SUMMARY: The Information Governance Director will lead the Firm’s data governance process on a Firm-wide basis. This role is unique as it provides an opportunity to build an information governance program for a large multi-state Firm. The IGD will be responsible for designing, implementing, and directing a comprehensive information and data governance program for a progressive, growing Firm. This program will be built upon a framework of actionable policies and guidelines to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical, and client requirements. Successful execution of the compliance plan will be enabled by optimized systems and technologies designed to boost utilization and adhere to governance requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – Information Governance Director:

• Communicate information governance policies and procedures to Firm leadership, attorneys, and staff.
• Develop and maintain an information governance program that enhances compliance with legal, regulatory, financial, and operational recordkeeping requirements.
• Set short-, mid-, and long-term objectives for the information governance program that support the Firm's strategic goals and plans.
• Coordinate with the General Counsel to ensure that activities associated with legal holds and file transfers are managed in compliance with Firm policies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the Firm to assess needs, identify gaps or areas of improvement, and recommend changes and improvements.
• Recommend and implement best practices. Establish data quality policies, standards, and processes for managing information in a structured format.
• Prepare reports on information governance risks, risk mitigation options, and compliance activities for senior management and the Firm’s legal team.
• Develop strategies and protocols for ensuring the classification, confidentiality, privacy, security, retention, and disposition of Firm and client information.
• Identify and leverage technology to support the information governance program’s goals and to achieve efficiency. Define requirements for modern technology to support a best-in-class information governance program. 
• Establish metrics for various aspects of the program, monitor progress, and recommend changes that improve its effectiveness, ensuring continuous improvement. 
• Provide a cohesive business case for the adoption of policies and practices to gain Firm-wide support for the program.
• Advise Firm personnel at all levels to ensure proper maintenance, receipt, transmittal, retrieval, and disposal of records and information as governed by local, state, and federal rules and regulations. 
• Collaborate with stakeholders to achieve information governance awareness and compliance.
• Develop training programs and serve as a subject matter expert for information governance education and awareness. 
• Collaborate with senior leadership regarding annual compliance training program involving training opportunities for key policies across the Firm including Legal, Human Resources  and IT. 
• Generate Firm-wide awareness of information governance services to all staff and assist in one-on-one and group training. 
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define and analyze business and records processes to improve retention practices and disposition of records and information outside of policies, procedures, and schedules. 
• Lead or participate in the audit of existing practices across all information systems as needed to ensure compliance with policies, standards, and schedules. 
• Serve as a liaison to technical staff for information governance tool/application selection and development. 
• Research and recommend the latest information governance approaches, methodologies, technology, policies, and procedures to achieve continuous improvement. 
• Build effective working relationships with internal stakeholders to maximize support and accomplish established goals. 
• Travel to all office locations to provide oversight and training on information governance policies and procedures as needed. 
• Manage the recruitment, selection, orientation, and retention of employees within the Information Governance Department. Manage employee performance by coaching, counselling, and motivating employees to achieve the highest levels of productivity and job satisfaction. Participate in periodic and annual performance and salary reviews. Solve employee relations issues and participate in disciplinary action when necessary. 
• Ensure timely completion of necessary administrative duties, procedures, and preparation of monthly management reports as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Functional expertise in information governance principles related to managing client matter records, evolving data privacy controls, and educating end users on ways to compliantly manage information.
• Excellent Microsoft Windows (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access) skills required. Ability to analyze data with data reporting tools.
• Experience with enterprise technology solutions used for the management of both physical and electronic information.
• Experience using relational databases such as SQL databases.
• Experience with industry best practices for electronic and physical data retention, organization, and discovery. Understand the principles around managing both unstructured and structured data.
• Ability to articulate strategic direction and mission in a manner that promotes consensus and conformity.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and workflow to ensure accuracy and quality.
• Demonstrated ability to execute process improvements.
• Proven record of accomplishment of successfully supervising, developing, and training staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, attorneys and senior leadership and clients (if applicable).
• Strong attention to details.
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to multitask and manage time effectively.
• Position also requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines, effectively prioritize multiple tasks. 
• Comfortable working in a demanding environment where priorities change frequently. 
• Excellent independent, decision-making capabilities and a solution-oriented attitude.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities. 
• Exceptional customer service and people skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in information technology, library science, or an associated discipline. Juris Doctor (JD) is desirable.
• 10+ years' experience in information resources management, information systems and technology, or law as it applies to information governance, information security, or data privacy.
• Professional certification such as a CIP, IGP, or other Information Governance-related practice area is desirable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires sitting for the majority of the workday. May require lifting up to 5 – 10 lbs when working with in-house data.

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