Project Manager - Data Governance

Kforce's client in Saint Charles, MO is seeking a Project Manager to support the launch and execution of an enterprise-wide Data Governance program. This individual will partner closely with the Director of Data Governance to drive structure, accountability, and progress as the university builds out its data governance framework, policies, and stewardship model. This role will play a critical part in transitioning the program from discovery into implementation - coordinating stakeholders across the institution, maintaining momentum, and ensuring alignment to governance objectives. Duties:

• Data Governance Program Execution: Lead day-to-day coordination of the enterprise data governance initiative, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and dependencies are clearly defined and tracked
• Program Planning & Implementation Support: Partner with the Director of Data Governance to operationalize governance frameworks, including data classification, stewardship models, policy development, and implementation roadmaps
• Stakeholder Coordination & Engagement: Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with academic and administrative stakeholders to support discovery sessions, gather requirements, and drive alignment across departments
• Documentation & Governance Artifacts: Develop and maintain critical program documentation, including project plans, charters, data governance frameworks, policies, and RAID logs to support transparency and execution
• Timeline & Risk Management: Monitor program progress, proactively identify risks and dependencies, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful delivery of governance milestones
• Reporting & Communication: Deliver clear, consistent updates to leadership and stakeholders through dashboards, status reports, and executive-level communications
• Support organizational change efforts by helping drive adoption of new data governance practices, standards, and processes across the university
• Bachelor's degree in Business, MIS, or related field required; Higher education and/or IT project experience preferred
• Master's degree (Business, MIS, or related) preferred
• PMP or equivalent (PMI) preferred
• 5-8 years of experience managing implementation-focused projects preferred
• 5+ years of project management experience
• 2+ years of supervisory experience
• Experience coordinating cross-functional, enterprise initiatives
• Strong understanding of data governance principles (data ownership, stewardship, classification, and policy frameworks)
• Ability to translate governance strategy into actionable project plans
• Experience managing initiatives in ambiguous, evolving environments
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and documentation discipline
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset with a process-oriented approach
• Collaborative, team-oriented leadership style

• Experience in data governance, data management, or data-related initiatives
• Someone who has project management experience standing up something that never existed before

• Builds strong relationships with faculty, staff, and leadership
• Supports the university's mission and culture of service excellence
• Promotes values of integrity, accountability, collaboration, and innovation
• Ensures governance practices align with institutional standards and objectives

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods (up to 8 hours/day)
• Ability to sit for extended periods
• Frequent use of hands/wrists for typing and computer work