Senior Director - Data Transformation and Adoption

Description & Requirements

The Senior Director - Data Transformation and Adoption will spearhead Maximus's enterprise data transformation and cultural adoption efforts, operationalizing the INSIGHTS framework (Integrated, Navigable, Standardized, Insightful, Governed, High-Quality, Trusted, Stewarded) and Maximus Global Ontology/Data Model across U.S. Federal, U.S. Services, and OUS segments. This senior leader owns the change data portfolio management, acceleration, workforce enablement, literacy scaling, and measurable adoption needed to position data as a strategic asset driving Maximus 2030 pillars.

Emphasizing federated governance, process-first modernization, compliance rigor, and executive stakeholder alignment in a highly regulated government contracting environment, the role delivers sustainable transformation - leveraging proven approaches to rationalization, auditability, and large-scale change to achieve 100% data literacy, 100% AI-readiness, and full ontology conformance by 2030. Immediate priorities include accelerating Data Foundation milestones and building enterprise-wide momentum for AI-enabled outcomes.

This is a remote position that may require occasional travel to HQ / Client site. Eligibility to acquire a US government Top Secret/SCI clearance preferred

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Drive enterprise-wide transformation of the data ecosystem by rationalizing silos, legacy pipelines, and non-compliant assets to improve efficiency, auditability, regulatory alignment, and AI readiness.
- Lead the phased deployment of INSIGHTS principles and the Global Ontology/Data Model, including schema validation (Pydantic/JSON), AI model and identity extensions, and the enforcement of security and data-residency axioms.
- Deliver Q2-Q4 2026 foundational milestones, including CDL as the first GLDE pilot node, the rollout of Microsoft Purview and Fabric, the establishment of enterprise data-quality baselines (>95%), and the rationalization of redundant data processes.
- Lead the Talent Migration pillar by scaling enterprise data literacy to 30-45% by the end of FY2026 and advancing toward 100% advanced certification by 2030 through structured training, LMS programs, incentives, and champion networks.
- Design and execute comprehensive change-management strategies-including communications, training, resistance mitigation, and success storytelling-to embed ontology adoption, self-service analytics, and a data-driven culture across all segments.
- Build and facilitate global Communities of Practice focused on ontology, AI ethics, and priority use cases; and track participation, engagement, contributions, and knowledge-sharing effectiveness.
- Establish and report enterprise KPIs, including ontology conformance, data-quality scores, literacy rates, CoP participation, AI-pilot adoption, KBQ automation progress (targeting 90% by Year 3), and overall transformation ROI.
- Ensure strict alignment with regulatory and security requirements (HIPAA 2025, FedRAMP, CMMC, GDPR/PIPEDA, CUI) through ontology axioms, TDF-policy enforcement, DataGuard prototypes, and certification-like governance processes.
- Collaborate with segment GMs, pillar leads, and executive leadership to integrate data practices into Growth, Operational Excellence, and AI/Technology Enablement strategies; and prepare executive briefs, dashboards, and investment reviews.
- Lead matrixed enablement teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders to deliver milestones, mitigate adoption and compliance risks, accelerate quick wins, and support responsible AI adoption in partnership with AI Ethics leadership.

Job-Specific Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead Enterprise Data Transformation & Modernization

- Execute aggressive, outcome-oriented transformation of Maximus's data ecosystem by rationalizing silos, legacy flows, and non-compliant assets to enable efficiency, auditability, and AI-readiness.

- Own phased deployment of INSIGHTS principles and Global Ontology/Data Model (Pydantic/JSON Schema validation, AIModel/Identity extensions, axioms like phi_flag ? MFA/encryption and data_storage_region enforcement).

- Drive Q2-Q4 2026 Foundation execution: CDL as first GLDE pilot node, Purview/Fabric rollout, initial quality baselines (>95%), and rationalization of redundant data processes.

Champion Workforce Enablement, Data Literacy & Adoption

- Lead Talent Migration pillar delivery: Scale data literacy from baseline to 30-45% by end-FY2026 and 100% advanced certification by 2030 via LMS-based training, Communities of Practice (CoPs), incentives, and champions programs.

- Design and implement comprehensive change management strategies (communications, training, resistance mitigation, success storytelling) to embed ontology adoption, self-service analytics, and a data-driven culture across segments.

- Establish/facilitate global CoPs focused on ontology, AI ethics, pillar use cases, and best practices; track engagement, contributions, and knowledge sharing metrics.

Drive Adoption Metrics, Compliance & Executive Reporting

- Define and report enterprise KPIs: ontology conformance %, data quality scores, literacy rates, CoP participation, AI pilot adoption, KBQ automation progress (target: 90% automated by Year 3), and transformation ROI/savings.

- Ensure federated governance and strict regulatory alignment (HIPAA 2025, FedRAMP, CMMC, GDPR/PIPEDA for OUS, CUI) through ontology axioms, TDFPolicy enforcement, DataGuard prototypes, and certification-like processes.

- Partner with segment GMs, pillar leads, and C-suite executives to integrate data practices into Growth, Operational Excellence, and AI/Tech Enablement; prepare executive briefs, dashboards, and investment reviews aligned with strategic priorities.

Foster Collaboration, Risk Mitigation & Innovation

- Lead matrixed enablement teams and influence cross-functional stakeholders (DEO, IT, segments, functional sponsors) to ensure accountability, milestone delivery, and issue resolution.

- Identify/mitigate adoption risks (silo resistance, compliance gaps, change fatigue) via proactive pilots, executive escalation, and demonstrated quick wins.

- Collaborate with AI Ethics Subcommittee on responsible AI adoption, bias mitigation, and ESG data governance; support rapid KBQ resolution through governed, AI-ready data.

Minimum Requirements

- Bachelor's degree in relevant field of study.
- 12+ years of relevant professional experience required.

Job-Specific Minimum Requirements:

- 12+ years in enterprise governance, transformation, portfolio management, or CDO-adjacent roles in regulated federal/government contracting or defense environments.

- Proven leadership of large-scale data modernization/rationalization programs, compliance lifts (e.g., audit findings closure, reporting improvements), and enterprise architecture alignment.

- Expertise in federated governance models, policy development, executive stakeholder coordination, and high-level briefing/reporting (e.g., to C-suite or equivalent).

- Strong track record in change management and cultural transformation (organizational rebranding, workforce transitions, enablement at scale).

- Experience with data standards/metadata, visualization tools, and modernization in process-first/ERP-centric contexts; familiarity with Microsoft Purview/Azure stack, ontology/semantics, and AI-readiness highly valued.

- Deep knowledge of U.S. federal compliance (FedRAMP, CMMC, HIPAA, Title 10-style auditability); international regs (GDPR) a plus.

- Bachelor's or Master's in relevant field (e.g., Information Management, Computer Science, Public Policy/Analytics); certifications (CDMP, federal portfolio/governance, change management) preferred.

- Exceptional executive communication, influence, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

- Eligibility to acquire a US government Top Secret/SCI clearance preferred

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EEO Statement

Maximus is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.

Pay Transparency

Maximus compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to job location, a candidate's education, training, experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value analysis including seniority and merit systems, as well as internal pay alignment. Annual salary is just one component of Maximus's total compensation package. Other rewards may include short- and long-term incentives as well as program-specific awards. Additionally, Maximus provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and paid time off. Compensation ranges may differ based on contract value but will be commensurate with job duties and relevant work experience. An applicant's salary history will not be used in determining compensation. Maximus will comply with regulatory minimum wage rates and exempt salary thresholds in all instances.

Accommodations
Maximus provides reasonable accommodations to individuals requiring assistance during any phase of the employment process due to a disability, medical condition, or physical or mental impairment. If you require assistance at any stage of the employment process-including accessing job postings, completing assessments, or participating in interviews,-please contact People Operations at .

Minimum Salary

$ 161,440.00

Maximum Salary

$ 242,160.00