Role Overview for VP, Data Governance with a Global Bank – Jersey City, NJ
In an era where data is the most critical asset for the global financial system, JRG Partners is proud to represent a prestigious global banking institution in its search for a visionary Vice President of Data Governance. This is a pivotal, high-impact leadership role based in the strategic hub of Jersey City, NJ. The successful candidate will be the champion for data governance across the enterprise, tasked with defining, implementing, and overseeing the framework that ensures the quality, integrity, security, and strategic value of the bank’s vast data assets.
As the VP of Data Governance, you will be at the forefront of the bank’s data transformation journey. You will not only ensure compliance with stringent regulatory requirements but also unlock the power of data to drive business innovation, enhance risk management, and deliver superior client experiences. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the financial services landscape, exceptional leadership capabilities, and a hands-on approach to building and maturing a world-class data governance program. Reporting to a senior executive within the data organization, you will collaborate with leaders across business, technology, risk, and compliance to embed a culture of data accountability and excellence throughout the firm.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Data Governance with a Global Bank – Jersey City, NJ
The VP, Data Governance will be accountable for a wide range of strategic and operational duties, including but not limited to:
Strategic Framework Development and Implementation
You will architect, deploy, and continuously enhance the enterprise-wide data governance framework. This includes establishing the operating model, defining roles and responsibilities (Data Owners, Data Stewards, Data Custodians), and creating the foundational pillars of the program to align with business objectives and regulatory mandates. Your strategic vision will shape how the bank manages data as a critical enterprise asset.
Policy and Standards Management
You will lead the creation, approval, and socialization of all data governance policies, standards, and procedures. This involves working closely with Legal, Compliance, and Information Security to ensure that all data handling practices are robust, documented, and consistently applied across all business lines and geographical regions.
Data Stewardship and Ownership Program
A core responsibility will be to establish and mature a federated data stewardship program. You will identify, train, and empower a network of data stewards and owners within the business units, fostering a culture of accountability and ensuring that data is managed by those who know it best.
Enterprise Data Quality Assurance
You will oversee the enterprise data quality program, from strategy to execution. This includes leading the definition of critical data elements (CDEs), establishing data quality rules and thresholds, implementing monitoring and reporting dashboards, and driving the root-cause analysis and remediation of data quality issues.
Metadata Management, Data Cataloging, and Lineage
You will champion the firm’s metadata management strategy. This involves overseeing the implementation and adoption of the enterprise data catalog, ensuring comprehensive data lineage is captured and maintained, and providing the organization with a clear, trusted view of its data landscape.
Regulatory Compliance and Risk Mitigation
You will serve as the subject matter expert on data-related regulations, ensuring the bank’s adherence to global standards. Your expertise will be critical in interpreting and implementing controls for regulations such as the BCBS 239 principles, GDPR, CCPA, and other relevant financial and privacy laws. You will proactively identify and mitigate data-related risks.
Data Governance Council Leadership
You will prepare for, and ultimately chair, the Data Governance Council. This executive-level forum is responsible for resolving data issues, approving policies, and providing strategic direction. You will be responsible for setting the agenda, facilitating productive discussions, and driving key decisions to move the program forward.
Technology Enablement and Partnership
In close collaboration with the Chief Technology Officer’s organization, you will guide the selection, implementation, and optimization of data governance technologies (e.g., Collibra, Informatica, Alation). You will ensure that the technology stack effectively supports the governance framework and meets the evolving needs of the business.
Change Management and Communication
A significant part of your role will be to act as an evangelist for data governance. You will develop and execute a comprehensive communication and change management plan to drive awareness, understanding, and adoption of data governance principles and practices across the entire organization.
Team Leadership and Development
You will build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of data governance analysts and managers. You will foster a collaborative and innovative environment, providing career guidance and professional development opportunities to ensure the team’s continued growth and success.
Requirements for the VP, Data Governance with a Global Bank – Jersey City, NJ
We are seeking a seasoned professional with a proven track record of success in leading data governance initiatives within complex, global organizations.
Required Qualifications:
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in data management, data strategy, or data governance roles.
Leadership Experience
At least 7 years of experience in a formal leadership capacity, managing teams and influencing senior stakeholders within the financial services industry (e.g., global banking, investment management, capital markets).
Domain Expertise
Deep, demonstrable expertise in designing and implementing enterprise-wide data governance programs. A thorough understanding of data governance frameworks such as DAMA-DMBOK is essential.
Regulatory Knowledge
Expert-level knowledge of data-related financial regulations and privacy laws, including BCBS 239, CCAR, GDPR, and CCPA.
Technical Acumen
Hands-on experience with leading data governance and data quality tools (e.g., Collibra, Informatica Axon/IDQ, Alation). Strong understanding of data architecture, data modeling, master data management (MDM), and data warehousing concepts.
Influencing Skills
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and build consensus among diverse stakeholder groups is paramount.
Strategic Mindset
Proven ability to think strategically, align data governance initiatives with business outcomes, and drive a long-term vision while delivering incremental value.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or PhD) in a relevant discipline.
- Professional certifications such as Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) or Certified Information Management Professional (CIMP).
- Experience with data governance in a cloud environment (AWS, Azure, GCP).
- Prior experience leading large-scale organizational change management programs.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in its people and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. This includes:
- Highly competitive base salary and a significant performance-based annual bonus.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
- A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company match.
- Substantial paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and company holidays.
- A commitment to work-life balance, featuring a hybrid work model with flexibility.
- Extensive opportunities for professional development, including support for certifications, training, and attending industry conferences.
- Employee wellness programs, including mental health resources and fitness subsidies.
- Commuter benefits and other employee discount programs.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. If you are a visionary data leader ready to make a significant impact at a global financial institution, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications for this role.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
To learn more about our expertise in placing top-tier talent and to explore other opportunities, please visit our Financial Services & FinTech Practice page.
