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Data Leader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

.Index Governance Data Leader As the Index Governance Data Leader, you will be accountable for documenting, establishing and overseeing data governance practices across the full Index Data Lifecycle ...

This role leads data quality, metadata, lineage, authoritative data source certification, data consumption and data risk management activities while partnering with Platform leadership, Business Data ...

The Data Program Management Leader will ensure the Enterprise Data Team's strategic priorities are translated into coordinated, well-governed, and successfully executed initiatives. Reporting to the ...

$120 - $180/hr

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced engagement leader to serve as the data leader in our Healthcare practice. This role focuses on driving collaboration across internal teams and clients to ...

You will be entrusted to apply your leadership and engineering expertise to a subject you love - Data! In this role, we are seeking someone with the keen ability to develop people, form strong ...

Chubb is seeking a Head of Data, North America, responsible for the delivery and execution of the ... The leader will ensure that the business requirements (both functional and technical) are well ...

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How much do data leader jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for data leader in the United States is $165,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,500.00 and $170,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a data leader?

A Data Leader is a senior professional responsible for developing and implementing an organization’s data strategy, ensuring that data assets are effectively managed and leveraged to drive business value. They oversee data governance, data quality, analytics initiatives, and often manage teams of data scientists, engineers, and analysts. Data Leaders play a key role in shaping data-driven decision-making, aligning data projects with business objectives, and ensuring compliance with data regulations. Their work helps organizations unlock insights from data, improve operations, and gain a competitive advantage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data leader?

To thrive as a Data Leader, you need expertise in data analytics, data management, and strategy, often backed by an advanced degree in a quantitative field and experience in data-centric roles. Familiarity with tools like SQL, Python, data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), and cloud data systems is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills help drive organizational alignment and data-driven decision-making. These competencies are crucial for shaping effective data strategies, ensuring data quality, and delivering business value through insights.

How do data leaders typically balance strategic oversight with hands-on involvement in data projects?

Data Leaders often face the challenge of balancing high-level strategy with direct involvement in data initiatives. While their primary responsibility is to set the vision for data governance, analytics, and architecture, they also need to stay engaged with teams to ensure alignment and remove obstacles. This often means participating in key project meetings, reviewing major deliverables, and facilitating communication between technical and business stakeholders. Effective Data Leaders delegate operational tasks but remain accessible for critical decision-making and mentorship, fostering both team autonomy and strategic coherence.

What is the difference between Data Leader vs Data Analyst?

AspectData Leader
ResponsibilitiesStrategic data management, setting data vision, leading data teams
Skills & CertificationsData strategy, leadership, advanced analytics, often with certifications like CDMP or DAMA
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, cross-departmental collaboration, senior management
FocusHigh-level data governance, business impact, long-term data strategy

While a Data Leader focuses on strategic oversight, governance, and leading data initiatives at an organizational level, a Data Analyst primarily handles data analysis, reporting, and supporting decision-making through data insights. Both roles require strong analytical skills, but the Data Leader emphasizes leadership and strategy, whereas the Data Analyst concentrates on technical analysis and data interpretation.

More about Data Leader jobs

What cities are hiring for Data Leader jobs?

Cities with the most Data Leader job openings:

What states have the most Data Leader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Data Leader jobs include:

Infographic showing various Data Leader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,018 per year, or $79.3 per hour.

Index Governance Data Leader

Nasdaq

Philadelphia, PA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

.Index Governance Data Leader
As the Index Governance Data Leader, you will be accountable for documenting, establishing and overseeing data governance practices across the full Index Data Lifecycle - from data sourcing through calculation, dissemination, and downstream use. Reporting into the Index Governance Team, you will serve as the central coordination point across Index Management, Technology, Operations, Risk, Compliance, Legal, and Product to ensure that data processes, controls, and hand-offs are clearly documented, consistently executed, and transparently reported to senior leadership and governing bodies.
You'll thrive in this role if you bring deep experience in financial services data environments, a strong command of governance and control frameworks, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate complexity into clear, actionable direction.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own and evolve the data governance framework across the Index Data Lifecycle, ensuring clear accountability for data assets, processes, and controls across all contributing teams.
  • Act as the central coordination point for data governance efforts, facilitating cross-functional working groups to align stakeholders on standards, process improvements, and implementation priorities.
  • Design and maintain executive-level governance reporting - including dashboards, summaries, and briefing materials - to provide clear visibility into data controls, issues, and remediation status for senior management and governing bodies.
  • Identify data risks, control gaps, and lifecycle dependencies; partner with stakeholders to develop and execute remediation plans with discipline and accountability.
  • Lead data governance initiatives and change management efforts, ensuring process or control changes are assessed, approved, documented, and communicated with rigor.
  • Support internal audits, regulatory inquiries, and external reviews by providing transparent documentation and clear evidence of data governance practices.

Required Qualifications

  • 8-12+ years of experience in financial services, with significant exposure to data governance, data management, or data controls in complex production environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate across multiple functions and influence stakeholders at all levels without direct authority.
  • Proven track record of documenting and operationalizing governance frameworks, process controls, and accountability structures.
  • Solid experience leading or supporting project management across cross-functional teams, including managing scope, milestones, and dependencies.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a record of producing executive-level reporting and presentations for senior leadership and governance committees.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in index businesses, market data providers, or regulated financial benchmarks.
  • Familiarity with regulatory and industry governance frameworks and their practical application in a financial services setting.
  • Experience supporting audits, regulatory reviews, or formal control assessments.
  • Demonstrated ability to balance strategic governance objectives with pragmatic, operational execution.

This position will be located in Philadelphia, PA and offers the opportunity for a hybrid work environment at least 3 days a week in-office, subject to change, providing flexibility and accessibility for qualified candidates.

Come as You Are

Nasdaq is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities are valued and celebrated.

We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process.

What We Offer

We're proud to offer a competitive rewards package that is meaningful, recognizes the unique needs of our employees and their families and incentivizes employees for their contribution to Nasdaq's overall success.

In addition to base salary, Nasdaq offers significant other compensation (annual bonus/commissions and equity), benefits, and opportunity for growth. Exact compensation may vary based on several job-related factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to: skill set, experience, education/training, business needs and market demands.

Nasdaq's programs and rewards are intended to allow our employees to:

  • Secure Wealth: 401(k) program with 6% employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, Student loan repayment program up to $10k, Company paid life and disability plans, Generous paid time off
  • Prioritize Health: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, Health spending account with employer contribution, Paid flex days to support mental wellbeing, Gym membership discounts
  • Care for Family: Hybrid home/office schedule (for most positions), Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits, Paid bereavement leave
  • Connect with Community: Company gift matching program, Employee resource groups, Paid volunteer days
  • Grow Career: Education Assistance Program, Robust job skills training and Professional development opportunities

For more information, visit Nasdaq Benefits & Rewards Career page.