Director, Data Governance

Kestra is seeking a strategic and results-driven Director of Data Governance to lead the expansion of our enterprise data governance capabilities, with a sharp focus on data quality, data stewardship, and master data management (MDM). In this pivotal leadership role, you will architect and drive a comprehensive governance program that ensures the accuracy, consistency, and trustworthiness of Kestra’s critical data assets across lines of business.

You will be responsible for leading the framework, tools, and processes to manage master and reference data domains, enforce data quality standards, and promote stewardship accountability throughout the organization. This is a high-impact role ideal for a collaborative leader who understands how trusted data can reduce operational risk, enhance compliance, and power advanced analytics.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily:

Lead the development and execution of Kestra’s enterprise data governance strategy, with a focus on data quality management, stewardship programs, and MDM implementation.

Define and enforce policies, standards, and controls for Kestra’s enterprise data platform, including data quality, master and reference data, metadata, and lineage.

Establish a scalable data stewardship model, coordinating across business units and data domains to assign clear ownership and accountability.

Develop and execute strategies for master and reference data management, including domain prioritization, data modeling, entity resolution, and stewardship workflows.

Oversee the management of golden records for critical entities such as Firms, Reps, Clients, Accounts, and Products.

Build and maintain a central inventory of critical data elements and their relationships, including hierarchies and mappings.

Oversee the management and adoption of our data governance tech (e.g., Alation, Monte Carlo, Profisee).

Collaborate with stakeholders in Data Engineering, Data Product, Business Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Compliance to integrate governance into data pipelines, platforms, and products.

Define data quality metrics, KPIs, and scorecards to monitor data health and drive remediation efforts in partnership with business and technology teams.

Represent Data Governance in enterprise projects including data platform modernization, business transformation, and AI/ML enablement.

Evangelize a culture of data responsibility through training, communication, and enablement initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND/OR ABILITIES: To perform this job successfully, individual should have the following skills and abilities:

Expertise in data governance frameworks (e.g., DAMA-DMBOK) and practical experience operationalizing them in complex environments.

Proven experience with enterprise MDM and RDM programs, including entity matching, hierarchy management, and data stewardship design.

Deep understanding of data quality management including profiling, validation, cleansing, and automated monitoring techniques.

Familiarity with data governance and MDM technologies such as Alation, Monte Carlo, Profisee, Databricks Unity Catalog.

Experience integrating governance into modern data stack environments (e.g., Azure, Databricks).

Ability to partner and influence across the enterprise—from technical teams to executive leadership.

Strong leadership, facilitation, and change management skills.

Strategic thinker with strong operational delivery skills and a bias for action.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Yes, direct supervision of Data Governance professionals and analysts.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Data Science, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).

7+ years of experience in data management disciplines, with 5+ years leading data governance, MDM, or data quality initiatives.

Demonstrated experience standing up data governance and MDM capabilities from the ground up in a complex, matrixed environment.

Experience in financial services, broker-dealer, or regulated industries strongly preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: None

PHYSICAL DEMAND: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to sit at a computer for long periods of time in office environment well lit.

Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Position is located in Austin, TX office.  Must be able to work in the office during scheduled work hours.

OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a complete comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.