Director, Data Governance & Security

Q: What qualifications are needed for the Director Data Governance & Security role?

A Bachelor’s degree is required along with 8+ years of relevant experience . Key skills include proficiency with technology systems, Microsoft Office suite , CRM databases, excellent written/oral communication, discretion with confidential data, and strong problem-solving abilities. Explore similar administration jobs .

Q: Is experience in higher education or fundraising required?

Preferred but not mandatory. Higher education or fundraising experience is a plus, along with knowledge of Princeton’s mission. See executive higher ed jobs .

Q: What is the application deadline and process for this job?

Applications close August 11, 2026 . Submit via the university portal with emphasis on data governance expertise and relevant experience. Browse all higher ed jobs .

Director, Data Governance & Security

Overview

The Director, Data Governance and Security is a member of the Data Strategy & Innovation team within University Advancement. Data Strategy & Innovation is dedicated to housing, managing, analyzing, and disseminating information and data to inform Advancement strategy, foster strong relationships with donors, volunteers, and campus partners, and promote effective integration.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Data Strategy & Innovation, the Director will be responsible for supporting University Advancement’s engagement efforts and overseeing an enterprise-wide role-based approach to data access through data governance, data management, and data security policies and practices. This job requires initiative, critical judgment, discretion, and strong technical, writing, and communications skills.

Responsibilities

Data Governance

Manage a transparent and consistent approach to role-based access to alumni and donor data within Advancement systems. Develop and maintain policies for the governance and management of data access. This includes the timely update of all confidentiality agreement and related documents, and issuing and tracking of signoff by relevant constituencies.
Work closely with OGC to confirm relevance, accuracy and applicability to all process related forms and documents.
Maintain roles and responsibilities related to data access and ensure clear accountability for stewardship of Advancement’s alumni data.
Oversee internal process and identify process improvements for administering access to alumni and donor data, ensuring requests are addressed in a timely and efficient manner.
Maintain a data governance framework that aligns with the University (as defined by the UDO) and Advancement’s objectives and data strategy.

Platform Security

Work with CISO office to establish roadmap for application, information and data security tools and policies as they relate to Advancement. Ensure alignment with OIT and CISO strategic planning
Oversee deployment and communication of new tools and policies to ensure that Advancement systems and data are secured to the greatest extent possible
Maintain and update security roles aligned with University business needs and University policy
Serve as a liaison between business and functional areas and technology to ensure that business requirements for protecting sensitive data are clearly defined and communicated
Facilitate the development and implementation of data protection standards and adoption requirements for all designated users of alumni and donor data

Data Management

Set, communicate, and provide direction on data integrity protocols, data hygiene standards, and data management strategies
Collaborate with Data Strategy & Innovation colleagues to ensure that alumni and donor data is used in a manner that is consistent with laws and regulations, as well as University policies on data security and privacy
Establish, communicate and manage record retention policy in alignment with Advancement and University policies
Work closely with Advancement’s data management and reporting teams to support the foundation for data-driven decision-making
Partner with Data Strategy & Innovation leadership to identify, develop, and execute large scale advancement data management initiatives
Maintain systems to monitor quality control and oversight of data collection and entry in order to adequately meet the data management needs of Advancement
Participate in cross-functional teams and projects, ensuring thorough documentation of processes and knowledge sharing, while maintaining clear and consistent communication
Continually assess and improve the data management program to adapt to changing needs, technologies, and regulatory environments

Special Projects

Undertakes special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required
8+ years of relevant practical experience
Proficiency with technology and systems
Ability to quickly learn new systems and processes
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Discretion in dealing with highly confidential material
Excellent interpersonal skills and a high degree of professionalism and initiative
Excellent attention to detail; accuracy, flexibility and demonstrated ability to be proactive and to prioritize tasks
Strong problem-solving, data gathering and organizational skills
Strong computer skills, including proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), CRM databases, ability to learn and manage alumni database information
Customer service orientation
Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and make decisions based on established policies and procedures, and ability to interact with department staff, University Advancement staff and campus partners
Commitment to University Advancement’s mission to inform, involve, and inspire Princeton’s global community of alumni and friends, and adhering to its guiding principles of High Performance, Innovation, Civility, and Collaboration.

Preferred

Knowledge of Princeton’s mission
Experience in higher education
Prior experience in an educational or fundraising setting a plus

🎓What qualifications are needed for the Director Data Governance & Security role?

A Bachelor’s degree is required along with 8+ years of relevant experience. Key skills include proficiency with technology systems, Microsoft Office suite, CRM databases, excellent written/oral communication, discretion with confidential data, and strong problem-solving abilities. Explore similar administration jobs.

🔒What are the main responsibilities in data governance for this position?

The role manages role-based access to alumni/donor data, develops governance policies, maintains confidentiality agreements, oversees access requests, and aligns frameworks with university objectives. View administration roles.

🛡️How does the Director handle platform security and compliance?

Work with the CISO office on security roadmaps, deploy tools/policies, maintain security roles, and ensure data protection standards align with university policy and regulations.

🏛️Is experience in higher education or fundraising required?

Preferred but not mandatory. Higher education or fundraising experience is a plus, along with knowledge of Princeton’s mission. See executive higher ed jobs.

📅What is the application deadline and process for this job?

Applications close August 11, 2026. Submit via the university portal with emphasis on data governance expertise and relevant experience. Browse all higher ed jobs.

Director, Data Governance & Security

Princeton University