The Data Governance Specialist supports the organization's data governance, data management, and Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) initiatives by ensuring data is accurately documented, appropriately classified, and effectively governed across the enterprise. This role works closely with technology, information security, and business teams to manage metadata, data lineage, data quality, sensitive data discovery, and data risk management activities. The successful candidate will help strengthen the organization's data governance and data protection capabilities by supporting data classification, monitoring data risks, maintaining governance standards, and promoting the responsible use of data across both structured and unstructured environments. The Data Governance Specialist plays a key role in supporting the organization’s data governance, data management, and Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) practices. This role focuses on ensuring that data is accurate, appropriately classified, and consistently documented for use across the business. Working closely with technology, information security, and data teams, the Data Governance Specialist supports metadata management, data quality, data lineage, data classification, sensitive data discovery, data risk assessment, and governance activities that strengthen the organization’s overall data management and protection capabilities. The ideal candidate has experience working hands-on with data, is comfortable using tools to understand and profile datasets, and is eager to deepen their knowledge of data governance, data quality, metadata management, data protection, and data risk management. This role is well-suited for individuals who want to expand their expertise across both data governance and data security disciplines. WHAT YOU WILL DO Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) & Data Risk Management • Support the implementation, administration, and ongoing operation of the organization's Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) platform. • Monitor sensitive and regulated data assets across cloud and on-premises environments to identify security, privacy, and compliance risks. • Investigate DSPM findings and support risk assessment, documentation, escalation, and remediation activities. • Track data risk exposures and work with stakeholders to facilitate timely resolution of identified issues. • Enhance data discovery, monitoring, and risk management processes to improve visibility and protection of sensitive information. Data Classification, Protection & Access Support • Maintain data classification standards, metadata, and tagging across governance and DSPM platforms. • Identify and classify sensitive, confidential, proprietary, and regulated data assets. • Support the implementation of data protection, access management, and governance controls. • Collaborate with data custodians and technology teams to ensure organizational data assets are appropriately classified, protected, and managed in accordance with policy and regulatory requirements. Metadata & Documentation • Maintain and update metadata in the business glossary and data catalog. • Work with business stakeholders to document clear and consistent data definitions. • Support the organization in improving accessibility and understanding of key data assets. Data Lineage Support • Assist in documenting data lineage by reviewing SQL, dashboards, and data flows. • Investigate how data moves across systems and support the validation of lineage diagrams. • Help improve visibility into data movement across applications, databases, and reporting platforms. Data Quality Support • Work with Data Engineering and business teams to highlight and track data quality concerns. • Assist in monitoring and reporting on data quality metrics. Data Retention & Disposition • Support implementation and monitoring of data retention and disposition policies aligned with regulatory and business requirements. • Assist in identifying and tagging data for retention schedules and track compliance or exceptions to ensure secure data lifecycle and disposal practices and support audits. Unstructured Data Governance • Support classification, organization, and governance of unstructured data across platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Teams, shared drives). • Promote consistent tagging, access controls, and best practices to improve discoverability and reduce risk. • Assist in identifying sensitive or redundant data and support initiatives to reduce data sprawl and improve compliance. • Leverage DSPM capabilities to improve visibility into sensitive data stored within unstructured repositories and support initiatives to reduce data sprawl and improve compliance. Policy & Standards Support • Assist in communicating and reinforcing data governance standards and procedures. • Help ensure alignment with privacy, compliance, and regulatory requirements by applying established policies. • Support audit and incident response activities by providing data context, lineage, and classification insights for investigations and reporting. Stakeholder Collaboration • Partner with data owners, data custodians, and technical teams to ensure the accuracy and consistency of metadata and data quality findings. • Collaborate with stakeholders to prioritize remediation efforts and support implementation of data protection best practices. • Help promote a culture of responsible and informed data use across the organization. Tools & Governance Platform Support • Support the use of data governance tools such as business glossaries, catalogs, and lineage systems. • Enter and maintain metadata, glossary terms, lineage diagrams, and quality rules. • Assist in administering governance and monitoring platforms and supporting user adoption activities. Training & Awareness Contribution • Assist in preparing training materials and knowledge-sharing resources. • Help drive data literacy by supporting workshops, documentation, and onboarding efforts. WHAT YOU WILL BRING Experience • 3-5 years of experience in data management, analytics, data governance, data risk management, data security, or a related discipline. • Experience with DSPM, data security, or data protection tools (e.g., Cyera, Varonis, BigID) is considered an asset. • Hands-on experience working with data using SQL, Snowflake • Exposure to data governance tools (e.g., Collibra, MS Purview, Informatica, Alation) is an asset. • Experience with data discovery, data classification, sensitive data management, privacy, or data protection initiatives is considered an asset. • Experience documenting data definitions or supporting data quality initiatives is an asset. • Experience in the Financial Services industry is beneficial but not required. Education / Training • Degree or diploma in information management, business, data science, computer science, or a related field. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Technical Skills • Working knowledge of SQL for data profiling and analysis. • Ability to interpret data models, dashboards, and query logic. • Familiarity with databases and data platforms (e.g., Snowflake, Oracle) is an asset. • Basic understanding of data modelling concepts. • Understanding of data classification, sensitive data discovery, and metadata management concepts. • Familiarity with data protection, privacy, and data security principles. • Experience supporting governance, catalog, metadata management, or DSPM technologies is an asset. Non-Technical Skills • Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking. • Ability to document information clearly and accurately. • Familiarity with or interest in data governance frameworks (e.g., DAMA, DCAM). • Understanding of the importance of data privacy, quality, and compliance. • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams. • Curiosity and a passion for improving data literacy and reliability.