Data Governance and Ethics Lead

DATA GOVERNANCE & ETHICS LEAD

 ABOUT THE ALLIANCE

The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) serves Canadian researchers, with the objective of advancing Canada’s position as a leader in the knowledge economy on the international stage. By integrating, championing, and funding the infrastructure and activities required for advanced research computing (ARC), research data management (RDM), and research software (RS), we provide the platform for the research community to access tools and services faster than ever before.
  
 We have an ambitious mandate — to transform how research across all academic disciplines is organized, managed, stored, and used. We work with other ecosystem partners and stakeholders across the country to help provide Canadian researchers with the support they need for leading-edge research excellence, research, innovation, and advancement across all disciplines.
 

POSITION SUMMARY

As a member of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada’s (‘the Alliance’) Research Data Management team, the Data Governance & Ethics Lead plays a critical role in establishing and overseeing data governance initiatives and data ethics frameworks to support the effective management of research data in Canada’s national Digital Research Infrastructure platforms and services, including leading the Controlled Access Management for Research Data initiative. This position reports to the Manager, Research Data Services at the Alliance.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working with the Manager, Research Data Services, responsible for developing data governance aligned with the organization's goals as outlined in current and future Data and Information Management Strategies. This includes defining data governance objectives, working with key stakeholders in data governance, and creating a roadmap for implementing data governance initiatives.
• Working with the Manager, Research Data Services, responsible for developing a data ethics framework aligned with the organization’s programs, platforms, and services, and the organization’s goals as outlined in current and future Data and Information Management Strategies. This includes defining relevant data ethics concepts, working with key stakeholders in data ethics, and developing appropriate frameworks to support ethical management of data.
• Working with the Manager, Research Data Services, lead the Controlled Access Management for Research Data initiative, including:
  1. Oversee initiative planning and execution;
  2. Develop and maintain partnerships and collaborations with external organizations (“Partner Organizations”), including post-secondary institutions, external RDM service providers, and other relevant organizations and groups;
  3. Chair the committee of Partner Organizations participating in the initiative;
  4. Provide leadership at a national level on complex topics related to sensitive data, privacy, research policy and regulations, data ethics, and data governance; and,
  5. Direct and oversee the work of project team members.
• Apply knowledge in RDM, data governance, and data ethics, to work with the Manager, Research Data Services, and the Director, RDM, to support development, implementation, and operations of new and emerging data-related Alliance initiatives, programs, and services. 
• Develop and maintain an organizational knowledgebase of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and practices regarding sensitive research data across Canadian jurisdictions to inform the development of data classification policies to determine data sensitivity levels and appropriate access controls, and to contribute to organizational policies, procedures, and practices, as appropriate.
• Work with the Alliance’s national cybersecurity team to ensure the privacy and security of Canadian research data on our national platforms, including supporting the development of policies and procedures that comply with relevant data protection regulations that protect against unauthorized access, breaches, and data privacy violations. 
• Evaluate and implement data governance tools and technologies to streamline data management processes, data documentation, and data lineage tracking.
• Working with the Manager, Research Data Services, help to ensure Indigenous Data Sovereignty considerations are reflected appropriately within data governance and data ethics requirements and practices within the organization and its national services.
• Continuously assess the effectiveness of data governance practices and make improvements as needed. This involves gathering feedback from stakeholders, identifying areas for enhancement, and evolving the data governance framework over time.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to establish partnerships to promote best practices in data governance and stewardship, including supporting the work of the Sensitive Data Expert Group within the RDM Network of Experts.
• Deliver presentations, participate on panels, and speak at conferences, workshops, and other professional engagements and public events, demonstrating expertise and leadership on topics related to data governance and data ethics.
• Perform cross-functional and/or other duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned or requested.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in information management, library and information studies, or a related field; or an advanced degree in subject discipline with a strong research data component; or equivalent experience in applied research roles such as research manager, research associate, or data manager or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience working in academic research environments; additional years of relevant experience will also be considered an asset.
• Professional experience in academic, special, or research libraries, or in research ethics (e.g. Research Ethics Board) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of research data management practices and familiarity with data repository platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively and diplomatically with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including those in academic, government, and research environments.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences and contribute to public-facing communications/presentations;
• Well-developed analytical, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and French is considered a strong asset.

 
BENEFITS / WORK PERKS 

In addition to a competitive salary and a rewarding career where you can truly make a difference in the Canadian research community, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that meets the various needs of our diverse team and that spans across Canada, including: 

• Comprehensive Benefits Plan, including:

• Health 
• Dental 
• Long-Term Disability 
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account 
• Wellness Spending Account
• Mental Health Supports

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan 
• Paid Vacation  
• Remote Work

Please apply here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=61008c6c-69b0-4ac1-8727-d86f6a6d54f5&ccId=19000101_000001&type=JS&lang=en_CA

The Alliance is strongly committed to equity and inclusion within the community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of racialized groups, people of colour, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous- and 2SLGBTQIA+ identified people.