Director of Data Governance

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and management; restructurings; high-stakes litigation and trials; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,500+ lawyers) operating from 19 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

The Director of Data Governance will develop, maintain and champion a framework, including policies, procedures, standards and guidelines, for data governance and play a critical role in ensuring the integrity, accuracy, completeness, compliance and security of the firm’s data. The DDG will work with business units to achieve data literacy, which is the ability to read, write and communicate data in context, including an understanding of data sources and constructs, analytical methods and techniques applied, and the ability to describe the use case, application and resulting value. The individual will be responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, implementation, and management of the firm’s data governance program. The DDG will work closely with cross-functional business and IT teams to establish data quality and literacy standards and to ensure that data-related issues are addressed in a timely and effective manner. This position will provide leadership and coordinate the framework for establishing data-driven decision-making.

Essential Functions: (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive data governance program that aligns with our overall strategic objectives.
• Establish data governance policies, procedures, and standards that promote data quality and literacy.
• Develop and maintain data governance frameworks, including data classification, data lineage, and data stewardship.
• Lead and mentor a team of domain facilitators, data stewards and cross-functional subject-matter experts to understand and support data-driven decision-making.
• Work closely with cross-functional business teams and Information Technology teams to establish data quality metrics and audit processes and policies to ensure efficacy.
• Guide domain facilitators and data stewards on data-related projects and initiatives, including data integration and data migration projects.
• Evangelize the data governance principles to improve understanding, awareness and use of data.
• Monitor and report on data governance metrics.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in data governance and recommend improvements to existing policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Establish a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed of data governance initiatives, progress, and best practices.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, data science, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in data governance, data management, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of data governance concepts, frameworks, and best practices.
• Experience developing and implementing data governance policies, procedures, and standards.
• Experience leading data-related projects and initiatives.
• Proven change management skills.
• Excellent communication, diplomacy and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to move projects forward by consensus building
• Ability to work effectively with business and IT cross-functional teams.
• Experience leading a team of data stewards, data owners, and data governance subject matter experts.

Preferred

• Strong project management skills
• Work experience at a large professional services organization

Technologies/Software

• Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, visio.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• “This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.”

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

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