Data Governance Specialist

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, culture, and accessibility, and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

The Data Governance Specialist supports the MBTA’s Data Resource Group by coordinating enterprise-wide data cataloging, master data management, data quality, and data governance initiatives. This role manages the contextual data infrastructure needed to deliver accurate, trusted, and accessible data, overseeing cataloged data assets and scalable processes that improve data ingestion and usability across the organization. Working within the Informatica Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IDMC), the Specialist helps design, implement, and maintain governance policies, standards, and frameworks that ensure data quality, integrity, and security. The position collaborates with data stewards, architects, and analytics teams to drive consistent data definitions, lineage, and catalog adoption, and monitors compliance, identifies improvement opportunities, and provides guidance on data-related issues to enable timely, data-driven decision-making across the MBTA.

• Data Catalog and Metadata Management:
  1. Configure and maintain the Data Catalog to automate metadata harvesting and data lineage tracking.
  2. Increase adoption of governed and cataloged data assets by business users.
  3. Collaborate with business units to define and manage metadata standards.
  4. Ensure data assets are well-documented, searchable, and accessible for analytics and business users.
• Data Governance and Stewardship Enablement:
  1. Support Cloud Data Governance and Catalog (CDGC) to operationalize governance frameworks.
  2. Coordinate with data owners and stewards to ensure role clarity, stewardship workflows, and data certification processes.
  3. Monitor governance KPIs and create dashboards/reports on governance adoption.
• Data Quality Management:
  1. Develop measurable data quality metrics across key departments.
  2. Define, customize and configure Informatica Data Quality rules and institute consistent monitoring processes.
  3. Partner with business data owners and stewards to define data quality dimensions, thresholds, and remediation workflows.
  4. Provide insights and alerts for inconsistent data, data anomalies and integrity issues.
• Master Data Management:
  1. Assist in configuring and maintaining Informatica MDM for key divisions and departments (Operations, Administration, Safety and Capital data assets).
  2. Create a single, reliable "master" record for core business entities.
  3. Reduce duplication and inconsistencies through effective MDM practices.
  4. Ensure MDM integration with downstream operational systems, BI systems and analytics,
• Collaboration and Evangelism:
  1. Act as the bridge between Technology, Analytics teams, and business data owners and stewards to promote trusted data usage.
  2. Provide training and guidance to data owners, stewards, and analysts on leveraging Informatica tools.
  3. Champion adoption of data governance, metadata, and quality practices across the MBTA.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

• No direct reports.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Computer Science, Information Management, Business Analytics, or related field.
• Two (2) years of experience with Informatica Data Catalog, Data Quality, Data Governance, Metadata Management, Master Data Management (MDM), and Data Marketplace.
• Two (2) years of experience in data governance, data management, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of metadata management, data quality, governance, and master data concepts.
• Experience working with data stewards, data owners, and cross-functional teams to operationalize governance frameworks.
• Familiarity with relational databases, cloud data platforms (AWS, Azure, or Snowflake), and API integration.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate technical capabilities into business value.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve data governance issues.
• Knowledge of data management technologies and tools.

• A high school diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• An associate’s degree from an accredited institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one (1) year of experience.

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Computer Science, Information Management, Business Analytics, or related field.
• Three (3) years of experience with Informatica Data Catalog, Data Quality, Data Governance, Metadata Management, Master Data Management (MDM), and Data Marketplace.
• Five (5) years of experience in data governance, data management, or a related field.
• Informatica certifications (IDMC Data Governance, Data Quality, MDM, or Catalog).
• Experience in public sector, transportation, healthcare, or regulated industries.
• Familiarity with Tableau, Power BI, or other Business Intelligence platforms.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Data Management Professional, Certified Data Governance Professional).

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

1. General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
2. Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
3. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
4. Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
5. Work Eligibility: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
6. Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
7. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
8. On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
9. Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
10. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
11. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit .
12. Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.