About Bright Star
Bright Star is a forward-thinking technology consultancy that specializes in harnessing the power of data and AI to solve complex business challenges. Our team of experts combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight to deliver innovative solutions that drive meaningful impact for our clients.
Role Description
We are seeking a Data Governance Analyst to enhance the data management and governance capabilities within the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) at the Department of State. We are looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with a strong background in data management and governance. The ideal candidate will possess a thorough understanding of data management principles and will be responsible for the accurate and efficient cataloging of data assets across the organization. The Data Governance Analyst will work collaboratively with the analyst works closely with the Bureau Chief Data Officer (BCDO) function, system owners, data stewards, cybersecurity teams, and privacy officials to improve data quality, metadata management, lifecycle governance, and compliance. This position operates in a highly secure, globally distributed IT environment supporting U.S. diplomatic IT operations. This role requires exceptional communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Summary: Serves as a critical steward of organizational data assets, ensuring quality, security, and compliance throughout the data lifecycle. Defines and maintains data standards, policies, and procedures while documenting essential metadata and business rules. Ensures adherence to federal regulations and Department policies by monitoring access controls, supporting records management, and overseeing data classification and sharing agreements. Acts as liaison between technical and business teams, provides guidance, delivers training, and establishes quality metrics to maintain data accuracy and consistency across systems.
· Collaborate directly with customers and IT teams to maintain and enhance data catalog tools and systems.
· Provide guidance and support to users on data catalog, metadata repositories, and data dictionary usage and best practices.
· Identify, recommend, and implement improvements to data management processes and workflows.
· Support implementation and maturation of CA's data governance framework aligned to the Federal Data Strategy, Evidence Act, OMB guidance, and State Department policies.
· Networks and liaises across security, business, and technical staff to ensure secure, business-appropriate approaches to data governance and data architecture, including identifying authoritative data sources and documenting data flows.
· Ensure data governance practices align with cybersecurity (FISMA), privacy (PII), records management, and information security requirements.
· Maintains current knowledge of industry trends and best practices in data cataloging and data management.
· Develop governance performance metrics and reporting dashboards for CA leadership.
· Draft policies, SOPs, governance playbooks, and implementation guidance.
· Provide training and outreach to bureaus and overseas posts regarding data stewardship roles and responsibilities
· Collaborate with cloud modernization, data analytics, and enterprise architecture teams to embed governance into new system implementation
Required Qualifications
· Bachelor's degree in Information Management, Information Systems, Public Administration, Business, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field; may accept additional equivalent experience in lieu of degree
· 8+ years of experience in data management or data governance roles
· Experience supporting the development and implementation of data governance policies, standards, and procedures
· Familiarity with data quality management, metadata management, and data stewardship practices
· Experience collaborating with stakeholders to support data governance initiatives
· Understanding of data architecture, data modeling, and data lifecycle management
· Knowledge of federal data protection regulations, compliance requirements, and federal data policy frameworks (Federal Data Strategy, Evidence Act, OMB M-19-23 and related memoranda).
· Proficiency with data governance tools and platforms (e.g., Collibra, Informatica, Alation)
· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
· Ability to translate business requirements into actionable data governance solutions
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing documentation, reports, and presentations
· Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
· Active Secret Clearance required
Preferred Qualifications
· Department of State experience
· Prior government experience
· Demonstrable experience leading teams and building collaborative projects
Job Details
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
· 401(k)
· 401(k) matching
· Dental insurance
· Health insurance
· Paid time off
· Vision insurance
Experience:
· Data Governance: 8+ years
Ability to Commute:
· Washington, DC (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
· Washington, DC: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location:
· Hybrid remote in Washington, DC
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
· Regularly required to sit, talk, and hear
· Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls
· Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms
· Occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds
· Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus
· Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Equal Employment Opportunity
Bright Star is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $140,000.00 - $155,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What is your experience supporting the Department of State? What is your experience supporting an enterprise IT office? Be detailed and specific.
Security clearance:
Ability to Commute:
- Washington, DC 20006 (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20006
