Program Manager - Data and GIS Governance

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in VDOT’s enterprise data governance framework, ensuring consistency, accountability, and effective data stewardship.
• Oversee master data management efforts supporting mission‑critical datasets.
• Champion data lifecycle best practices — from creation and storage to archival — ensuring alignment with regulatory, operational, and security requirements.
• Manage and mature metadata standards, data dictionaries, classification systems, and documentation practices.
• Drive remediation strategies for data quality issues by collaborating closely with business units, technical teams, and subject matter experts.
• Provide strategic direction for geospatial governance, ArcGIS platform utilization, and integration of GIS capabilities into enterprise processes.
• Support adoption of emerging data tools, technologies, and platforms, ensuring VDOT remains modern, efficient, and data‑driven.
• Communicate complex data topics clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences; develop training, guidance materials, and governance communications.
• Facilitate cross‑functional working groups, ensuring alignment on data priorities and policies.

Qualifications:

• Extensive experience leading enterprise data programs within a large organization.
• Deep understanding of data governance principles, frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Proven capability in managing the full data lifecycle within complex organizational structures.
• Expertise in metadata management, data quality enhancement, and building sustainable data documentation processes.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a track record of designing scalable processes and governance mechanisms.
• Ability to translate abstract or technically complex concepts into approachable, actionable insights.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for executive‑level and cross‑functional engagement.