Data Policy & Strategy SME - (Onsite - REF1561C)

Citizant is a leading provider of professional IT services to the U.S. government.  We seek to address some of our country’s most pressing challenges in the areas of Agile application development, Enterprise Data Management, Enterprise Architecture, and Program Management support services – focusing on the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Treasury. We strive to hire only ethical, talented, passionate, and committed “A Players” who already align with the company’s core values:  Drive, Excellence, Reputation, Responsibility, and a Better Future.  No matter how large we grow, Citizant will retain its collaborative, supportive, small-company culture, where successful team effort to address external and internal customer challenges is valued above all individual contributions.

Salary Range:

The expected pay range for this position is $170,000 to $180,000 yearly.  The exact pay rate will vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced Subject Matter Expert with a minimum of 7 years of demonstrated proficiency in delivering technical support projects, specifically within the domain of data policy and strategy. This role will be integral to our team supporting the Chief Data Officer (CDO), focusing on initiatives such as Data Governance, Data Inventory Program (DIP), Data Architecture, and Ontology development. The ideal candidate will possess deep subject matter expertise in data management practices and a proven track record of success in implementing complex data initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of the Evidence Act, Federal Data Strategy, and DHS Enterprise Data Strategy for CDOD.
• Data Policy and Strategy Development: Provide expert guidance and insights in the development and refinement of data policies and strategies aligned with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements. Collaborate with the Chief Data Officer and key stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of policy frameworks.
• Data Governance Leadership: Lead efforts to establish and enhance data governance frameworks, including defining governance structures, roles, and responsibilities. Provide expert advice on best practices for implementing data governance processes, standards, and controls.
• Data Inventory Program (DIP) Oversight: Offer subject matter expertise in the design and execution of the Data Inventory Program, including defining inventory scope, metadata standards, and data lineage documentation. Ensure the accuracy and completeness of inventory data to support organizational decision-making.
• Data Architecture and Ontology Guidance: Provide technical guidance and recommendations for data architecture solutions, including data modeling, schema design, and integration strategies. Lead the development of ontologies to standardize data definitions and promote semantic interoperability.
• Technical Support and Troubleshooting: Serve as a technical expert and escalation point for resolving complex issues related to data management processes, systems, and technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot problems and implement effective solutions.
• Knowledge Sharing and Training: Share expertise and best practices with team members and stakeholders through training sessions, workshops, and documentation. Empower others to leverage data management capabilities effectively and efficiently.
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation in data management practices. Drive the implementation of enhancements to optimize the efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of data initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organization to communicate project updates, solicit feedback, and address concerns. Build strong relationships with business partners to foster collaboration and support the achievement of project goals.

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in delivering technical support projects, with a focus on data management or related disciplines.
• Proven expertise in data policy and strategy development, data governance, and data inventory programs.
• Experience with knowledge representation artifacts, ontologies, and knowledge graphs.
• Deep understanding of data architecture principles, including data modeling, database design, and ontology development.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to analyze complex technical issues to develop innovative solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with experience in guiding cross-functional teams and driving project success.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Professional Certifications in data management, governance, or architecture (e.g., Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), TOGAF, or equivalent).

Clearance Requirements 

• Active Public Trust or ability to obtain one.
• US citizenship required 

Citizant strives to be an employer of choice in the Washington metropolitan area. Citizant associates accept challenging and rewarding work and in return receive excellent compensation and benefits, as well as the opportunity for personal and professional development.

Citizant is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.