Data Governance Lead Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Special Olympics transforms lives through sport. Special Olympics Ireland is an all-island sports organisation for people with an intellectual disability. Our Vision is to drive and support a quality year-round sports programme that is embedded in local communities, resourced by vibrant and strong leaders, and offers health and well-being opportunities to children and adults with an intellectual disability from 4 years of age upwards. Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to changing the lives of people with an intellectual disability through Sport. Special Olympics Ireland has one of the strongest Special Olympics programmes worldwide and, with an ever-changing digital environment, we are keen to recruit a Data Governance Lead to help us develop a robust data governance framework, enhance data quality management and develop our digital strategy. Summary: TheData Governance Lead will play a pivotal role in driving and managing the adoption of data governance strategies and policies to ensure best practice data management and compliance with Data Protection legislation, whilst fostering a culture of effective data management within our organisation.The ideal candidate will have experience and knowledge on data governance practices and implementing compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation. Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, the post holder will play a pivotal role in driving strategic planning and operations, collaborate with cross-functional teams to support strategic decision-making, policy development and optimisation of processes for maximum efficiency. This role would suit someone who is a strategic thinker with strong technical acumen and a people-first approach, particularly someone who thrives in cross-functional environments and enjoys working at the intersection of data, digital strategy, and compliance. This role is based at our offices on Sport Ireland Campus, Snugborough Road, Dublin 15. Hybrid working arrangements are available with this role. Duties and Responsibilities Implement practices and methodologies to support the definition and roll out of a data governance framework for Special Olympics Ireland, including policies, standards, principles, governance metrics, processes and related tools. Lead on data governance initiatives including the establishment of data classification, data access controls, and data privacy protocols. Evaluate and prioritise data-governance projects (e.g. SharePoint migration). Collaborate with the IT team to ensure efficient data storage, retrieval, and integration across systems, including the implementation and monitoring of data governance frameworks within Azure and Microsoft Purview. Facilitate the implementation of Data Protection principles, standards and legislation across the organisation. Act as the primary point of contact for data protection and manages data subject requests, and oversees the complaints process to ensure timely, fair, and effective resolution. Provide strategic advice to the organisation on data protection considerations and risk-mitigations. Collaborate with departments to identify and map data flows, assess risks, and implement appropriate controls to safeguard personal data. Coach, mentor, and guide staff onchanging standards for data governance and integritydata and on analysis and insights reporting to, as far as is practical, avoid single point dependencies. Support community sports clubs affiliated to Special Olympics Ireland to implement data protection policies and practices and to be a source of support/advice. Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify business processes and opportunities for process automation, improved data use, and enhanced digital tools across departments. Contribute tothestrategic planning,development and rollout of a digital strategy, ensuring data governance practices are integrated into initiatives and processes. Assist in change management and user adoption efforts related to digital tools and platforms. Assist and support the coordination of programme-wide projects as a member of the Operations team to drive strategic and annual planning, delivery of key performance indicators and stakeholder communication. Track project milestones, deliverables, and documentation to ensure timely completion. Skills and Experience Essential Relevant degree or qualification in business, data protection, information security, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience required. At least 2 years experience in data protection or data governance, with strong knowledge and implementation of GDPR and data governance frameworks e.g. DAMA-DMBOK. Strong understanding of databases and data structures. Experience in managing projects, with strong organisational skills to prioritise effectively. Highly organised, self-motivated person with excellent communication and presentation skills. Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills including the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team. Strong analytical, and problem-solving skills Desirable Microsoft Purview experience Familiarity with digital transformation concepts and supporting technologies. Special Olympics Ireland operates a hybrid working environment and the successful candidate will be able to work between our office and home. Working at Special Olympics Ireland Our core values are embedded in the culture of our organisation: Passion & Pride Equipped for Empowerment Flexibility & Adaptability One Team Benefits include: Flexible /Hybrid Working - Enhanced Sick Pay - Enhanced Maternity Pay - Time off in Lieu - Employer Pension Employee Assistance Programme - Staff Welfare and Wellbeing Initiatives Closing Date: Friday 23 May 2025 Skills: Data Protection Data Governance GDPR Microsoft Purview Benefits: Flexible/Hybrid working, Sick Pay scheme, Pension scheme, Employee Assistance scheme, Free onsite parking, Staff welfare and wellbeing initiatives