Manager, Data Architecture & Governance

Who we are

At Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, we believe education is more than the pursuit of knowledge – it is a catalyst for transformation. Our mission, grounded in democratizing education, is to create access for learners from every background and empower them to achieve their aspirations and advance their careers.

We are committed to delivering rigorous, flexible programs that are both personally fulfilling and professionally rewarding, while contributing to the betterment of society. Since 2004, Yorkville has been among Canada’s few private, for-profit, fully accredited degree-granting universities, with campuses in Ontario, British Columbia, and New Brunswick. Together with Toronto Film School, we offer creative and academic pathways at both the college and university levels, cultivating a multidisciplinary environment where innovation and the arts converge.

Our community is vibrant and diverse. Many of our learners are adults balancing education with careers and personal commitments. Every member of our team – whether in teaching, operations, or technology – is dedicated to removing barriers and expanding access. Together, we deliver flexible, industry-informed learning that leads to meaningful opportunities. 

At our core is human connection – guiding people to reimagine their futures in a community defined by opportunity, creativity, and growth.

Who we need

Reporting to the Director of IT Enterprise & Architecture, we are hiring a Manager, Data Architecture & Governance to lead the development and evolution of our data governance program. As our new Manager, Data Architecture & Governance, you will bring structure and consistency to how data is defined, managed, and used across the organization. You will establish governance frameworks, standards, and policies, and work with technical and business teams to embed strong data practices into day-to-day operations. In this strategic and hands-on role, you will assess the current landscape, identify priorities, and develop a practical roadmap that strengthens data governance over time while enabling teams across the organization to confidently use data to support decision-making.

This is a newly created, full-time role, working 2 days remotely and 3 days on-site at 85 Richmond Street West, with a move to our new headquarters at 120 Bloor Street East in 2027. 

What's in it for you

Impact. This is a rare opportunity to build and shape a data governance function from the ground up. Your work will establish the frameworks, standards, and practices that ensure data is trusted, secure, and usable across the organization.

Influence. In this highly visible role you will partner with IT, business leaders, and data owners to embed governance into how data is managed and used. Your expertise will help guide decisions in a complex data environment supporting thousands of learners and multiple interconnected systems.

Scale and complexity. If you enjoy solving meaningful data challenges, this environment offers both depth and variety. You will work across a large and evolving data landscape, bringing structure and clarity while helping mature the organization’s approach to data governance.

How you will make an impact

• Assess and advance data governance maturity. You will design and lead a structured data governance maturity assessment aligned with industry frameworks (e.g., DAMA-DMBOK, CMMI, Gartner). You will synthesize findings, identify risks and gaps, and present clear, prioritized recommendations. Ongoing reassessments will track progress and guide improvements over time.
• Define the governance roadmap. You will develop and maintain a prioritized data governance and architecture roadmap aligned with organizational goals. This includes defining milestones, KPIs, and success measures to track program effectiveness, data quality, and governance maturity.
• Establish governance frameworks and standards. You will implement governance frameworks, policies, and operating models that support data quality, integrity, security, and compliance. This includes defining metadata, classification standards, and ownership for critical data elements.
• Lead data stewardship and quality practices. You will establish and chair governance forums, including a Data Quality & Stewardship Committee. You will implement stewardship models that define ownership and accountability while introducing monitoring and remediation processes to ensure data remains accurate, complete, and reliable.
• Enable transparency and traceability across systems. You will oversee enterprise data flow documentation and support practices that enable data lineage, traceability, and auditability through integrated metadata and data management processes.
• Support modern data platforms and governance tooling. You will contribute to the evaluation and implementation of governance tools and platforms (e.g., Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Purview) that support scalable, secure, and well-governed data environments.
• Collaborate to embed governance across the organization. You will partner with IT, business stakeholders, and data owners to align governance practices with operational needs, while working closely with Legal, Privacy, and Information Security teams to support regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Promote data literacy and strong data practices. You will champion awareness and adoption through communication, training, and guidance that helps teams understand and apply governance principles effectively.

What you bring

• The education and experience. You have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Management, or a related discipline. You bring progressive experience in data management, data architecture, or data governance, including designing and implementing governance programs. You have established data quality metrics, monitoring processes, and remediation practices that improve the reliability and usability of data.
• The technical knowledge. You have a strong understanding of data governance practices, including data quality, metadata management, data stewardship, and data lifecycle management. You are familiar with governance frameworks and maturity models (e.g., DAMA-DMBOK, CMMI, Gartner), as well as data architecture principles, data modelling, and integration patterns. You are comfortable working with modern data platforms and governance tools (e.g., Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Purview, Azure Data Services, or equivalents).
• The business mindset. You are analytical, curious, and solutions-oriented, with the ability to translate complex data concepts into clear business value. You work effectively with data owners, stewards, and business stakeholders to define governance priorities and ensure data is managed in ways that support operational and strategic goals.
• The influence. You are comfortable leading initiatives that require collaboration across teams without direct authority. You can facilitate discussions, build alignment, and guide stakeholders toward stronger data practices. Your communication skills allow you to engage both technical and non-technical audiences while working closely with IT, data engineering, business units, Legal, Privacy, and Information Security.

Why work at Yorkville University?

At Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, we are united by a shared purpose: placing the student experience at the heart of everything we do. Whether you are teaching, designing curriculum, advising learners, advancing technology, or supporting operations, your work directly fuels learning potential, strengthens inclusive communities, and fosters purposeful curiosity.

Here, professional growth is part of our culture. In your role, you will have opportunities that allow you to access relevant programs, expand your expertise, and access tuition-free courses across our institutions - from certificates to master’s degrees. Curiosity, initiative, and innovation are encouraged, and your ideas can move from vision to reality.

Our scale offers the best of both worlds: the reach and stability of a national institution combined with the agility of a mid-sized organization, where contributions are visible and valued. You will be part of a diverse and inclusive community where authenticity is celebrated, collaboration is expected, and impact is shared - on learners, colleagues, and your own professional journey.

At Yorkville and Toronto Film School, your work does more than make a difference. It empowers others to achieve their potential, while giving you the opportunity to realize yours.

Compensation philosophy

At Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, we believe compensation should be fair, straightforward, and supportive of your growth. Our salary ranges reflect progression from learning in the role to excelling, with each offer based on skills, experience, and role complexity.

This position offers a minimum annual salary of $110,000,  a midpoint of $115,000, and a maximum of $120 000. Established hires typically start near the midpoint, while the upper range is reserved for those with deep expertise and sustained contributions. Offers below the midpoint recognize strong potential with room to grow.

We strive for equitable, consistent pay, though rates may vary within the same role based on performance, specialized knowledge, and impact.

We welcome conversations about compensation throughout the hiring process.

Join us

We welcome and appreciate candidates with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. If you have 70% of the qualifications we seek, express your interest. 

What you can expect from our hiring process:

• A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor discussing your interest in the role and your experience. The conversation will be recorded using BrightHire, an AI-powered video interview tool. More details will be shared when you are invited to interview.
• A virtual interview with the Director of IT Enterprise & Architecture and the Director of Technology & Operations. This conversation will explore your experience with data governance frameworks and your approach to designing and implementing structured governance programs within complex organizations.
• A case study exercise and in-person presentation with the Director of IT Enterprise & Architecture and a senior stakeholder. You will present your approach to establishing a data governance program, outlining how you would assess the current environment, prioritize initiatives, and communicate recommendations to business stakeholders.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical components of life at Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, and we are committed to making these values an integral part of our culture. We encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including women, persons with disabilities, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC), people from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Queer, Questioning, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Asexual + (LGBTQ2SIA+) community and other equity-seeking groups.

Yorkville University is committed to providing accessible employment practices that comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for disability, please notify Human Resources at 1-877-429-4029.

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