JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier regional bank in St. Louis, MO, in its search for a visionary and strategic leader to fill the role of Vice President, Data Governance & Strategy. This is a critical leadership position for an institution committed to leveraging data as a strategic asset to drive business growth, enhance customer experience, and ensure regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of data governance principles, a strategic mindset, and a proven track record of implementing successful data governance programs within the financial services industry. You will be at the forefront of shaping the bank’s data culture, establishing the frameworks, policies, and standards that will govern its data assets and empower the organization to make smarter, data-driven decisions. This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a foundational capability that will have a lasting impact on the bank’s long-term success and competitive positioning.
Role Overview for VP, Data Governance & Strategy with a Regional Bank – St. Louis, MO
The Vice President of Data Governance & Strategy will be the principal authority responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of the enterprise-wide data governance framework. Reporting to the Chief Data Officer, you will champion the importance of data quality, data management, and data policy across all business units and functional areas. Your mission will be to transform the bank’s approach to data, moving from siloed data management to a cohesive, enterprise-level strategy that ensures data is treated as a critical corporate asset. You will lead the charge in defining the roles and responsibilities for data stewardship, establishing a Data Governance Council, and implementing the necessary tools and technologies to support a robust governance program. This role requires a blend of strategic vision, technical expertise, and exceptional leadership skills to influence change, foster collaboration, and embed a culture of data accountability throughout the organization. You will serve as the key liaison between business stakeholders, IT, risk management, and compliance to ensure that data governance initiatives are aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Data Governance & Strategy with a Regional Bank – St. Louis, MO
Strategic Framework Development
Design, implement, and maintain an enterprise-wide data governance framework, including policies, standards, procedures, and guidelines, to ensure data is managed consistently and effectively across the bank.
Policy and Standards Management
Establish and enforce data governance policies and standards for data quality, data lineage, metadata management, data security, and data privacy in alignment with industry best practices and regulatory mandates.
Data Stewardship Program
Develop and operationalize a formal data stewardship program. This includes identifying and training data stewards and data owners within business units to take responsibility for the management and quality of their respective data domains.
Data Quality Management
Lead the strategy for data quality improvement. Define data quality rules and metrics (KPIs/KQIs), implement data profiling and monitoring processes, and oversee data cleansing and remediation initiatives to ensure data is accurate, complete, and trustworthy.
Metadata Management & Data Cataloging
Spearhead the implementation and adoption of an enterprise data catalog and business glossary. Ensure critical data elements are defined, documented, and easily accessible to business users to foster understanding and proper usage of data.
Governance Council Leadership
Establish and chair the Data Governance Council, a cross-functional body responsible for making decisions on data policies, resolving data-related issues, and prioritizing data governance initiatives across the enterprise.
Regulatory Compliance
Act as the subject matter expert on data-related regulations (e.g., BCBS 239, GLBA, CCPA). Work closely with Compliance, Legal, and Risk departments to ensure the data governance program meets all regulatory and legal requirements.
Technology & Tooling
Partner with the IT department to evaluate, select, and implement data governance technologies and tools (e.g., data quality, data catalog, metadata management platforms) that support the governance framework and automate processes.
Change Management and Communication
Develop and execute a comprehensive communication and training plan to promote awareness, understanding, and adoption of data governance principles and practices across the organization, fostering a strong data-centric culture.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting
Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness of the data governance program. Provide regular reports and updates to senior leadership and stakeholders on the program’s progress and impact.
Requirements for the VP, Data Governance & Strategy with a Regional Bank – St. Louis, MO
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. A Master’s degree is highly preferred.
- A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in data management, data governance, or a related data-centric field.
- At least 5 years of experience in a leadership or management role, with a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
- Significant experience within the banking or financial services industry is mandatory, with a deep understanding of its unique data challenges and regulatory landscape.
- Demonstrated success in designing and implementing an enterprise-wide data governance program from the ground up.
Core Competencies & Skills:
- Expert-level knowledge of data governance principles, practices, and frameworks, such as the DAMA-DMBOK2 framework.
- In-depth understanding of data quality management, metadata management, data lineage, master data management (MDM), and data architecture.
- Strong familiarity with financial services regulations impacting data, including BCBS 239, GDPR, CCPA, and GLBA.
- Hands-on experience with data governance and data quality tools such as Collibra, Informatica Axon/IDQ, Alation, or similar platforms.
- Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to translate complex business requirements into a tangible governance strategy.
- Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus among a wide range of stakeholders, from technical staff to C-level executives.
- Proven project management skills and experience leading large-scale, cross-functional initiatives.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of its employees. As a valued leader, you will be eligible for:
Competitive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary and eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus and long-term incentives.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with multiple coverage options for you and your family.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous policy for vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your growth with opportunities for continuous learning, training, certifications, and conference attendance.
Wellness Programs
Access to employee assistance programs (EAP), wellness resources, and health club membership reimbursements.
Additional Benefits
Life insurance, disability coverage, and flexible spending accounts (FSA).
How to Apply
Are you ready to take on this pivotal leadership role and shape the future of data at a leading regional bank? We encourage you to apply and share your expertise. JRG Partners specializes in connecting top-tier talent with exceptional opportunities in the financial sector. We are committed to a confidential and thorough review of all applications.
To express your interest in this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter. For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners Financial Services Practice page. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
