OPT Data Governance Lead Jobs
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.
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Get Access To All JobsWe are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.
This position may be based at the Firm's Global Operations Center in Tampa, Florida, or at one of the Firm's offices in Dallas or Atlanta.
General Description:
We are seeking an AI and Data Governance Engineer to join our team. The AI and Data Governance (AIDG) Engineer is responsible for implementing, configuring, and maintaining the technology stack that powers the AI and data governance program. This includes the data catalog (Atlan), data quality & observability platform (Monte Carlo), and tools and initiatives such as master data management and AI governance solutions. This role works closely within the AIDG Team, as well as the broader Data Strategy and Knowledge & Innovation teams, to ensure that data is discoverable, trustworthy, and governed throughout its lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:
Platform Ownership & Administration
- Serve as primary administrator for:
- Data catalog (Atlan): users, roles, workspaces, integrations, policies
- Data quality / observability tool (Monte Carlo): monitors, alerts, integrations
- Tools and initiatives like MDM and AI governance / model registry platforms
- Manage configuration, upgrades, and maintenance in partnership with vendors.
- Monitor system health, performance, and usage. Drive improvements and automation where possible.
- Coordinate closely with IT on system administration.
Integration & Automation
- Integrate governance tools with key data platforms (e.g., data warehouse/lake, BI tools, orchestration platforms, source systems).
- Develop and maintain pipelines to:
- Synchronize metadata into the data catalog.
- Push incident/alert data from observability tools into ticketing/incident systems.
- Synchronize ownership, classifications, and tags across systems.
- Automate repetitive tasks (user provisioning, role assignments, metadata sync jobs, etc.) where possible.
Metadata Management & Lineage
- Implement and maintain technical and business metadata in Atlan.
- Configure and validate data lineage across pipelines, data stores, and BI layers.
- Advise on metamodel design for business glossaries, domains, and classifications.
- Establish best practices for naming conventions, tagging, and documentation within the tools.
Data Quality & Observability
- Configure and optimize Monte Carlo for:
- Freshness, volume, and schema checks
- Custom rule-based and anomaly-based quality monitors
- Incident routing, severity, and escalation rules
- Partner with data engineering and AIDG analysts to embed data quality checks into critical pipelines.
- Track, report, and help reduce data incidents, broken pipelines, and recurring quality issues.
Reference Data and User Enablement
- Help define how golden records, reference data, and crosswalks are surfaced in the catalog and monitored in the DQ tool.
- Ensure consistent identifiers, hierarchies, and mappings across systems.
- Provide hands-on support to users of Atlan, Monte Carlo, and other governance tools.
- Create and maintain training materials, quick-start guides, and best-practice playbooks.
- Host training sessions, office hours, and demos to drive adoption and consistent usage.
Model Governance & Compliance Support
- Evaluate and support adoption and integration of any future AI governance tools (e.g., for model registry, lineage, risk controls, and policy enforcement).
- Integrate model metadata and lineage into the data catalog.
- Partner with Data Science / AI teams to ensure governed access, monitoring, and documentation of models and AI assets.
- Align tool configurations with overall data governance policies (access control, retention, sensitivity classifications, etc.).
- Help operationalize policies (e.g., PII tagging, restricted domains, masking policies) within tools and data platforms.
- Expected to maintain a regular and predictable work schedule and full attention to and engagement in work activities on behalf of the firm during business hours unless otherwise approved or required by applicable law.
- Special projects and duties as assigned.
Required Skills:
- Hands-on experience with at least one of the following (or similar):
- Data catalog: Atlan, Collibra, Alation, Informatica, etc.
- Data quality / observability: Monte Carlo, Soda, Great Expectations, etc.
- Strong SQL skills and solid understanding of modern data platforms (data warehouses/lakes, e.g., Snowflake, Databricks, BigQuery, Redshift, Synapse, etc.).
- Experience integrating tools using APIs, SDKs, or event-based approaches.
- Familiarity with data governance concepts: data ownership, stewardship, lineage, business glossary, classifications, access controls.
- Strong communication skills and ability to translate technical configurations into clear workflows and documentation.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, or Microsoft 365.
Required Qualifications & Education:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3+ years of experience in data engineering, data platform administration, or similar technical role.
Preferred Qualifications & Education:
- Experience administering Atlan and/or Monte Carlo specifically.
- Experience with:
- Master data management (MDM) tools and concepts
- AI / ML governance, model registries
- Background supporting or participating in a formal data governance program (council, domain stewards, policy rollout, etc.).
- Familiarity with security and compliance frameworks related to data (e.g., data masking, RBAC/ABAC, least privileged access).
- Experience working in a regulated or data-sensitive industry (e.g., financial services, legal, healthcare, or public sector).
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
- Moderate or advanced keyboard usage.
Benefits: Our goal is to promote a work environment in which individuals have access to the resources they need to be their best both professionally and personally, which includes resources that encourage individuals to focus on their health and well-being.
Below are the benefits we offer: comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners; life and AD&D insurance; short and long term disability insurance; tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs; FSAs for dependent care; health advocacy services; behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members; 401(k); profit sharing; backup dependent care; senior care planning support; resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers; and paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.
Holland & Knight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other factor prohibited by law.
Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require an accommodation during the process should contact ApplicantAccommodations@hklaw.com.
Personal Information collected from applicants will be used for the purpose of processing the application throughout any recruitment or employment process, as well as inclusion in a personnel file. Categories of data collected may include name, address, phone numbers, email, Social Security Number, and signature. Holland & Knight may collect further information if you consent to a background check. This includes criminal background, employment, and certifications. Please visit Legal Information Portal for Holland & Knight LLP’s privacy policies.
We are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.
This position may be based at the Firm's Global Operations Center in Tampa, Florida, or at one of the Firm's offices in Dallas or Atlanta.
General Description:
We are seeking an AI and Data Governance Engineer to join our team. The AI and Data Governance (AIDG) Engineer is responsible for implementing, configuring, and maintaining the technology stack that powers the AI and data governance program. This includes the data catalog (Atlan), data quality & observability platform (Monte Carlo), and tools and initiatives such as master data management and AI governance solutions. This role works closely within the AIDG Team, as well as the broader Data Strategy and Knowledge & Innovation teams, to ensure that data is discoverable, trustworthy, and governed throughout its lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions:
Platform Ownership & Administration
- Serve as primary administrator for:
- Data catalog (Atlan): users, roles, workspaces, integrations, policies
- Data quality / observability tool (Monte Carlo): monitors, alerts, integrations
- Tools and initiatives like MDM and AI governance / model registry platforms
- Manage configuration, upgrades, and maintenance in partnership with vendors.
- Monitor system health, performance, and usage. Drive improvements and automation where possible.
- Coordinate closely with IT on system administration.
Integration & Automation
- Integrate governance tools with key data platforms (e.g., data warehouse/lake, BI tools, orchestration platforms, source systems).
- Develop and maintain pipelines to:
- Synchronize metadata into the data catalog.
- Push incident/alert data from observability tools into ticketing/incident systems.
- Synchronize ownership, classifications, and tags across systems.
- Automate repetitive tasks (user provisioning, role assignments, metadata sync jobs, etc.) where possible.
Metadata Management & Lineage
- Implement and maintain technical and business metadata in Atlan.
- Configure and validate data lineage across pipelines, data stores, and BI layers.
- Advise on metamodel design for business glossaries, domains, and classifications.
- Establish best practices for naming conventions, tagging, and documentation within the tools.
Data Quality & Observability
- Configure and optimize Monte Carlo for:
- Freshness, volume, and schema checks
- Custom rule-based and anomaly-based quality monitors
- Incident routing, severity, and escalation rules
- Partner with data engineering and AIDG analysts to embed data quality checks into critical pipelines.
- Track, report, and help reduce data incidents, broken pipelines, and recurring quality issues.
Reference Data and User Enablement
- Help define how golden records, reference data, and crosswalks are surfaced in the catalog and monitored in the DQ tool.
- Ensure consistent identifiers, hierarchies, and mappings across systems.
- Provide hands-on support to users of Atlan, Monte Carlo, and other governance tools.
- Create and maintain training materials, quick-start guides, and best-practice playbooks.
- Host training sessions, office hours, and demos to drive adoption and consistent usage.
Model Governance & Compliance Support
- Evaluate and support adoption and integration of any future AI governance tools (e.g., for model registry, lineage, risk controls, and policy enforcement).
- Integrate model metadata and lineage into the data catalog.
- Partner with Data Science / AI teams to ensure governed access, monitoring, and documentation of models and AI assets.
- Align tool configurations with overall data governance policies (access control, retention, sensitivity classifications, etc.).
- Help operationalize policies (e.g., PII tagging, restricted domains, masking policies) within tools and data platforms.
- Expected to maintain a regular and predictable work schedule and full attention to and engagement in work activities on behalf of the firm during business hours unless otherwise approved or required by applicable law.
- Special projects and duties as assigned.
Required Skills:
- Hands-on experience with at least one of the following (or similar):
- Data catalog: Atlan, Collibra, Alation, Informatica, etc.
- Data quality / observability: Monte Carlo, Soda, Great Expectations, etc.
- Strong SQL skills and solid understanding of modern data platforms (data warehouses/lakes, e.g., Snowflake, Databricks, BigQuery, Redshift, Synapse, etc.).
- Experience integrating tools using APIs, SDKs, or event-based approaches.
- Familiarity with data governance concepts: data ownership, stewardship, lineage, business glossary, classifications, access controls.
- Strong communication skills and ability to translate technical configurations into clear workflows and documentation.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, or Microsoft 365.
Required Qualifications & Education:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3+ years of experience in data engineering, data platform administration, or similar technical role.
Preferred Qualifications & Education:
- Experience administering Atlan and/or Monte Carlo specifically.
- Experience with:
- Master data management (MDM) tools and concepts
- AI / ML governance, model registries
- Background supporting or participating in a formal data governance program (council, domain stewards, policy rollout, etc.).
- Familiarity with security and compliance frameworks related to data (e.g., data masking, RBAC/ABAC, least privileged access).
- Experience working in a regulated or data-sensitive industry (e.g., financial services, legal, healthcare, or public sector).
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
- Moderate or advanced keyboard usage.
Benefits: Our goal is to promote a work environment in which individuals have access to the resources they need to be their best both professionally and personally, which includes resources that encourage individuals to focus on their health and well-being.
Below are the benefits we offer: comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners; life and AD&D insurance; short and long term disability insurance; tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs; FSAs for dependent care; health advocacy services; behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members; 401(k); profit sharing; backup dependent care; senior care planning support; resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers; and paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents.
Holland & Knight is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other factor prohibited by law.
Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require an accommodation during the process should contact ApplicantAccommodations@hklaw.com.
Personal Information collected from applicants will be used for the purpose of processing the application throughout any recruitment or employment process, as well as inclusion in a personnel file. Categories of data collected may include name, address, phone numbers, email, Social Security Number, and signature. Holland & Knight may collect further information if you consent to a background check. This includes criminal background, employment, and certifications. Please visit Legal Information Portal for Holland & Knight LLP’s privacy policies.
See all OPT Data Governance Lead Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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 visa 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 OPT: Frequently 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.