Director (Data Governance and Protection)

Who We Are

As Singapore's first institute for lifelong learning, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) champions inclusivity to bring education to all and ensure that they are given equal opportunities to develop to their fullest potential in our diverse learning environment. We advocate for the same for our people. We believe everyone should have equal opportunities and develop to their fullest potential in their careers. Embark on an exciting lifelong journey with us in making a positive difference in your career and serving our society.

For more information on Singapore University of Social Sciences, please visit www.suss.edu.sg

About the Job

Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) is experiencing rapid growth in its student population and academic offerings, leading to increased complexity in its operations and data management needs. With a vast array of IT systems distributed across on-premise and cloud platforms, and with both digitized and non-digitalized data, SUSS seeks a seasoned Director (Data Governance and Protection) to create and sustain a secure, yet accessible, data environment to support the University’s mission.

This role is critical for ensuring the highest standards of data security, protection, privacy, and quality while enabling access to reliable data for informed decision-making.

What You Will Be Doing

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive data governance framework that encompasses policies, standards, procedures, and metrics to manage data assets effectively.
• Ensure robust security measures and privacy policies are in place, compliant with relevant laws and regulations, to protect data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.
• Conduct risk assessments, identify potential threats to data security and privacy, and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Lead the response to data security breaches and privacy incidents, including investigation, remediation, and reporting.
• Streamline data handling processes to enhance efficiency, data quality, and accessibility for analytics and reporting.
• Work closely with academic departments, IT, legal, and external partners to foster a culture of data responsibility and to align data governance strategies with the university's goals. 
• Develop and deliver training programs to increase awareness and understanding of data governance policies and best practices across the university.
• Oversee the selection and implementation of data governance and protection tools and technologies.

Job Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in data governance, data protection, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Prior experience in an educational or research institution is advantageous.
• Demonstrable experience developing and implementing data governance frameworks and policies.
• Deep understanding of data governance principles, data security standards, and privacy laws
• Strong analytical capabilities to assess risks, analyze data flow, and determine the efficacy of data governance strategies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex data governance concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to drive cross-functional initiative and work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex, multifaceted challenges.