Role Overview for VP, Clinical Data Governance with a Specialty Pharma – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering specialty pharmaceutical company in their search for a visionary Vice President of Clinical Data Governance. This executive leadership role, based in the vibrant life sciences hub of Raleigh, NC, is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned data strategist to build and lead a world-class data governance function. Our client is at the forefront of developing innovative therapies for complex diseases, and they recognize that the integrity, quality, and strategic use of clinical data are paramount to their mission of improving patient lives.
As the VP of Clinical Data Governance, you will be the ultimate authority and evangelist for data as a strategic asset within the clinical development organization. You will be responsible for architecting and implementing a comprehensive, enterprise-wide data governance framework from the ground up. This is not merely a technical or operational role; it is a transformative leadership position that requires a unique blend of strategic vision, deep regulatory knowledge, technical acumen, and the ability to influence change across a dynamic, science-driven organization. You will report directly to the Chief Medical Officer and work in close collaboration with the C-suite, including the heads of Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Regulatory Affairs, and Information Technology.
The ideal candidate will be a thought leader who can articulate a compelling vision for how robust data governance drives clinical trial efficiency, accelerates regulatory submissions, and unlocks novel insights through advanced analytics. You will be tasked with creating a culture where data is consistently managed, trusted, and leveraged to make critical business and scientific decisions. This role offers the chance to make a tangible impact on a growing organization’s clinical pipeline and shape the future of its data infrastructure in one of the world’s most prominent biotech corridors, the Research Triangle Park (RTP).
Key Responsibilities of VP, Clinical Data Governance with a Specialty Pharma – Raleigh, NC
The VP of Clinical Data Governance will have a broad and impactful remit, encompassing strategy, execution, and leadership across the entire clinical data lifecycle. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Framework Development
Design, develop, and implement an end-to-end clinical data governance strategy and roadmap. Establish the foundational pillars of the program, including data quality, metadata management, master data management (MDM), data stewardship, data lineage, and access controls.
Governance Leadership
Establish and chair a cross-functional Clinical Data Governance Council. Define charters, roles, and responsibilities to ensure enterprise-wide alignment and accountability for data policies and standards.
Policy and Standard Setting
Author, approve, and enforce a comprehensive set of data governance policies, standards, and procedures. Ensure these standards are practical, scalable, and consistently applied across all phases of clinical development.
Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance
Serve as the ultimate subject matter expert on data integrity and compliance. Ensure all clinical data management and governance practices adhere to global regulatory requirements, including FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EMA regulations, HIPAA, GDPR, and industry best practices like ICH-GCP (Good Clinical Practice) guidelines. Proactively prepare the organization for regulatory inspections and audits.
Technology and Systems Oversight
Partner with IT to evaluate, select, and implement enabling technologies for data governance, such as data catalogs, data quality monitoring tools, and MDM platforms. Ensure the technology stack supports the governance framework and enhances data accessibility and usability.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Influence
Act as a key strategic partner to leaders in Clinical Operations, Biostatistics, Data Management, Statistical Programming, Pharmacovigilance, and Regulatory Affairs. Foster a collaborative environment to ensure data governance principles are embedded into all clinical processes and systems.
Team Building and Mentorship
Recruit, train, and lead a high-performing team of data governance professionals, data stewards, and data quality analysts. Foster a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and professional development within the team.
Data Stewardship Program
Define and launch a formal data stewardship program. Identify and empower data owners and stewards throughout the clinical organization, providing them with the training and tools necessary to fulfill their roles effectively.
Metrics, Monitoring, and Reporting
Develop and maintain a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) and dashboards to measure the health of clinical data assets and the effectiveness of the data governance program. Regularly report on progress, risks, and successes to the executive leadership team.
Change Management
Champion the importance of data governance across the organization. Develop and execute a comprehensive change management and communication plan to drive adoption of new policies, processes, and a data-centric mindset.
Requirements for the VP, Clinical Data Governance with a Specialty Pharma – Raleigh, NC
This senior leadership position demands a candidate with extensive experience, deep domain expertise, and proven leadership capabilities. The following qualifications are essential:
Educational Background
An advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) in Life Sciences, Data Science, Computer Science, Biostatistics, Health Informatics, or a related field is required.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or Clinical Research Organization (CRO) industry, with at least 8-10 years in a senior leadership capacity overseeing data-centric functions such as Clinical Data Management, Clinical Informatics, or Data Governance.
Proven Governance Expertise
Demonstrated, hands-on experience in designing and implementing an enterprise-level data governance program from the ground up. Must be able to show a track record of successfully establishing governance frameworks, policies, and stewardship programs that have resulted in measurable improvements in data quality and integrity.
Deep Regulatory Knowledge
Expert-level understanding of the global regulatory landscape for clinical data, including FDA, EMA, and PMDA requirements. Intimate familiarity with GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, and data privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA).
Technical and Data Standards Acumen
Profound knowledge of the end-to-end clinical data lifecycle. Expertise in industry data standards is mandatory, particularly with CDISC standards (SDTM, ADaM, CDASH). Familiarity with data governance and management technologies (e.g., Collibra, Informatica, Alation, Veeva, Medidata Rave) is highly desirable.
Strategic and Visionary Leadership
Ability to think strategically and translate a high-level vision into an actionable, multi-year roadmap. Proven ability to lead, influence, and motivate cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Exceptional Communication Skills
Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills. Must be able to articulate complex technical and regulatory concepts to a diverse audience, from data analysts to the Board of Directors.
Change Agent
A demonstrated ability to drive significant organizational change, overcome resistance, and foster a culture that values data as a critical enterprise asset.
Problem-Solving Skills
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a proven ability to navigate ambiguity, identify risks, and develop effective solutions to complex data challenges.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity package (stock options and/or RSUs) to ensure you share in the long-term success you help create.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. The package also includes robust wellness programs, an employee assistance program (EAP), and health savings accounts (HSA).
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan featuring a generous company match to help you build a secure financial future.
Work-Life Integration
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company-paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for professional development, including attendance at key industry conferences, executive coaching, and certifications.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to facilitate a smooth transition to the Raleigh, NC area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. If you are a visionary data leader with the experience and passion to build a world-class clinical data governance function, we invite you to take the next step in your career.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a JRG Partners executive recruiter for an initial discussion. To learn more about our dedicated recruitment practice in this sector, please feel free to explore our expertise in Life Sciences executive search.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
