"Data Governance Specialist"

About the Department:

The Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (OIEP) advances the strategic goals of George Mason University through collaborations focused on engaging partners in data-informed strategic, operational, and tactical decision-making.

We ensure accuracy by using structured, multi-step processes and proven methodologies. Our innate inquisitiveness requires that we explore new and innovative methods. We do this all with integrity that binds us to honesty, trust, pride, and responsibility to produce quality information.

About the Position:

The Data Governance Specialist supports data governance and data literacy programs at George Mason University, with a focus on enhancing the use of data for end-user analytics and decision-support, particularly in the development of a more unified analytics environment. Positioned within the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning, this position engages with functional offices (e.g., admissions, registrar, student affairs, HR, finance) and IT to ensure data is well-defined, accessible, and of high quality.

Responsibilities:

• Supports data governance councils and workgroups in the development of campus data governance policies, standards, and procedures that span the lifecycle of institutional data;
• Works with senior leadership to identify and partner with data domain experts to document data assets within each domain, research and develop remediation strategies aimed at improving data quality through the life cycle (e.g., audit protocols, refinement of standard operating procedures at point of entry), and identify data gaps in critical reporting and analytics;
• Supports the development and maintenance of an enterprise data catalog, with a particular focus on a business glossary that translates technical information into end-user focused definitions that allow non-experts to confidently identify data elements of import related to their work;
• Partners and collaborates with end-users and ITS to prioritize data integrations to support strategic initiatives (e.g., student success, enrollment management, academic planning, budgeting);
• Facilitates a campus-wide data users’ network to share knowledge related to data management, compliance requirements, reporting, and analytics. This will include creating documentation and maintaining resources for end user reference; and
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of best practices in higher education data governance.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in information systems, data analytics, social science, business, or related field; or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Considerable experience (generally five or more years) in data governance, institutional research, or business intelligence;
• Demonstrated experience supporting data governance/data stewardship programs;
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with technical and non-technical stakeholders;
• Comprehensive knowledge of data privacy regulations (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR); and
• Demonstrable excellence in written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in information systems, data analytics, social science, business, or related field; and/or relevant certification(s) (e.g., CDMP);
• Significant experience (generally seven or more years) in data governance, institutional research, or business intelligence;
• Experience using data governance tools (e.g., Data Cookbook, Collibra, Informatica);
• Demonstrated experience facilitating data governance councils and drafting data governance policies, standards, and procedures;
• Demonstrated experience working with education data (e.g., admissions, enrollment management, institutional research);
• Comprehensive knowledge of higher education enterprise systems (e.g., Banner, Workday, PeopleSoft); and
• Knowledge of best practices in data warehousing.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Data Governance Specialist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/ Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date: January 30, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: March 1, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes

Department: Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning
Classification: Info Technology Spec 2
Job Category: Classified Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Pay Band: 05
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes