tools, and expectations.
  • Trains and mentors colleagues and campus partners in data governance, stewardship, data quality, and responsible data use.
  • Supports adoption of data governance practices by helping stakeholders understand the purpose, value, and practical application of standards and processes.
  • Proactively identifies and pursues training to develop subject matter expertise in data governance, data strategy, data quality, data stewardship, project management, and change management.
  • Shares relevant lessons, resources, and emerging practices with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions, interactions, and communications with others appropriate to an environment that is welcoming to all.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years of relevant work experience in a technical or functional role working with data and/or data governance.
• Familiarity with project management tools and techniques.
• Fundamental understanding of data governance goals and techniques.
• Experience in and functional understanding of complex data environments.
• Familiarity with defining and tracking performance indicators.
• Ability to develop methods of implementing institutional initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate, lead, and influence within and across teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience providing training and support.
• Demonstrated ability to develop skills and competencies.
• Understanding of change management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with data governance in higher education.
• Demonstrated success driving a project forward.
• Experience synthesizing information for senior leaders.
• Experience maintaining administrative and software systems supporting the implementation of data governance priorities.
• Experience as a subject matter expert regarding the interpretation and documentation of data governance policies and processes.
• Experience mentoring and teaching others.

Schedule

This is a regular full-time position with a schedule of 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. The role is hybrid and located in Hanover, NH.