Director, Data Management

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students.

We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big.

Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way.

We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other.

This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work.

Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more.

We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking “why not?” when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills.

Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

The Director, Data Management will be responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of robust data management systems, processes, and policies.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive data management strategy aligned with the organization’s objectives and industry best practices.
• Establish and maintain data management policies, procedures, and standards to ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Oversee the design and implementation of data governance frameworks, including data quality management, data lifecycle management, and metadata management.
• Lead the development and maintenance of data architectures, data models, and data dictionaries to enable efficient data storage, retrieval, and analysis.
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure the availability, scalability, and performance of data management systems and infrastructure.
• Provide strategic guidance and leadership to the data management team, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Identify opportunities for leveraging data analytics and advanced technologies to drive data‑driven decision‑making and optimize business processes.
• Monitor and evaluate data management performance metrics and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance data management capabilities.

• Develop and Lead Data Governance Strategy:
  Design, implement, and maintain a comprehensive data governance program aligned with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
• Policy and Standards Management:
  Establish and update data governance policies, standards, and procedures, ensuring consistent application across the enterprise.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
  Work closely with business leaders, IT, compliance, and legal teams to align data governance with business needs and regulatory requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  Monitor and ensure compliance with data‑related regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA) and internal policies.
• Risk Management:
  
  Identify and mitigate data risks, including privacy, security, and operational risks, through effective controls and governance practices.
• Change Management and Training:
  Lead change management efforts and provide training to promote a data‑driven culture and increase data literacy across the organization.
• Metrics and Reporting:
  Define and track key data governance metrics. Provide regular reports and insights to executive leadership and stakeholders.

Minimum – Indicate minimum education, skills and experience required.

• Strong knowledge of data management principles, methodologies, and best practices,…