The Director of Data Governance is a senior enterprise leader responsible for establishing and scaling a unified, organization-wide governance program that ensures trustworthy, compliant, and high-quality data for analytics and AI. This role defines the enterprise governance strategy, builds policies and standards, implements data quality and lifecycle controls, and aligns all practices with Responsible AI principles. The Director partners closely with Legal, Compliance, Security, Risk, and Technology teams; leads the Corporate IT Data Governance function; embeds governance-by-design into delivery workflows; and enables measurable business value through trusted, well-managed data.
Required Qualifications
- 6–8 years of leadership experience in enterprise-scale data governance, data management, data quality, metadata, or MDM.
- Proven success designing and operationalizing enterprise data governance strategies, frameworks, stewardship models, and operating structures.
- Deep expertise across governance domains: metadata, lineage, data lifecycle, data quality, MDM, taxonomy and standards, and policy development.
- Understanding of Responsible AI principles and how data controls—quality, privacy, security, traceability, and explainability—enable AI governance.
- Strong ability to influence senior stakeholders across Legal, Compliance, Security, Risk, Finance, and Technology in matrixed environments.
- Demonstrated ability to drive data literacy, adoption, and change management across diverse business and product teams.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Data Analytics, Business, or a related field. Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional or leadership experience accepted in lieu of a formal degree.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Information Management, Data Science, Computer Science, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience embedding governance into data platforms, catalogs, pipelines, MDM systems, taxonomies, and data access controls.
- Background defining and monitoring enterprise governance KPIs, OKRs, and measurable value metrics.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams including data stewards, data quality analysts, metadata specialists, and MDM practitioners.
- Professional certifications such as CDMP, CIPP/CIPM, CISA/CISM, PMP/PRINCE2, or Prosci.
- Experience managing AI and machine learning governance, including tracking data flow, monitoring models, and implementing human review processes.
- Demonstrated strong business acumen in translating governance outcomes into measurable business value, mitigating risks, minimizing rework, and enhancing time-to-data.
Other Qualifications
The Winning Way behaviors that all Vertex employees need in order to meet the expectations of each other, our customers, and our partners.
- Communicate with Clarity - Be clear, concise and actionable. Be relentlessly constructive. Seek and provide meaningful feedback.
- Act with Urgency - Adopt an agile mentality - frequent iterations, improved speed, resilience. 80/20 rule – better is the enemy of done. Don’t spend hours when minutes are enough.
- Work with Purpose - Exhibit a “We Can” mindset. Results outweigh effort. Everyone understands how their role contributes. Set aside personal objectives for team results.
- Drive to Decision - Cut the swirl with defined deadlines and decision points. Be clear on individual accountability and decision authority. Guided by a commitment to and accountability for customer outcomes.
- Own the Outcome - Defined milestones, commitments and intended results. Assess your work in context, if you’re unsure, ask. Demonstrate unwavering support for decisions.
COMMENTS:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this position. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.
Pay Transparency Statement:
US Base Salary Range: $189,600.00 - $246,400.00
Base pay offered to new hires may vary based upon factors including relevant industry and job-related skills and experience, geographic location, and business needs.* The range displayed does not encompass the full potential of the role, which allows for further growth and career progression.
In addition, as a part of our total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Vertex Bonus Plan (VOB), a role-specific sales commission/bonus, and/or equity grants.
Learn more about Life at Vertex and connect with your recruiter for more details regarding Vertex's compensation and benefit programs.
*In no case will your pay fall below applicable local minimum wage requirements.