Enterprise Data Governance Program Manager

Position Summary The Enterprise Data Governance Program Manager serves as a strategic and collaborative leader advancing the university’s vision for trusted, accessible, and data‑informed decision‑making across the institution. This role leads the development and continuous evolution of the university’s enterprise data governance framework, promoting strong data stewardship, quality, integrity, security, and regulatory compliance in alignment with FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR, and institutional standards. Working closely with academic, administrative, research, legal, and technology partners, the Program Manager helps foster a culture of transparency, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement while serving as a trusted advisor to stakeholders across the university community. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate for the Enterprise Data Governance Program Manager is a thoughtful, collaborative, and strategically minded professional passionate about advancing data‑informed decision‑making in a complex higher education environment. This individual brings a strong foundation in enterprise data governance, business intelligence, analytics enablement, and project coordination, along with the ability to build trusted partnerships across academic, administrative, research, legal, and technology communities. The successful candidate demonstrates both technical fluency and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex data concepts into practical, actionable guidance that empowers stakeholders at all levels of the institution. They are equally comfortable leading governance initiatives, managing projects across enterprise data and business intelligence portfolios, facilitating cross‑functional collaboration, and delivering engaging training programs related to Tableau, Power BI, data literacy, and institutional business rules. Experience in higher education or similarly complex organizations is highly valued, particularly in environments that require balancing governance, innovation, compliance, stakeholder engagement, and portfolio‑level project management. Above all, the ideal candidate is a trusted partner and servant leader who is energized by building sustainable data practices, fostering institutional accountability, and helping the university community make confident, informed decisions through data. Workplace Requirements Hybrid position: This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in‑office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. Travel Requirements Meet each quarter in a fiscal year for at least one week on campus for planning and discussion. Hiring Range $125,000 – $135,000 per year Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year‑for‑year basis 4+ years of experience In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year‑for‑year basis Leads a team in accomplishing systems analysis, functional and technical design, programming, testing, and production systems support tasks for the university Knowledge of computer system capabilities, business processes, and workflows; current knowledge of rapidly changing computer technology Extensive experience with enterprise applications and understanding of database‑driven applications Ability to design and document complex business systems Proven problem‑solving and analytical thinking skills with the ability to approach problems logically and systematically Strong understanding of the software development life cycle Project management skills as needed Skill in conducting interviews and facilitating group meetings Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to bridge functional and technical resources by communicating effectively with individuals of varying systems expertise and business needs Strong listening, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills Skills Complex problem‑solving skills to identify complex problems and review related information to develop, evaluate, and implement solutions Excellent analytical skills to arrange information or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules Active listening skills, including giving full attention to what is being said, taking time to understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report preparation and presentation, to gather information and share recommendations and outcomes Excellent critical thinking skills to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems Deductive reasoning skills to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers Excellent judgment and decision‑making skills to consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions and choose the most appropriate one Proficiency in business intelligence tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms Strong understanding of data management principles and practices Familiarity with data visualization techniques and tools Knowledge of data privacy laws and regulations, such as GDPR, FERPA, or HIPAA Ability to design, develop, and deliver effective training programs tailored to diverse audiences Capability to assess training effectiveness and adjust programs as needed Adaptability to work in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment Ability to develop, implement, and maintain data governance policies and procedures Competence in ensuring compliance with data governance standards and regulatory requirements Ability to troubleshoot data‑related issues and provide solutions Capacity to serve as a resource for data utilization and best practices Strong collaborative skills to work effectively with IT, legal, academic departments, and other stakeholders Ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement and data‑driven decision‑making across the university Preferences Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field Over five years of experience in business intelligence, data analytics, or a related field Demonstrated experience in a higher education environment Proven track record of successfully implementing data governance frameworks in complex organizations Advanced proficiency in multiple business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Qlik) Extensive experience in developing e‑learning content and using learning management systems (LMS) Demonstrated ability to analyze complex datasets and provide actionable insights Essential Functions Lead the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of the university’s enterprise data governance framework, including policies, standards, and practices that promote data integrity, security, stewardship, and compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements such as FERPA, GDPR, and HIPAA. Partner closely with IT, legal, academic, and administrative stakeholders to strengthen data quality standards, address data‑related challenges, and cultivate a culture of responsible and trusted data stewardship across the institution. Design, develop, and deliver engaging training and enablement programs focused on business intelligence tools such as Tableau, Power BI, data visualization practices, institutional business rules, and data literacy. Create and maintain a variety of learning resources, including presentations, guides, e‑learning modules, documentation, and online materials, while providing personalized and group‑based training experiences tailored to diverse university audiences. Provide project management and coordination support for Office of Institutional Data, Evaluation, Analytics, and Strategy (IDEAS) initiatives and enterprise business intelligence efforts. Manage and support projects across data, analytics, governance, and business intelligence portfolios by coordinating timelines, deliverables, stakeholder communication, documentation, reporting, risks, and dependencies to promote transparency, visibility, and informed decision‑making. Plan, manage, and lead analyses of business processes, operational workflows, and organizational functions to identify opportunities for improvement and operational effectiveness. Serve as a trusted advisor to university leadership, supervisors, managers, and stakeholders by providing thoughtful consultation and practical recommendations related to systems, processes, analytics, and data‑informed strategies that support institutional priorities and sound decision‑making. Continuously assess and enhance the effectiveness of governance practices, training programs, and enablement initiatives through feedback, assessments, metrics, and evolving institutional needs. Stay informed on emerging trends and best practices in data governance, analytics, business intelligence, and higher education compliance while fostering a culture centered on continuous learning, collaboration, innovation, and data‑informed decision‑making across the university community. Serve as a collaborative leadership and advisory resource by mentoring colleagues, supporting cross‑functional partnerships, and strengthening communication and engagement across departments to advance data literacy, accessibility, and effective data utilization throughout the institution. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of the university’s mission and strategic objectives. Equal Employment Opportunity Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office for support. #J-18808-Ljbffr Rice University