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Governance Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

North Highland

Data Governance Lead

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

We're seeking a Data Governance Lead to establish a robust data foundation for our retail practice in Portland, OR and help us take vision to value and create lasting impact. 4 days a week onsite, 6 ...

Trimble, Inc.

Sr. Data Governance Lead

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

Lead the Future of Data Trust as Enterprise Data Governance Principal Lead Shape the operational operating system that turns data governance into active, enterprise-wide trust to accelerate AI ...

Trimble

Sr. Data Governance Lead

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

Lead the Future of Data Trust as Enterprise Data Governance Principal Lead Shape the operational operating system that turns data governance into active, enterprise-wide trust to accelerate AI ...

Leatherman Tools

AI Governance Lead

Portland, OR · On-site

AI Governance Lead | Hybrid Build the Future of AI at Leatherman At Leatherman, we build tools that people depend on when it matters most. For more than 40 years, we've earned that trust through ...

Ohm Systems

Portfolio Governance Lead

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

The Portfolio Governance Lead for CPBM Operations will be responsible for driving portfolio excellence by refining governance frameworks, enabling strategic decision-making, and fostering ...

Leatherman

AI Governance Lead

Portland, OR · On-site

AI Governance Lead | Hybrid Build the Future of AI at Leatherman At Leatherman, we build tools that people depend on when it matters most. For more than 40 years, we've earned that trust through ...

Pwc

Data Governance- Manager

Portland, OR

$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 ...

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Governance information

See Portland, OR salary details

$27

$71

$88

How much do governance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for governance in Portland, OR is $71.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71.39 and $85.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is governance?

Governance refers to the systems, processes, and policies that guide and control how an organization is managed and directed. It encompasses the frameworks that ensure accountability, fairness, and transparency in an organization's relationship with its stakeholders. Good governance helps organizations achieve their objectives, manage risks effectively, and comply with relevant laws and regulations. It often involves the roles of boards, committees, and leadership in setting strategy and overseeing performance.

How does a governance professional typically interact with other departments to ensure compliance and risk management?

In a Governance role, collaboration with various departments is essential to ensure that organizational policies, compliance requirements, and risk management strategies are effectively implemented. You can expect to work closely with legal, finance, operations, and IT teams to align processes with regulatory standards and organizational goals. Regular meetings, training sessions, and audits are common, allowing you to provide guidance, monitor adherence, and address any gaps proactively. This cross-functional approach not only fosters a culture of accountability but also helps identify and mitigate risks before they escalate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a governance role?

To thrive in a Governance role, you need a solid understanding of regulatory frameworks, risk management, and compliance, often supported by a degree in law, business, or public administration. Familiarity with governance software, compliance tracking tools, and relevant certifications such as CGEIT or CCEP is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, ethical judgment, and effective stakeholder communication are crucial soft skills for this position. These competencies ensure organizations remain compliant, uphold integrity, and achieve strategic objectives in a complex regulatory environment.

What is the difference between Governance vs Compliance Officer?

AspectGovernanceCompliance Officer
Primary FocusEstablishing policies, frameworks, and overall organizational directionEnsuring adherence to laws, regulations, and internal policies
CredentialsOften requires knowledge of corporate governance, certifications like CGEIT or CISATypically holds certifications like CCEP, CRCM, or CISA
Work EnvironmentBoardrooms, executive meetings, strategic planning sessionsAudits, compliance departments, regulatory agencies
Industry UsageUsed across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors for organizational oversightCommon in finance, healthcare, and regulated industries for legal adherence

While Governance focuses on setting policies and strategic oversight, Compliance Officers ensure these policies and external regulations are followed. Both roles are essential for organizational integrity but differ in scope and daily responsibilities.

Is a governance career in demand?

Governance careers are in demand across various industries as organizations prioritize compliance, risk management, and effective decision-making. Professionals with skills in policy development, regulatory knowledge, and certifications like CGEIT or COBIT are especially sought after, with job growth driven by increasing regulatory requirements and corporate oversight. The role often requires strong analytical and communication skills and can involve working in corporate, nonprofit, or government sectors.

What does a governance role do?

A governance role involves overseeing and ensuring that an organization complies with laws, regulations, and internal policies. It includes establishing frameworks for decision-making, risk management, and accountability, often requiring skills in policy development, auditing, and stakeholder communication.

What is a career in governance?

A career in governance involves overseeing organizational policies, compliance, and decision-making processes to ensure effective management and accountability. Roles often require strong analytical skills, knowledge of regulations, and may involve working with boards or leadership teams in various sectors such as government, non-profits, or corporations.

What is a governance position?

A governance position involves overseeing and guiding an organization’s policies, strategies, and compliance to ensure effective management and accountability. These roles often require understanding of organizational structures, regulatory requirements, and decision-making processes, and may involve board membership or senior leadership responsibilities.

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Governance jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Governance job openings:

Governance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Governance job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,679 per year, or $72 per hour.

Data Governance Lead

Beaverton, OR • On-site

North Highland
Business Management Consulting • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about North Highlandexternal

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

MAKE STRATEGY A REALITY | ACCELERATE YOUR GROWTH | CHOOSE YOUR PATH

As the world's leading change and transformation consultancy, we're helping businesses move from strategy to reality by taking a pragmatic and practical approach to build solutions that last. We're seeking a Data Governance Lead to establish a robust data foundation for our retail practice in Portland, OR and help us take vision to value and create lasting impact. 4 days a week onsite, 6-month contract role.

SUMMARY

We are seeking a Data Governance Lead to establish a robust data foundation for our retail practice. In this pivotal role, you will transform how we capture, manage, and leverage data as a strategic asset across our innovation and materials teams. The Data Governance Lead will work at the intersection of business strategy and technical implementation, building governance frameworks that enable faster decision-making while maintaining data quality and integrity. Your work will establish this emerging function as a center of excellence, directly supporting leadership and cross‑functional teams in their ability to harness data for competitive advantage.

YOU WILL
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive data strategy with a prioritized, actionable roadmap aligned to organizational business goals.
  • Assess current data assets, capabilities, and maturity levels; define future‑state vision; and identify risks and opportunities for foundational data model development.
  • Establish foundational governance policies including naming conventions, data standards, definitions, and stewardship roles across innovation and materials domains.
  • Design and implement data governance procedures, perform data profiling, and lead data quality remediation initiatives including legacy data cleanup.
  • Design a consistent data‑capture approach that consolidates fragmented datasets into reusable, machine‑learning‑ready formats.
  • Provide architectural oversight and design foundational data models for the materials and innovation domain.
  • Translate between domain experts and technical teams, serving as a connective link between innovation leaders and technology partners.
  • Lead facilitation sessions, lunch‑and‑learn programs, and develop data literacy initiatives to build a culture of data across teams.
  • Shape how data is prepared to support advanced predictions and machine‑learning use cases with appropriate responsible and ethical artificial intelligence guardrails.
  • Demonstrate strong executive communication skills, influencing senior leaders who may lack deep technical backgrounds.
IDEALLY, WE'D LIKE
  • Five or more years of relevant experience in data strategy, data management, or data governance, including leading an initiative or workstream end‑to‑end.
  • Demonstrated experience building a data team or practice from scratch and mentoring technical talent.
  • Working knowledge of data governance operating models, stewardship structures, and data quality principles.
  • Familiarity with foundational data modelling and enterprise data architecture concepts.
  • A versatile, T‑shaped skillset: specialized in data strategy and governance with working competence across analytics and engineering.
  • Hands‑on comfort with data governance tools and technologies in fast‑moving environments.
  • Proven ability to develop data strategies with clear recommendations and realistic roadmaps to reach future‑state vision.
  • Strong facilitation and stakeholder management capabilities with the ability to build consensus across multiple domains.
  • Proactive, self‑starting approach with excellent relationship‑building abilities.
  • Ability to balance standardization with flexibility, designing governance that manages exceptions without becoming overly rigid or loose.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States, without the need for visa sponsorship by North Highland. Work visa sponsorship will not be provided, either now or in the future, for this position. This is a temporary employee (W2) opportunity.

North Highland is an equal opportunity employer, and we adhere to all applicable laws and regulations to ensure a fair and equitable workplace. All qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We handle all information in accordance with local privacy standards and maintain strict confidentiality.

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