Lead, Data Governance

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an agency where innovation thrives, ideas flourish, and passion drives us to new heights of excellence. Reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General, the AGCO is responsible for regulating Ontario’s vibrant alcohol, gaming, horse racing, and private retail cannabis sectors with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to the public interest.   The AGCO has an exciting opportunity for a Data Governance Lead within the Enterprise Data and Analytics branch. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Data Governance and Information Management, you will play a critical role in advancing the AGCO’s enterprise data governance program and establishing trusted, well-managed data as a strategic organizational asset. This role provides specialized program and technical expertise to ensure AGCO’s data assets are effectively governed, optimized for enterprise value, and compliant with applicable legislative and policy frameworks.   In this role, you will lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of data governance policies, standards, frameworks, and processes, driving their adoption across the organization. You will also provide senior-level guidance, collaborate extensively with internal and external stakeholders, and lead and support enterprise-wide initiatives to strengthen data management practices.   As a trusted advisor and subject matter expert, you will help mature AGCO’s data governance capabilities, support compliance with legislation and policy, and enable the effective, secure, and informed use of data across the organization.   What You Will Do: Lead the planning and delivery of data governance (DG) activities, services, and initiatives which will mature the DG program, aligning with corporate and divisional strategic priorities. Develop, implement, and maintain data governance frameworks, policies, and procedures that support effective data management across the organization, including collaboration with domain leads on DG-related standards (e.g., sensitivity, privacy, data quality). Establish data governance bodies, forums, and decision-making frameworks, adapting these as needed to accommodate changes in organizational resources and direction.  Conduct data governance maturity assessments and identify opportunities to strengthen organizational capabilities, processes, and controls. Identify, assess, and mitigate data governance risks related to data management practices, data sharing, data quality, system implementations, and emerging technologies in collaboration with Legal, Privacy, Cybersecurity, and other business and technical stakeholders. Lead the continued development and expansion of the AGCO Enterprise Data Catalogue as a foundational data governance capability, enabling enhanced discoverability, understanding, and stewardship of data across the organization while ensuring alignment with enterprise data management and modelling practices. Oversee the development and implementation of data stewardship practices, including metadata management, business glossaries, and accountability models. Integrate data governance requirements and considerations by design into processes, projects, procurements, digital products, and other initiatives. Provide expert advice and recommendations on complex data governance matters, balancing operational needs, compliance requirements, and strategic priorities. Drive the ongoing maturity of data sharing and open data publication practices through the development and enhancement of governance controls, standards, and processes that support the secure and compliant exchange of data with internal and external stakeholders. Develop and deliver communications, training, and guidance that promotes awareness, adoption, and organizational maturity in data governance practices. Support the responsible use of data for analytics, reporting, and artificial intelligence initiatives by ensuring appropriate governance and controls are in place. You Have:  Six (6) or more years of practical and progressive experience in data and information governance, data management, or related discipline. University degree in a relevant field (such as Information Science, Public Administration, or Data Management), or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Extensive knowledge of and demonstrated ability to interpret applicable legislation, guidelines, and policies, with experience providing advice, recommendations, and guidance on their application.  Knowledge of policies, business rules, procedures, and guidelines relating to data management, including classification, retention, and disposition of information.  Experience in developing maturity and risk assessment tools, methodologies, policies, and procedures to effectively manage and govern information and data.  Good understanding of related disciplines such as privacy, security, IT systems design, policy development, business and data architecture, legal processes, risk management, and project management.  Excellent knowledge of emerging data management standards and best practices, including de-identification of personal information and data quality assessment, with experience applying these concepts within systems and processes. Familiarity and experience with directives, policies, and guidelines released by the Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement (MPBSDP) and/or the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC).  Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships, influence decision-making, and collaborate effectively across business and technical stakeholder groups. Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills (written and verbal). Eligibility to work in Canada and the ability to successfully complete a criminal background check.     Nice to Have: Professional certification in applicable areas (Privacy, Information Governance, Recordkeeping, Data Management) is an asset.  Experience supporting data governance for advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.