Information Classification Senior Lead

Description Summary: We are looking for an experienced Information Classification Senior Lead to establish and mature the enterprise information classification program that enables data protection, responsible data use, and AI readiness. This role serves as the enterprise partner who designs the broader Information Classification program, operating model, requirements, and roadmap that connects people, process, and technology. The Senior Lead defines the strategy for integrating data classification requirements across all data related policies, downstream controls, data use, sensitivity‑based handling, and AI risk mitigation, ensuring consistent enterprise‑wide understanding and application. This is a hands‑on, delivery‑focused role that builds the connected foundation the enterprise needs to move from protection through enablement. Duties and Responsibilities Program and Framework Design Design the enterprise information classification framework and define enterprise requirements aligned to regulatory, contractual, and risk expectations, ensuring traceability to GLBA, GDPR, FFIEC guidance, internal data protection standards, and responsible data use principles. Define the long‑term strategy and roadmap that drives classification maturity and strengthens cross‑enterprise alignment. Partner closely with Cyber and Data Governance to ensure program expectations support information classification and data management policies and procedures under their ownership. Operating Model and Processes Define the classification operating model including who classifies, when, and how classification is applied across applications, datasets, analytics, and data products. Establish stewardship routines, decision rights, escalation paths, and exception handling processes. Build and maintain go‑forward processes that adapt to evolving regulatory requirements, technology modernization, and AI‑related risks. Facilitate working sessions to validate requirements, align solution designs, and drive shared understanding across technology, security, risk, and business teams. Technology and Enablement (in Strong Partnership with Cybersecurity) Partner with Cyber to ensure classification requirements are clearly understood and embedded into the tools and capabilities they manage. Align with Cyber and Data Catalog teams on prioritization, roadmap planning, and sequencing to ensure classification and protection capabilities progress together. Ensure classification metadata supports responsible AI use, including data minimization, appropriate model training, and visibility into data sensitivity. Clarify classification expectations for data platforms, products, and delivery teams to ensure consistent enterprise adoption. Risk, Controls, and Governance Support assessments, gap analysis, remediation planning, and tracking of classification‑related issues. Create reporting, KPIs, and dashboards that measure classification completeness, quality, adoption, and adherence. Serve as a subject matter expert on information sensitivity, classification governance, and classification’s role in downstream controls and AI risk mitigation. Participate in governance routines and elevate risks or blockers as needed. Education, Adoption, and Organizational Alignment Develop and maintain training, guidance, and job aids that drive understanding and adoption of classification expectations. Lead communication efforts that reinforce responsible data use and sensitivity‑aligned handling. Strengthen organizational connectedness by working across security, technology, risk, compliance, data governance, and business teams. Guide prioritization and planning activities that support the roadmap and overall program maturity. Perform other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's Degree or equivalent relevant work experience. 10+ years of experience implementing data governance frameworks (e.g., data policies, standards, and controls), experience developing and/or implementing data governance policy and standards, and experience working with IT and/or business segments on the analysis of complex business processes and data governance needs. Preferred Qualifications 5+ years of experience serving as a process owner with accountability for designing, maintaining, and continuously improving operational processes. 5+ years of hands‑on experience with classification tools, such as data scanning technologies (i.e., Securiti.ai, Varonis) and data catalogs (i.e., Collibra, Alation). Demonstrated experience collaborating across technology, risk, legal, and business teams to implement governance or control practices. Demonstrated experience documenting requirements, designing solutions that span people, process, and technology, and facilitating cross‑functional working sessions. Hands‑on experience applying governance or control practices within a complex environment. Ability to create visually compelling, executive‑ready strategic decks that communicate complex concepts clearly and drive alignment. Experience operating within regulated organizations. Working knowledge of data privacy and security regulations and standards such as GDPR, CPRA or CCPA, GLBA, FFIEC guidance, and PCI DSS. Experience implementing metadata tagging, classification automation, or sensitivity labeling. Ability to communicate effectively, influence without authority, and support cross‑functional delivery. Familiarity with data classification, sensitivity models, metadata practices, and audit support activities. Exempt Status Exempt Status: Yes (not eligible for overtime pay) Workplace Type Office Our Approach to Office Workplace Type: Certain positions outside our branch network may be eligible for a flexible work arrangement. We’re combining the best of both worlds: in‑office and work from home. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. Remote roles will also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for moments that matter. Specific work arrangements will be provided by the hiring team. Compensation Range $93,000.00 - $189,000.00 Annual Salary The compensation range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base compensation range for this position. Actual compensation will vary based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and education. Colleagues in this position are also eligible to participate in an applicable incentive compensation plan. In addition, Huntington provides a variety of benefits to colleagues, including health insurance coverage, wellness program, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plan, paid leave programs, paid holidays and paid time off (PTO). Huntington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Huntington Bancshares, Inc.