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Governance Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Data Governance- Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$99K - $232K/yr

The Opportunity As part of the Data Governance team, you will lead the development and implementation of data-driven strategies that drive business growth and enhance decision-making. As a Manager ...

Data Governance- Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$99K - $232K/yr

The Opportunity As part of the Data Governance team, you will lead the development and implementation of data-driven strategies that drive business growth and enhance decision-making. As a Manager ...

Data Governance- Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$99K - $232K/yr

The Opportunity As part of the Data Governance team, you will lead the development and implementation of data-driven strategies that drive business growth and enhance decision-making. As a Manager ...

Data Governance- Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$99K - $232K/yr

The Opportunity As part of the Data Governance team, you will lead the development and implementation of data-driven strategies that drive business growth and enhance decision-making. As a Manager ...

Data Governance- Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$99K - $232K/yr

The Opportunity As part of the Data Governance team, you will lead the development and implementation of data-driven strategies that drive business growth and enhance decision-making. As a Manager ...

We're hiring a Data Governance Manager to build and maintain TrueCar's enterprise data landscape: a living, authoritative map of what data we collect, where it comes from, where it lives, how long we ...

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Showing results 1-20

Governance Manager information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$103.2K

$116.5K

How much do governance manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for governance manager in California is $103,206.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a governance manager do?

A Governance Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing policies, procedures, and frameworks to ensure that an organization operates in compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. They work to ensure effective decision-making processes, risk management, and accountability across the organization. Governance Managers often liaise with senior leadership, board members, and various departments to ensure governance structures are aligned with organizational goals and best practices. Their role is crucial in maintaining transparency, managing risk, and fostering trust among stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a governance manager?

To thrive as a Governance Manager, you need a solid understanding of corporate governance frameworks, regulatory compliance, risk management, and typically a degree in law, business, or a related field. Familiarity with governance software (like Diligent or BoardEffect), risk management systems, and relevant certifications such as ICSA or CCEP are often required. Strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills help build consensus and ensure effective communication with stakeholders. These skills are vital to ensure that organizations operate ethically, transparently, and in compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

How does a governance manager typically collaborate with other departments to ensure compliance and effective policy implementation?

A Governance Manager works closely with various departments such as Legal, Risk, Compliance, and Operations to develop, implement, and monitor organizational policies and procedures. They often facilitate cross-functional meetings, provide guidance on regulatory requirements, and coordinate training sessions to ensure all teams understand and adhere to governance standards. Effective collaboration requires strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex regulations into actionable steps for different business units. This role often acts as a bridge between executive leadership and operational teams, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Governance Manager vs Compliance Officer?

AspectGovernance ManagerCompliance Officer
Primary FocusOverseeing organizational governance frameworks, policies, and strategic complianceEnsuring adherence to laws, regulations, and internal policies
CertificationsGRC certifications, such as CGEIT or CRISCCertifications like CCEP, CRCM, or CCEP-I
Work EnvironmentCorporate governance departments, boardrooms, strategic planning teamsLegal, risk, and compliance departments across various industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporate, financial, and public sectors for governance oversightCommon in banking, healthcare, and regulated industries for compliance management

The Governance Manager focuses on establishing and maintaining effective governance structures and policies, while the Compliance Officer concentrates on ensuring the organization complies with external laws and internal policies. Both roles are essential for organizational integrity but differ in scope and daily responsibilities.

Is governance a good career?

A governance manager oversees organizational policies, compliance, and risk management, making it a stable career with opportunities in various industries. Success in this role often requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of regulations, and certifications such as CGEIT or COBIT. It can offer a clear career path with increasing responsibilities and leadership opportunities.

What skills are needed for governance manager?

A governance manager needs strong knowledge of corporate governance principles, risk management, and compliance regulations. Excellent communication, leadership, and analytical skills are essential, along with proficiency in policy development and familiarity with relevant tools or software. Certifications such as CGEIT or COBIT can also enhance qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Governance jobs in California?

The most popular types of Governance jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Governance Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Governance Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Governance Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Governance Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Governance Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,206 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Senior Technical Governance Manager

Cypress HCM

San Francisco, CA

$94.19 - $103.45/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description


Senior Technical Governance Manager
Description:
  • We are dedicated to upholding user privacy as we responsibly innovate with AI. As a Senior Technical Governance Manager, you will develop and execute technical governance frameworks to ensure our AI/ML systems protect personal data, comply with various AI regulations, and uphold our commitment to guest safety and trust. You’ll empower teams to innovate responsibly and help us set the standard for AI governance in travel and tech.
Duties:
  • Technical Governance Frameworks: Design, implement, and continuously improve technical governance controls focused on managing risk in AI/ML systems, ensuring compliance with data protection laws (GDPR, CCPA, etc.) and AI laws, and internal standards.
  • AI Audit Methodologies: Develop, operationalize, and execute rigorous audit processes for AI models that address Privacy, InfoSec, Legal and other risks.
  • AI Risk Register Management: Build and maintain a living AI Risk Register that clearly identifies, tracks, and categorizes AI risks across our products and operations.
  • Governance Integration: Partner with Privacy, InfoSec, Legal, AI/ML engineers, data scientists and other stakeholders to identify opportunities to improve technical governance controls.
  • Executive & Regulatory Reporting: Produce clear, actionable reporting and dashboards for senior leadership and regulatory bodies, highlighting risks and mitigations in AI systems.
  • Regulatory Foresight: Monitor global privacy regulations and AI standards, ensuring our frameworks anticipate and address new requirements (e.g., EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF).
  • Culture of Governance: Champion and train teams on technical governance best practices, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
Requirements:
  • 8+ years’ experience in technical governance, model risk management, or auditing in highly regulated or technology-focused sectors.
  • Solid knowledge of AI/ML systems and their governance challenges (bias, transparency, robustness, explainability, etc.).
  • Deep expertise in privacy/data protection frameworks and their application to AI/ML systems.
  • In-depth familiarity with model audit frameworks, governance standards, and compliance best practices.
  • Proven ability to build and scale governance processes in complex, high-growth technology environments.
  • Strong technical literacy, with an ability to communicate privacy risks and requirements to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Experience supporting global platforms or consumer-facing technologies is a strong plus.
Compensation:
  • $94.19 – 103.45/hr W—2
Req ID:
  • 36528165

Cypress HCM logo

About Cypress HCM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We deliver consistently superior recruiting by virtue of trusting, communicative relationships with companies and candidates alike. From Fortune 100s to startups, clients lean on us to fulfill their range of needs from contract to full-time positions. With an intimate knowledge of the industries we serve, a keen sense of what makes for high-performing talent in any role, and shared sense of urgency, our clients will tell you: your solution begins here.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Walnut Creek, CA, US

Year founded

2005

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