Data Governance Lead Jobs for OPT Students
Data Governance Lead roles sit at the intersection of data policy, compliance, and engineering, making them a strong fit for OPT students with backgrounds in information systems, computer science, or business analytics. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to three years of authorized work.
See All Data Governance Lead JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 9+ Data Governance Lead jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 9+ Data Governance Lead jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Data Governance Lead roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Title: Data Governance Lead
Employee Classification: Data Governance Lead
Campus: University of North Texas - System Administration
Division: SYS-Information Technology
SubDivision-Department: SYS-Information Technology
Department: SYS-Information Technology-925000
Job Location: Denton
Salary: Commensurate with experience
FTE: 1.000000
Retirement Eligibility:
About Us - Values Overview
Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
Department Summary
UNT System Information Technology is a component of The University of North Texas System. The mission of UNT System Information Technology is simple: to be the best at delivering customer-aligned IT solutions and services. Our services are provided to all member institutions using an IT shared services governance model.
UNT System Information Technology provides the primary technology used by all campuses to support their operations. These include: shared resources of data centers, computing hardware, software applications, network and voice communications, collaboration and productivity capabilities, central web services, risk management, and security and compliance services. As a department, we strive to provide the most professional personnel possible to serve our campus constituents.
The University of North Texas is a state employer offering great benefits, including medical, dental, life, retirement, ample paid time off, and great work/life balance.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Data Governance Lead to join our organization’s IT Data Analytics team. This role is responsible for helping to develop, implement, and maintain an enterprise data governance framework. The Data Governance Lead will ensure that data quality policies, standards, and procedures are aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements. In addition, this role will be responsible for the oversight, management, and ongoing maintenance of Microsoft Purview, our enterprise data governance platform, which is tightly integrated with Microsoft Fabric, our enterprise data analytics platform.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Information Management, Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field. Five years of experience in data governance, data quality, or related roles within large enterprises.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Experience developing and implementing data governance frameworks and policies.
- Hands-on experience with Microsoft Purview or similar enterprise data governance tools.
- Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA) and industry standards for data management.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all levels of the organization.
- Certification in data governance or data management (such as CDMP, DGSP) is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's Degree in related field.
- Certified Data Management Professional or other applicable certifications.
- Experience in Microsoft Purview.
Job Duties
- Data Governance Framework: Help design and deploy an enterprise-wide data governance framework, including policies, standards, and procedures for data quality and data management.
- Policy and Standards Alignment: Ensure data governance policies and standards are current, comprehensive, and aligned with business goals, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with business units, IT, compliance, and legal teams to drive adoption of data governance initiatives and foster a culture of data stewardship.
- Data Quality Management: Establish processes for monitoring, measuring, and improving data quality across the organization.
- Microsoft Purview Administration: Manage and maintain Microsoft Purview, including configuration, user access, metadata management, and integration with enterprise systems.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure data governance practices support compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies (such as FERPA, HIPAA, etc.).
- Training and Awareness: Develop and deliver training programs and awareness campaigns to promote data governance and quality practices.
- Continuous Improvement: Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to evolve the data governance framework and tools.
- Reporting and Program Insights: Provide regular updates and reports to senior management regarding data governance activities, compliance status, and data quality metrics.
Physical Requirements
- Communicating with others to exchange information.
Environmental Hazards
- No adverse environmental conditions expected.
Work Schedule
Generally, M-F, 8am - 5pm
Driving University Vehicle
No
Security Sensitive
This is a Security Sensitive Position.
Special Instructions
Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.
Benefits
For information regarding our Benefits, click here.
EEO Statement
The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.

Title: Data Governance Lead
Employee Classification: Data Governance Lead
Campus: University of North Texas - System Administration
Division: SYS-Information Technology
SubDivision-Department: SYS-Information Technology
Department: SYS-Information Technology-925000
Job Location: Denton
Salary: Commensurate with experience
FTE: 1.000000
Retirement Eligibility:
About Us - Values Overview
Welcome to the University of North Texas System. The UNT System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the robust Dallas-Fort Worth region. We are growing with the North Texas region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating a record 49,000+ students across our system, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year.
We are one team comprised of individuals who are committed to excellence, curiosity and innovation. We are transforming lives and creating economic opportunity through education. We champion a people-first values-based culture where We Care about each other and those we serve. We believe that we are Better Together because we foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access for all. We demonstrate Courageous Integrity through setting exceptional standards and acting in the best interest of our communities. We are encouraged to Be Curious about opportunities for learning, creating, discovering, and innovating, and are encouraged to learn from failure. Show Your Fire by joining our team and exhibiting your passion and pride in your work as part of our UNT System team.
Learn more about the UNT System and how we live our values at www.UNTSystem.edu.
Department Summary
UNT System Information Technology is a component of The University of North Texas System. The mission of UNT System Information Technology is simple: to be the best at delivering customer-aligned IT solutions and services. Our services are provided to all member institutions using an IT shared services governance model.
UNT System Information Technology provides the primary technology used by all campuses to support their operations. These include: shared resources of data centers, computing hardware, software applications, network and voice communications, collaboration and productivity capabilities, central web services, risk management, and security and compliance services. As a department, we strive to provide the most professional personnel possible to serve our campus constituents.
The University of North Texas is a state employer offering great benefits, including medical, dental, life, retirement, ample paid time off, and great work/life balance.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Data Governance Lead to join our organization’s IT Data Analytics team. This role is responsible for helping to develop, implement, and maintain an enterprise data governance framework. The Data Governance Lead will ensure that data quality policies, standards, and procedures are aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements. In addition, this role will be responsible for the oversight, management, and ongoing maintenance of Microsoft Purview, our enterprise data governance platform, which is tightly integrated with Microsoft Fabric, our enterprise data analytics platform.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Information Management, Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field. Five years of experience in data governance, data quality, or related roles within large enterprises.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Experience developing and implementing data governance frameworks and policies.
- Hands-on experience with Microsoft Purview or similar enterprise data governance tools.
- Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA) and industry standards for data management.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all levels of the organization.
- Certification in data governance or data management (such as CDMP, DGSP) is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's Degree in related field.
- Certified Data Management Professional or other applicable certifications.
- Experience in Microsoft Purview.
Job Duties
- Data Governance Framework: Help design and deploy an enterprise-wide data governance framework, including policies, standards, and procedures for data quality and data management.
- Policy and Standards Alignment: Ensure data governance policies and standards are current, comprehensive, and aligned with business goals, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with business units, IT, compliance, and legal teams to drive adoption of data governance initiatives and foster a culture of data stewardship.
- Data Quality Management: Establish processes for monitoring, measuring, and improving data quality across the organization.
- Microsoft Purview Administration: Manage and maintain Microsoft Purview, including configuration, user access, metadata management, and integration with enterprise systems.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure data governance practices support compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies (such as FERPA, HIPAA, etc.).
- Training and Awareness: Develop and deliver training programs and awareness campaigns to promote data governance and quality practices.
- Continuous Improvement: Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to evolve the data governance framework and tools.
- Reporting and Program Insights: Provide regular updates and reports to senior management regarding data governance activities, compliance status, and data quality metrics.
Physical Requirements
- Communicating with others to exchange information.
Environmental Hazards
- No adverse environmental conditions expected.
Work Schedule
Generally, M-F, 8am - 5pm
Driving University Vehicle
No
Security Sensitive
This is a Security Sensitive Position.
Special Instructions
Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.
Benefits
For information regarding our Benefits, click here.
EEO Statement
The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Data Governance Lead
Confirm your role qualifies as a specialty occupation
Data Governance Lead positions typically require a degree in information systems, computer science, or a related field. Verify your offer letter explicitly ties the role requirements to your specific degree, not just any bachelor's degree, to support future H-1B sponsorship.
Target employers with established data governance programs
Large financial institutions, healthcare networks, and enterprise technology companies already have data governance frameworks in place. These employers are far more likely to sponsor visas than early-stage startups still building their data infrastructure from scratch.
Highlight DAMA certifications and framework fluency
Credentials like CDMP or familiarity with DAMA-DMBOK signal serious professional investment to hiring managers. Listing these alongside experience with data catalogs, metadata management, or data lineage tools makes your application stand out against non-OPT candidates.
Address your OPT timeline proactively with recruiters
Bring up your authorization window before the final interview stage. Explaining your STEM OPT timeline and H-1B eligibility early prevents late-stage drop-offs and signals that you understand the sponsorship process, which reassures hesitant hiring teams.
Quantify your governance impact in concrete terms
Employers sponsoring visas want evidence of clear business value. Frame your experience around measurable outcomes: data quality improvements, compliance audit results, or reduction in data incidents. Numbers make sponsorship conversations easier by justifying the cost directly.
Research the employer's USCIS filing history before applying
Check whether a company has previously filed H-1B petitions for data roles. Employers with a track record of sponsoring data engineers or analysts are significantly more likely to sponsor a Data Governance Lead than those with no prior filing history.
Data Governance Lead jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Data Governance Lead JobsSee all 9+ Data Governance Lead jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Data Governance Lead roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Governance Lead role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Data Governance Lead positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because they fall under CIP codes tied to information systems, computer science, or data management, which are designated STEM fields. Your degree must match one of those codes, and the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm your specific degree CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How far in advance should I apply for OPT to start a Data Governance Lead role?
USCIS recommends applying for OPT up to 90 days before your program end date, and your EAD can be valid up to 30 days before that date. For a role with a fixed start date, submit your OPT application at least four to five months ahead to account for processing delays. Your DSO submits the I-20 recommendation, so coordinate with them early.
Can I work as a Data Governance Lead contractor or consultant on OPT?
Yes, OPT allows contract and consulting work, but the position must be directly related to your degree and average at least 20 hours per week. Unpaid or volunteer arrangements do not count toward your OPT authorization period. Self-employment is technically permitted but requires that you own the business and that the work relates to your field of study.
What should I look for in an employer to improve my chances of H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Prioritize employers that have sponsored H-1B visas for data or technology roles in previous years. Companies with dedicated immigration legal teams, HR policies for international hires, and established onboarding processes for sponsored employees are the clearest signals. Migrate Mate filters job listings by sponsorship history, making it straightforward to identify those employers without manual research.
Does a gap between OPT jobs affect my status as a Data Governance Lead candidate?
F-1 OPT includes a 90-day unemployment allowance for standard OPT, reduced to 60 days during the STEM extension period. If you leave one Data Governance Lead role and take time to find another, track your unemployment days carefully. Exceeding the limit violates your F-1 status regardless of whether you have a pending job offer.
See which Data Governance Lead employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Data Governance Lead Jobs