Data and AI Governance Lead

Job Description

CDM Smith is seeking a Data and AI Governance Lead to join our Digital Capital team. At CDM Smith, we recognize the value of data and the need to have it accessible and trusted throughout the enterprise. As we expand our use of modern data platforms and AI-driven capabilities, we are investing in governance practices that ensure data is accurate, secure and ready to power critical business decisions.
As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for advancing and maturing the firm's data governance and AI governance capabilities through strong stewardship of data standards, policies, and governance processes. You will help define standards, improve data quality, and embed governance practices into everyday workflows so that data can be used confidently and consistently across the business.
In this role you will also support the development and operationalization of AI governance practices, including model transparency, responsible AI usage, data lineage management, and governance controls that help ensure AI solutions are trusted, explainable, and compliant with organization policies. You will collaborate with business, analytics, and platform teams to help ensure governance guardrails that enable innovation while managing risk.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record working within enterprise data governance frameworks and operation models, including stewardship, policy management, and data standards implementations. The candidate should demonstrate curiosity, comfort working across both business and technical teams, and exceptional communication and problem-solving skills. Key responsibilities include:
Core Data Governance:
Operationalize data governance standards, policies and controls approved by the Data Governance Board and leadership.
Own and maintain governance artifacts including the data dictionary, metadata standards, data lineage documentation, and data quality rules.
Partner with data owners, data stewards, analytics and platform teams to:
o Monitor and improve data quality
o Resolve data quality issues through a defined data governance process
o Ensure governance practices are embedded in analytics and reporting workflows
Serve as the custodian of governance tooling to support metadata management, lineage, quality monitoring, and access control.
Develop and maintain data governance KPIs and reporting.
Support change management by introducing updates to governance processes, roles, and standards in partnership with business and technical stakeholders.
Develop and support governance education, communications, and training materials that improve adoption across business and technical teams.
Stay current with emerging data governance and AI governance best practices and help incorporate approved advancements into operational processes.
AI Governance
Partner with the AI Governance Board, AI delivery teams, and platform teams to operationalize approved AI governance requirements.
Ensure AI solutions and agents are supported by trusted and governed source data and have clear data lineage in and out of AI models.
Maintain an Agent inventory including what models are used for each agent.
Collaborate with AI and analytics teams to ensure governance controls are embedded into AI platforms and workflows, enabling responsible innovation while managing risk.
Support governance readiness for audits, risk assessments, and compliance activities related to AI systems.

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Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree.
8 years of related experience.

Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why CDM Smith?

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!

Join Us! CDM Smith - where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it's a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Agency Disclaimer

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Recruitment Center Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Recruiting Center Team (RCT) will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

Skills and Abilities

Strong understanding of Data Governance principles, including data quality, metadata management, stewardship, lineage, policy management, and data standards.
Foundational understanding of AI Governance concepts, including responsible AI, model transparency, explainability, bias awareness, and AI risk management.
Proven experience working within enterprise data governance frameworks and operating models.
Hands on experience with governance, catalog, or lineage tools such as Databricks Unity Catalog, Microsoft Purview, or Alation.
Experience working with cloud and analytics platforms such as Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Power BI.
Experience using SQL or similar query languages to analyze, validate, and troubleshoot data quality issues.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Curiosity and willingness to continuously learn emerging technologies, governance practices, and AI-related trends.
Working knowledge of data privacy, security, retention, and regulatory considerations related to data and AI governance.
Strong facilitation and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence and build consensus without direct authority.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Additional Pay Range Information

The pay range for this position is listed above. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for this position based on the geographic location assigned to the position. Please note that pay ranges vary based on geographic location. In addition to geographic location, the company considers several other factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the role, function and associated responsibilities, the candidate's work experience, education/training and key skills.

Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.