Role Overview for VP, Data Strategy & Governance with a Global FinServ Firm – New York, NY
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier global financial services firm in their exclusive search for a visionary and transformative Vice President of Data Strategy & Governance. Based in the vibrant heart of New York, NY, this executive leadership role is a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of our client’s data landscape. The successful candidate will be a strategic leader responsible for defining, implementing, and overseeing the enterprise-wide data strategy, governance framework, and data management practices. This is not merely a technical role; it is a business-critical function that will empower the organization to unlock the full potential of its data assets, driving innovation, enhancing client experiences, mitigating risk, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Reporting directly to the Chief Data Officer (CDO), you will act as a key advisor to senior leadership, championing a data-driven culture across all business units. You will lead a dedicated team of data professionals and collaborate extensively with stakeholders in Technology, Risk, Compliance, Legal, and various business lines to embed data governance as a core competency. Your mission is to transform data from a simple asset into a strategic enabler of business growth and operational excellence. This role demands a unique blend of deep technical expertise in data management, a strong understanding of the financial services regulatory environment, and exceptional leadership and communication skills to navigate a complex, global organization. If you are a passionate data evangelist with a proven track record of building and scaling world-class data governance programs, we invite you to explore this career-defining opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Data Strategy & Governance with a Global FinServ Firm – New York, NY
The VP of Data Strategy & Governance will have a broad and impactful remit, overseeing all aspects of the data lifecycle from a strategic and governance perspective. Key responsibilities include:
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Enterprise Data Strategy Development & Execution
You will be the architect of the firm’s data future. This involves creating and maintaining a comprehensive enterprise data strategy and roadmap that is tightly aligned with the company’s overarching business goals. You will translate strategic objectives into actionable data initiatives, define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success, and secure executive buy-in and funding. This includes prioritizing data projects, from improving data quality for regulatory reporting to enabling advanced analytics and AI/ML capabilities, ensuring they deliver tangible business value.
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Data Governance Framework Implementation
Establish, implement, and mature an enterprise-wide data governance framework. This includes defining and documenting clear policies, standards, processes, and controls for data management. You will establish a Data Governance Council, define clear roles and responsibilities for data owners, data stewards, and data custodians across the organization, and ensure their active engagement. The goal is to create a sustainable system of accountability for the firm’s critical data assets.
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Data Quality and Master Data Management (MDM)
Champion a culture of data quality. You will be responsible for developing and implementing a robust data quality management program, including defining data quality rules, establishing monitoring dashboards, and leading remediation efforts. Furthermore, you will oversee the strategy and execution of Master Data Management (MDM) and Reference Data Management programs to create a single, authoritative source of truth for critical data domains such as client, product, and counterparty data.
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Regulatory Compliance and Risk Mitigation
In the highly regulated financial services industry, this is a paramount responsibility. You will ensure the firm’s data practices and governance framework adhere to all relevant global and local regulations, including but not limited to BCBS 239, GDPR, CCPA, and other data privacy laws. You will partner closely with Legal, Compliance, and Risk departments to interpret regulations, assess their impact on data management, and implement necessary controls to mitigate data-related risks.
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Leadership, Mentorship, and Cultural Change
Build and lead a high-performing team of data governance and strategy professionals. You will provide mentorship, coaching, and career development opportunities for your team members. Beyond your direct reports, you will act as a key change agent across the enterprise, promoting data literacy and advocating for the value of a data-driven mindset. You will develop and deliver training programs and communication plans to embed data management best practices throughout the organization.
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Technology Enablement and Innovation
Stay at the forefront of the data management technology landscape. You will be responsible for evaluating, selecting, and overseeing the implementation of data governance and management tools, such as data catalogs, data quality platforms, and MDM solutions (e.g., Collibra, Informatica, Ataccama). You will ensure that the technology stack effectively supports the data strategy and governance objectives, driving efficiency and automation.
Requirements for the VP, Data Strategy & Governance with a Global FinServ Firm – New York, NY
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished leader with a deep passion for data and a proven ability to execute complex, enterprise-wide initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Extensive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in data management, data strategy, data architecture, or a related field. At least 7+ years of this experience must be in a senior leadership capacity, managing teams and driving large-scale programs.
Financial Services Acumen
Deep and demonstrable experience within the financial services industry (e.g., investment banking, asset management, retail banking) is mandatory. A thorough understanding of financial products, business processes, and the unique data challenges and opportunities within the sector is required.
Regulatory Expertise
In-depth, practical knowledge of key data-related regulations impacting the financial industry, such as the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s principles for effective risk data aggregation and risk reporting (BCBS 239), GDPR, and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Technical Proficiency
Strong command of data governance frameworks (e.g., DAMA-DMBOK, CMMI). Hands-on experience with modern data governance technologies, data quality tools, metadata management, and MDM platforms. Familiarity with cloud data ecosystems (AWS, Azure, GCP) and modern data architectures is highly desirable.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Finance, or Business Administration.
Exceptional Leadership Skills
Proven ability to lead, influence, and build consensus in a complex, matrixed global organization. You must be an exceptional communicator, capable of articulating a compelling vision for data to both technical and non-technical audiences, from engineers to the C-suite.
Strategic Mindset
A strategic and analytical thinker who can see the big picture, connect data initiatives to business outcomes, and navigate ambiguity. You must possess strong problem-solving skills and a results-oriented approach.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary and a significant performance-based annual bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
Participation in the firm’s equity or long-term incentive plan (e.g., Restricted Stock Units), aligning your success with the company’s growth.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. The package also includes access to wellness programs, mental health support, and a corporate gym membership subsidy.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your financial future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A competitive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and company-paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A substantial budget for continuous learning, including certifications, industry conferences, and executive education programs.
Work-Life Integration
A modern, hybrid work model offering flexibility, along with various family-friendly benefits such as parental leave and dependent care support.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical search. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. We are committed to a transparent and efficient interview process. Qualified candidates will be contacted promptly for an initial discussion.
