Data Governance Specialist

The Data Governance Specialist is a driver in transforming WaFd Bank's data into a trusted strategic asset. This role leads the development and enforcement of policies and practices that safeguard data quality, security, privacy, and compliance with industry regulations. Working in close partnership with internal teams-including data quality analysts, data engineers, and business stakeholders-the specialist ensures that data is well-managed, consistently reliable, and aligned with organizational goals. By championing strong data governance, this role helps unlock the full value of data to support smarter decisions, operational excellence, and long-term strategic success. Along with the key functions listed below, you will be expected to uphold the value that WaFd Bank places on simply being kind when working alongside colleagues and servicing our clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Data Governance: Assist in the development, implementation, and ongoing management of WaFd's data governance program. Help establish data as a strategic organizational asset by promoting integrity, privacy, and compliance across the enterprise. Support the enforcement of data governance policies, standards, and procedures to ensure proper data management and protection.
• Compliance and Regulatory Oversight: Ensure that data governance practices align with relevant industry regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, FFIEC). Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to support audits and risk assessments, ensuring ongoing adherence to data privacy and security requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate data governance committees, working groups, and cross-functional collaboration among stakeholders across departments. Partner with teams to promote consistent and effective data management practices throughout the organization.
• Education and Training: Promote data literacy by educating data stewards on the importance and interconnectivity of data across the organization. Develop and deliver training on data-related roles and responsibilities, including preparation of training materials and support for new process adoption.
• Data Catalog Management: Work with business units to define and document data definitions, metadata, lineage, and business rules for key data elements. Support data classification processes to identify and protect sensitive information.
• Documentation: Create and maintain documentation and procedures necessary to enforce standards, communicate best practices, define roles and responsibilities, and sustain ongoing operations. Promote effective documentation best practices internally and externally.
• Security / Compliance: Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. Maintain awareness of security threats, laws, and policy for data privacy and protection; take steps to protect organizational data from accidental or unauthorized damage, modification, or disclosure; assist with security and access management.
• Team Player: Maintain a collaborative mindset and perform other duties as assigned in support of the team..
• Adhere to bank policies and procedures designed to comply with federal regulations, including but not limited to the Bank Secrecy Act, USA Patriot Act and OFAC regulations.
• Complete and pass all assigned eLearning courses.
• Avoid any real or perceived conflicts of interest and maintain client privacy and confidentiality at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Ability to adapt to changing regulatory requirements and business needs while maintaining data governance standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with various teams and communicate complex data policies to stakeholders - promoting cooperation.
• Works effectively with cross-functional teams, including technical teams, legal, and business lines, to achieve common data governance objectives.
• Able to identify and address data governance issues proactively and effectively.
• Capable of analyzing data quality, security, and compliance issues and providing solutions.
• A self-starter with a proactive approach to identifying and solving problems. Driven to deliver measurable improvements.
• Ability to work with and maintain confidential information.

Education/Skills/Training:

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university; related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong understanding of data governance, data management, and data quality concepts.
• Familiarity with data governance tools (e.g., Collibra, Informatica, Alation) and data management platforms.
• Knowledge of databases, data integration, data warehousing, and metadata management.
• Understanding of regulatory standards and frameworks (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
• Experience with data classification and data stewardship practices.
• High proficiency in business analysis tools (e.g., Microsoft Visio, JIRA, Confluence).
• Knowledge of system development methodologies (Agile, Scrum).
• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.

Experience

Required:

• At least 3-5 years of experience in data governance, data management, or a related field. Experience in a data-focused or regulatory-compliant industry (e.g., finance, healthcare, or government) is highly beneficial.
• Prior experience in developing and implementing data governance frameworks and policies.
• Experience with data quality management and the use of data governance and data management tools.
• Must have an in-depth knowledge of data systems and data flows, including strong technical aptitude and understanding of Microsoft Office Suite of products.
• Experience working with data management platforms, databases, and data integration tools.
• Proficiency in metadata management and the ability to understand data architectures and structures.

Preferred:

• Data Governance certifications (e.g., Certified Information Management Professional (CIMP), Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), or Data Governance and Stewardship Professional (DGSP)) are often preferred.
• Knowledge of data privacy certifications (e.g., Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)) may be beneficial.
• Experience in the finance/banking industry with knowledge of related data standards and regulations.
• Familiarity with Agile or Scrum methodologies and experience working in Agile teams.

At WaFd Bank you get all of these great benefits!

• Paid time off for vacation, sick days and holidays
• Health insurance
• Stock options
• Bonus programs
• Generous 7% 401(k) employer matching*
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee assistance programs
• Pre-tax health and dependent-care spending plans

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We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action. We recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military and/or veteran status, or disability in accordance with Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, which require affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. WaFd Bank does not discriminate on the basis of national origin or citizenship status as provided under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes. WaFd Bank is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities to the full extent required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, you are encouraged to contact us at 800.324.9375

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