Senior Data Governance Strategist

Under the Assistant Chief Data Officer, the Senior Data Governance Strategist serves as CalData's senior technical consultant for digital governance implementation and adoption. The incumbent operates with substantial independence and initiative to translate approved statewide governance standards and strategic objectives into practical implementation guidance, reference models, reusable tools, and measurable practices that support departmental adoption. Functioning as a specialized advisor to cross-functional partners and departmental teams, this position provides expert technical consultation, conducts research and analysis, and develops implementation frameworks that strengthen interoperability, data quality, privacy, security, and responsible data use. The work performed has a significant impact on how departments operationalize governance standards and leverage technology effectively, while remaining aligned with established statewide policy and enterprise architectural direction., 1. Please describe your experience (including number of years, in what role, and for what employer) engaging in data & analytics governance projects. Highlight some examples and discuss the problem, the digital strategy driving the project, your contribution and the approach, the result, and lessons learned.

2. Describe your approach to digital governance and strategy. Specifically, how would you apply this methodology when supporting state departments in modernizing their digital systems and data workflows? Please include a concrete example from your past experience to illustrate your answer.
3. As part of the team's mission, CalData develops training, guidebooks, and consultation engagements to make sure state departments have access and familiarity with the modern tools and processes they need to excel. What areas of data management, governance, and analytics do you think are most critical and why?
4. What do you want us to know about you that you are not able to convey in the above 3 prompts?

Note: If you do not follow the instructions, you may not move forward in this recruitment. Cover letters and resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application. Final Filing Date: 5/5/2026

Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s)., Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method for applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

• Electronic Submission: Application and any required applicable documents may be submitted electronically through CalCareers account. The application packages must be received electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement.
• U.S Postal Service Mail: Application and any applicable required documents may be submitted by mail. The envelope must be postmarked before or on the final filing date as stated on the job vacancy announcement.

• You are service oriented with a passion for public service

• You have the head for policy but the heart and the practical instincts of an implementer.

• You love helping others succeed and learn from your experience

• You like to ground policy and standards in technical practice

• You have a bias toward action and continuous improvement with an iterative, product oriented mindset

• You are passionate about improving the use of data across the state of California, In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate: Technical/Knowledge Skills

• Enterprise data and analytics governance experience, including standards development, implementation planning, and change management

• Experience designing and implementing data models and enterprise data models using standardized modeling tools and best practices

• Experience planning, developing, and maintaining data strategies to support business analysis and performance measurement

• Knowledge of metadata management, lineage, data quality, and master/reference data concepts and tooling

• Experience translating policy and business requirements into technical requirements, reference architectures, and reusable implementation artifacts

• Knowledge of information security and privacy principles for data systems, including access controls and compliance considerations

• Experience evaluating and recommending analytics and data management platforms, including modern cloud data stacks and BI ecosystems

• Experience successfully leading complex, multi-stakeholder technical initiatives and providing strategic/tactical technical direction

• Understanding of responsible data and AI practices, including equity impacts and mitigation strategies Personal Skills

• Enjoys collaborative processes and building shared understanding across data, IT, security/privacy, and program stakeholders

• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences

• Analytical and investigative mindset; intellectual curiosity about emerging technologies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including technical documentation

• Ability to learn and apply new technologies and approaches rapidly

• Demonstrated ability working with diverse groups of stakeholders and facilitating consensus

• Comfort with ambiguity, risk, and iterative delivery

• Ability to work independently and provide technical leadership within a small team

• Commitment to equity and the use of data to meet the needs of all Californians

• Experience mentoring and coaching peers and project teams

• Experience working with different communication styles and navigating conflict constructively, * Hands-on expertise in BI tools (i.e. Power BI) and enterprise BI governance (data models, enterprise design, deployment pipelines)

• Analytic and engineering scripting skills (SQL, Python, and/or R) and familiarity with version control

• Experience with data catalog, metadata, or data quality tools (or comparable platforms)

• Experience with cloud analytics platforms and modern data engineering patterns (ELT/ETL, orchestration)

• Experience facilitating metric definition and analytics modeling conversations

• Familiarity with agile delivery methods for analytics and data governance, and with security/privacy standards as applied to data systems

The California Office of Data and Innovation helps deliver better services to the people of California through technology and design. In close partnership with our colleagues in other state departments, we reimagine and deliver more equitable and effective programs and products. We listen to Californians who use a program now or may do so tomorrow and hear about what they need. We build tools and products, create and enhance digital services, conduct research, identify data solutions and offer training. We are a cross-discipline staff with blended backgrounds in design, engineering, product, operations, data, research, policy and strategy. If you can imagine joining this growing, and inclusive team, please apply!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ODI

Diversity, equity, and inclusion help us deliver better government services to Californians. Fostering diversity inspires better ideas and more innovative thinking. Feeling included nurtures a shared sense of community. This drives us to take collective action on challenging problems. Prioritizing equity ensures we build solutions for people whose needs are often overlooked. We acknowledge our history and present of implicit and structural injustice, bias, and discrimination. We see, hear, and accept each other and the lived experiences we bring to our work. We support each other in learning and developing so we can help all Californians thrive. We understand this work is never done. That's why we commit to constant improvement.

Please note, CalHR provides contracted Human Resources services for The California Office of Data and Innovation and is not an E-Verified employer. Department Website: https://innovation.ca.gov