What Is A Data Steward?
There is not one perfect definition of what a data steward is, especially when we start adding organization-specific context. To help understand what they do, here is a job description. It is general - you will need to adjust it for your requirements, operating model, data domains, data management processes, etc.
A data steward is a person in charge of the quality of the data an organization collects and how it is collected. They keep an eye on every step of the data collection process to make sure the information is in the right format and is set up according to how the organization wants it. Data stewards are also in charge of fixing problems with data, like fixing broken data or figuring out how to get data from one program to another. If a worker has a problem with data, they can talk to a data steward about it.
Data stewards usually talk about how important it is to use data to help make business decisions. They might find ways that data can help their organization do better business and set rules for the collection, storage, and ownership of data that help keep that performance up and make it better. They might help a company take care of its reputation by keeping its data safe and giving its employees training on data protection.
Image Source: Shailendra Singh Bisht (Different Shades of Data Stewardship)
Job Description – Data Steward
Title: Data Steward
Description
As defined by DAMA, Data Stewardship is: “The most common label to describe accountability and responsibility for data and processes that ensure effective control and use of data assets. Stewardship can be formalized through job titles and descriptions, or it can be a less formal function driven by people trying to help an organization get value from its data. The role of the Data Steward is to manage, investigate, and resolve data quality issues in enterprise applications, via deletion and merging, while safeguarding against data loss both on-premise and within the Cloud. Data stewards also guide decision makers in determining where to place specific data while considering business purposes, and how the location of certain data will incur particular risks.
Data Stewards participate in organizational governance activities, have a solid understanding of the data needs of the business, and are the key implementers and enforcers of data policies, processes, procedures and standards set out by the Data Governance Steering Committee.
This individual is also expected to take a lead in preventing data quality issues by identifying frequent user errors, and working with business units to strengthen user competence.
Responsibilities
Strategy & Planning
Create and implement a data management strategy, including user policies and training materials, set refresh cycles, and statistical reporting for achieving and maintaining high data quality.
Work alongside IT staff as well as senior management to:
Coordinate the placing of data On-Premise, or in Clouds with business strategies
Develop and maintain a data integration strategy
Develop and maintain a data security strategy
Ensure that project management and software development methodologies include the steps, activities, and deliverables required to achieve high-quality data.
Acquisition & Deployment
Ensure that new systems, applications, and data integration measures adhere to existing data management practices, policies, and procedures.
Stay abreast of new products in the data management market, conducting research on emerging trends and developments that could support the business.
Operational Management
Identify and ensure the resolution of data quality issues, such as uniqueness, integrity, accuracy, consistency, and completeness, in a cost-effective and timely manner.
Execute audits periodically to ensure that data is being properly managed in the Cloud and On-Premise, and that legal or security requirements are consistently being met.
Perform data profiling on a regular basis, and generate data quality statistics. The results of these audits should be communicated to the owner of the data, and tied into service level agreements (SLAs) between data entry personnel, IT, and the appropriate business units.
Devise, coordinate, and conduct mass data-cleansing initiatives for the purpose of purging and eliminating corrupt or redundant information from corporate databases.
Identify causes of poor data quality, implement solutions, and communicate findings to employees, management, and stakeholders.
Develop and enforce methods and validation mechanisms for ensuring data quality, and accuracy at the point of entry.
Work collaboratively with the system architects to develop methods for synchronizing data entering company systems from multiple points, and within infrastructure On-Premise and within Clouds.
Conduct research and make recommendations on products, tools, services, protocols, and standards that will support the data management strategy.
Position Requirements
Formal Education & Certification
College diploma or university degree in the field of information management/knowledge management, and/or 2-3years equivalent work experience.
Certifications in […].
Knowledge & Experience
Familiarity with database concepts.
Previous exposure to Cloud data integration and management.
Specific knowledge of […] platform(s) required.
Extensive experience with using the internet for research.
Working technical knowledge of […].
Strong understanding of data entry/update best practices.
Personal Attributes
Strong customer service orientation.
Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
Good written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to conduct research into data issues as required.
Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language.
Highly self-motivated and directed.
Keen attention to detail.
Team-oriented, and skilled in working within a collaborative environment.
Work Conditions
40-hour on-site or remote work week with on-call availability for […] days per month.
Sitting for extended periods.
Dexterity of digits to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other computer components.
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This document is intended to supply general information only, not specific professional or personal advice, and is not intended to be used as a substitute for any kind of professional advice. Use this document either in whole or in part as a basis and guide for document creation.
