Chief Data Officer Job Description Template

The chief data officer owns data as an organizational asset, covering governance, quality, architecture, analytics and increasingly the responsible use of data in machine learning. The role exists because data problems are rarely solved by any single function, and its success depends on establishing standards that other parts of the organization actually follow.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Own the data strategy and its alignment to business priorities
• Establish data governance including ownership, quality and standards
• Lead data engineering, analytics and governance teams
• Own data architecture and platform investment decisions
• Ensure compliance with data protection and privacy regulation
• Establish policy for responsible use of data and models
• Drive data literacy and self service capability across the organization
• Demonstrate the value delivered from data investment
• Manage data related risk and report it to the board
• Build relationships with business leaders who own the source data

Education

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a technical, analytical or business field

Required Skills and Experience

• 12+ years in data, analytics or technology including senior leadership
• Experience establishing data governance that was actually adopted
• Understanding of data architecture and platform economics
• Knowledge of privacy regulation and its practical implications
• Ability to influence business leaders who own the data
• Track record of demonstrating value from data investment
• Experience leading technical and analytical teams
• Board level communication

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a regulated industry
• Background spanning both analytics and engineering