Director, Data Strategy and Data Governance

Velir is an established mid-sized agency with a top-tier portfolio of clients, ranging from the world’s largest non-profits to Fortune 500 brands. As of 2023, Velir acquired Brooklyn Data Company, a premier data and analytics consultancy focused on leadership, process improvement, implementation, and advanced analytics. At Velir, we believe people are our greatest asset. Our culture is built on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and continued improvement. We strive for excellence in everything we do, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Our success is driven by a shared passion for making a positive impact on our customers, our communities and each other. We are a remote first company that offers competitive pay and excellent benefits. Overview The Director, Data Strategy & Data Governance is responsible for leading data engagements across a diverse set of clients. This role stretches from expertise on data stack architecture to data team organizational structure to ensuring data products and assets drive tangible outcomes. The role will also serve as the leading subject matter expert on enterprise data strategies and governance frameworks. The core function of this role is to make data a strategic asset for clients by driving business value, enabling decision-making, and maintaining compliance, quality, and trust. As a senior leader, the Director serves as the primary executive partner to clients, owning relationships at the C-suite level and guiding organizations through data transformation initiatives. This role is accountable for aligning data strategy with business objectives, establishing governance operating models, and ensuring successful execution across cross-functional teams. In addition, this role leads an important function within the Data organization and plays a key role in facilitating business development, engaging in thought leadership, and supporting strategic partnerships. The right candidate for this role is eager to dig into the specifics of the data generating process of a source system as they are to explain the differences between row-level security (RLS) and role-based access control. Responsibilities Data Strategy & Governance Leadership Lead enterprise data strategies aligned to client business objectives and digital transformation goals Design and implement scalable governance frameworks spanning data quality, metadata, MDM, stewardship, and access controls Advise executive stakeholders on making data a strategic asset through monetization, risk management, and organizational enablement Executive Client Leadership & Advisory Serve as the primary executive partner to senior client stakeholders, including CDOs and CIOs Translate complex business challenges into actionable data strategies and present recommendations to executive audiences Business Development & Thought Leadership Lead new business efforts including RFP responses, proposals, and client presentations Drive account growth and contribute to go-to-market strategy, partnerships, and service development Represent the organization through speaking engagements, industry events, and publications Cross-Functional Leadership Align strategy, governance, and execution across data, project management, and client services teams Integrate governance principles into platform architecture and collaborate with finance and leadership on account performance Engagement Oversight & Delivery Excellence Oversee delivery of data strategy and governance engagements, ensuring quality, timeliness, and client satisfaction Lead and mentor a team of managers and senior leaders, fostering growth and high performance Technical & Domain Expertise Deep expertise in modern data ecosystems including cloud-native warehousing, orchestration, data engineering, and catalogs Strong command of governance disciplines — data quality, observability, metadata, MDM, and compliance — with the ability to balance technical and business priorities Qualifications 10+ years of experience in data strategy, governance, or data management Proven track record leading enterprise-scale initiatives Experience engaging executive stakeholders Demonstrable expertise in tools and platforms belonging to the modern data stack Strong leadership and team management experience Background in analytics, engineering, data science, or related roles Excellent communication (written and verbal) and problem-solving skills Physical Requirements Frequent sitting at a desk performing work on a computer Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions Compensation Range: $185,000 - $200,000 annually Please note that compensation packages are finalized after the interview process is concluded. We use a competency-based approach to base pay, which means it is based on the competencies and skills demonstrated for this role. Core Company Values Take the Long View - Ensure the company is built to last Be Courageous - Make the right decisions even when they aren't the easiest decisions Be Genuine - Bring honesty and authenticity to all that you do Work with Focus + Passion - Display purpose and pride in your work and never stop learning As an equal opportunity employer, we are firmly committing to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our hiring efforts. We recognize that we need team members from all backgrounds and experiences to successfully shape a positive employee experience as well as deliver our product and service solutions. To that end, we actively seek candidates who can bring diverse experiences and backgrounds to our team. We know that complex factors and systemic bias can get in the way of us meeting strong candidates, so please don't hesitate to apply even if you're not 100% sure. At this time, Velir does not sponsor candidates and unfortunately cannot accept those on OPT or CPT.