Director, Data Governance, Policy & Stewardship

Our Purpose
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
Title and Summary
Director, Data Governance, Policy & Stewardship
Overview:
Mastercard is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Director of Data Governance - Policy & Stewardship to join our Data Governance Team. In this role, you will champion federated data stewardship and ensure the accurate, secure, and effective use of Mastercard's data assets. You'll be responsible for developing and implementing data policies, standards, and governance practices that balance business enablement with regulatory compliance, all while aligning strategies to broader business objectives.
The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of data governance principles, proven expertise in data management best practices, and a strong passion for advancing data stewardship. You will play a key role in shaping policies, guiding stewardship initiatives, and enabling stakeholders to maximize the value of Mastercard's data.
This role will report to the Vice President, Data Management, Data Governance.
This hybrid position is based in O'Fallon, MO, and requires three onsite days per week.
Role:• Lead the creation and ongoing management of data governance policies and frameworks to ensure data integrity, consistency, and compliance across the organization.• Develop and enforce data standards to drive quality across domains and ensure adherence to policies.• Build and maintain data governance workflows leveraging Mastercard's new governance catalog.• Partner with the Enterprise Data Office and business teams to coordinate audit responses and ensure alignment with regulatory requirements.• Design and implement data stewardship strategies aligned to Mastercard's governance framework.• Define, track, and report KPIs to measure effectiveness of stewardship initiatives.• Collaborate across teams and leadership to raise program awareness, foster alignment, and drive resolution of governance issues.• Partner with the Data Strategy & Management team to establish control points and update governance processes.• Serve as a subject matter expert on governance, providing guidance across projects and stewardship communities.• Facilitate forums and training to improve organizational data literacy, strengthen compliance, and embed accountability for data responsibilities.• Act as a change agent and advocate, influencing stakeholders to embrace governance best practices and responsible data use.• Oversee training and awareness programs to ensure consistent understanding and application of governance standards.
All About You:• Previous experience in a governance role within a data office, data governance consulting, risk and/or compliance program management experience.• Demonstrated success in establishing and enforcing standards, policies, and processes that drive effective data management across an enterprise.• Familiarity with the implementation and use of data governance and cataloging technologies.• Proven track record of leading teams and initiatives that deliver measurable business impact.• Strong background in developing and executing stewardship strategies that align with organizational goals and foster a culture of accountability.• Prior experience managing critical, high-visibility, and time-sensitive deliverables.• Skilled in engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, including chairing working groups or sub-committees.• A strategic problem-solver with solid business acumen and deep understanding of data governance principles.• Highly detail-oriented and accountable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.• Recognized ability to lead, influence, and motivate stakeholders across functions and levels, even without direct authority.• Experience collaborating with diverse, geographically dispersed, high-performing teams.• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable insights for broad audiences, including senior executives.
This role is not eligible for Mastercard's work authorization sponsorship. As such, candidates must be eligible to work in the United States, now as well as in the future, without employer sponsorship.
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Mastercard is a merit-based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role. In the US or Canada, if you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application process or during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Reasonable Accommodations team will respond to your email promptly.
Corporate Security Responsibility
All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard's security policies and practices;
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard's guidelines.

In line with Mastercard's total compensation philosophy and assuming that the job will be performed in the US, the successful candidate will be offered a competitive base salary and may be eligible for an annual bonus or commissions depending on the role. The base salary offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Mastercard benefits for full time (and certain part time) employees generally include: insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance); flexible spending account and health savings account; paid leaves (including 16 weeks of new parent leave and up to 20 days of bereavement leave); 80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time, 25 days of vacation time and 5 personal days, pro-rated based on date of hire; 10 annual paid U.S. observed holidays; 401k with a best-in-class company match; deferred compensation for eligible roles; fitness reimbursement or on-site fitness facilities; eligibility for tuition reimbursement; and many more.
Pay Ranges
O'Fallon, Missouri: $148,000 - $237,000 USD