Data Governance Specialist at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

As a member of the Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support, this position supports the development and maintenance of a comprehensive data framework to support the institution’s data governance initiatives. The position focuses on building processes and documentation to assist with ensuring integrity, security, and usability of institutional data assets, supporting strategic planning, compliance, and operational excellence. Working under the mentorship of the Business Intelligence (BI) Director, the
individual will develop expertise in data stewardship, policy development, and cross-functional collaboration within a higher education context.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the development of data governance policies, standard, and procedures aligned with institutional goals.
• Collaborate with data stewards, IT, and academic units to document data ownership, access protocols, and quality benchmarks.
• Participate with data governance committees and working groups.
• Participate in the development and delivery of data literacy initiatives and training to stakeholders.
• Maintain institutional data dictionaries, metadata repositories, and lineage documentation.
• Assist with data quality monitoring and issue resolution across systems
• Partner with BI developers and analysts to ensure consistent data definitions and reporting logic

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, data science, or related field, or equivalent work experience
• Experience in data governance, data management, or institutional research
• Excellent communications and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience with metadata management and data cataloging
• Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree or certification in data governance
• Higher education experience working with IPEDS, accreditation reporting, and strategic enrollment data
• Experience with metadata management tools and data cataloging platforms tools

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

The work arrangement for this role is currently hybrid.  Our hybrid model is designed to support in-person collaboration and team building and may require on-site attendance as needed.

VCU is transitioning to a new application system beginning on October 1, 2025. Please be aware that applicants for job postings that remain open after September 30, 2025 may be asked to resubmit your application in the new system after it goes live. Clear instructions will be provided at that time. We appreciate your understanding during this transition and look forward to reviewing your application.

Rebekah Jewers
[email protected]
804-827-0531