Department: OIEP
Classification: Info Technology Spec 2
Job Category: Classified Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible
Pay Band: 05
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
The Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (OIEP) advances the strategic goals of George Mason University through collaborations focused on engaging partners in data-informed strategic, operational and tactical decision-making.
We ensure accuracy by using structured, multi-step processes, and proven methodologies. Our innate inquisitiveness requires that we explore new and innovative methods. We do this all with integrity that binds us to honesty, trust, pride, and responsibility to produce quality information.
About the Position:
The Data Governance Specialist supports data governance and data literacy programs at George Mason University with a focus on enhancing the use of data for end-user analytics and decision-support, particularly in the development of a more unified analytics environment. Positioned within the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (OIEP), this position engages with functional offices (e.g., Admissions, Registrar, Student Affairs, HR, Finance, ITS) to ensure data is well-defined, accessible, and of high quality.
Responsibilities:
- Supports data governance councils and workgroups in the development of campus data governance policies, standards, and procedures that span the lifecycle of institutional data;
- Works with senior leadership to identify and partner with data domain experts to:
- Document data assets within each domain;
- Research and develop remediation strategies aimed at improving data quality through the life cycle (e.g., audit protocols, refinement of standard operating procedures at point of entry); and
- Identify data gaps in critical reporting and analytics.
- Supports the development and maintenance of an enterprise data catalog, with a particular focus on a business glossary that translates technical information into end-user focused definitions that allow non-experts to confidently identify data elements of import related to their work;
- Partners and collaborates with end-users and ITS to prioritize data integrations to support strategic initiatives (e.g., student success, enrollment management, academic planning, budgeting);
- Facilitates a campus-wide data users’ network to share knowledge related to data management, compliance requirements, reporting, and analytics. This will include creating documentation and maintaining resources for end user reference; and
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of best practices in higher education data governance.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in information systems, data analytics, social sciences, business, or related field; or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
- Considerable experience (generally 5 years) in data governance, institutional research, or business intelligence;
- Demonstrated experience supporting data governance/data stewardship programs;
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with technical and non-technical stakeholders;
- Comprehensive knowledge of data privacy regulations (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR); and
- Demonstrable excellence in written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in information systems, data analytics, social sciences, business, or related field; and/or relevant certification(s) (e.g., CDMP);
- Significant experience (generally 7 years) in data governance, institutional research, or business intelligence;
- Demonstrated experience facilitating data governance councils and drafting data governance policies, standards, and procedures;
- Demonstrated experience working with education data (e.g., admissions, enrollment management, institutional research);
- Experience using data governance tools (e.g., Data Cookbook, Collibra, Informatica);
- Comprehensive knowledge of higher education enterprise systems (e.g., Banner, Workday, PeopleSoft); and
- Knowledge of best practices in data warehousing.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Data Governance Specialist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.
Posting Open Date: June 9, 2025
For Full Consideration, Apply by: June 29, 2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.
If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!
George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
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