API Governance Lead - Hybrid

Genesis10 is currently seeking an API Governance Lead for a hybrid contract-to-hire opportunity with a Regional Financial Institution located in Columbus, OH, Charlotte, NC, Dallas, TX, or Chicago, IL. Pay Range: $80.00 - $100.00 per hour based on experience and qualifications Position Summary: As the API Standards & Compliance Lead, you will define, implement, and enforce enterprise-wide API governance frameworks that ensure consistency, security, and scalability across all APIs. This strategic role focuses on establishing API design standards, lifecycle governance, and compliance policies in partnership with Enterprise Architecture, Security, and Engineering teams to advance an API-first strategy. This role emphasizes policy, architecture, enablement, and oversight rather than hands-on software development. Primary Responsibilities: Define and maintain enterprise-wide API design and governance policies aligned with architecture principles and industry standards (OpenAPI, REST, GraphQL) Establish naming conventions, versioning guidelines, backward compatibility expectations, deprecation/retirement policies, and documentation standards Run the API Governance Board (reviews, approvals, waivers) and maintain the governance operating model and RACI Author and maintain reference architecture, standards, playbooks, and reusable policy templates Design and oversee API onboarding workflows via the Developer Portal, ensuring proper documentation, cataloging, and discoverability Implement governance for security patterns (OAuth2, JWT, JWKS, mTLS) using Apigee X and Ping Identity Define and track governance KPIs (e.g., % APIs compliant, time-to-approve, policy adoption rates, security defect trends) Partner with platform teams to integrate policy-as-code checks (linting, contract validation, auth enforcement) into CI/CD Provide training, guidance, and office hours on governance best practices and standards for internal teams Requirements: 10+ years in IT, including strong API development/governance experience 5+ years in API governance or platform leadership roles at an enterprise scale Deep familiarity with OpenAPI/Swagger, REST fundamentals, GraphQL design considerations, and API lifecycle management Hands-on experience with security standards (OAuth2, JWT, JWKS, mTLS) and regulatory frameworks (Open Banking/PSD2, HIPAA, GDPR) Experience with Apigee X on GCP (or similar API management platforms like Kong, MuleSoft, AWS API Gateway, Azure APIM) from a governance/architecture perspective Demonstrated ability to write clear policies, standards, and procedures; facilitate governance forums; drive alignment across stakeholders Strong communication, stakeholder management, and change management skills Strategic thinking and policy design Risk and compliance mindset Desired Skills: GCP certifications (e.g., Professional Cloud Architect); Apigee certifications a plus Experience with Ping Identity integration and enterprise IAM Familiarity with GCP services (Cloud Armor, IAM, VPC networking) and platform security controls Background in DevSecOps, CI/CD automation, and policy-as-code for API compliance Experience improving API portals, catalogs, and developer experience, including analytics-driven enhancements Only candidates available and ready to work directly as Genesis10 employees will be considered for this position. If you have the described qualifications and are interested in this exciting opportunity, please apply! Ranked a Top Staffing Firm in the U.S. by Staffing Industry Analysts for six consecutive years, Genesis10 puts thousands of consultants and employees to work across the United States every year in contract, contract-for-hire, and permanent placement roles. With more than 300 active clients, Genesis10 provides access to many of the Fortune 100 firms and a variety of mid-market organizations across the full spectrum of industry verticals. For contract roles, Genesis10 offers the benefits listed below. If this is a perm-placement opportunity, our recruiter can talk you through the unique benefits offered for that particular client. Benefits of Working with Genesis10: Access to hundreds of clients, most of whom have been working with Genesis10 for 5-20+ years The opportunity to have a career-home in Genesis10; many of our consultants have been working exclusively with Genesis10 for years Access to an experienced, caring recruiting team (more than 7 years of experience, on average) Behavioral Health Platform Medical, Dental, Vision Health Savings Account Voluntary Hospital Indemnity (Critical Illness & Accident) Voluntary Term Life Insurance 401K Sick Pay (for applicable states/municipalities) Commuter Benefits (Dallas, NYC, SF, and Illinois) For multiple years running, Genesis10 has been recognized as a Top Staffing Firm in the U.S., as a Best Company for Work-Life Balance, as a Best Company for Career Growth, for Diversity, and for Leadership, amongst others. To learn more and to view all our available career opportunities, please visit us at our website Genesis10 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. #DIG10-OH Genesis10