Data Governance and Policy Specialist - Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Peregrine Advisors Benefit Inc. is seeking recent graduates and early-career professionals from top Masters in Public Policy (MPP) and Masters in Public Administration (MPA) programs to join our Office of the Chief Data Officer (OCDO) support team as a Data Governance and Policy Specialist. This role offers an exceptional entry point into the most dynamic area of government modernization: data and AI governance.

This position is designed for public administration professionals who studied the management track—those passionate about making government work better from the inside. You'll apply frameworks from your coursework in Information and Technology Management, Program Evaluation, and Public Management to real-world challenges in federal data governance. This is your opportunity to translate academic concepts like administrative data management, evidence-based policymaking, and organizational effectiveness into tangible improvements in how government operates.

As data becomes central to public sector transformation, professionals who can bridge policy knowledge with operational implementation are increasingly vital. You'll work at the intersection of management sciences and administrative capacity building, helping federal agencies establish robust data governance frameworks that enable data-driven decision making while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.

Why This Role Matters for Public Management Professionals

Your MPP/MPA education prepared you to improve government operations through systematic analysis and strategic implementation. This role directly applies those skills to:

• Administrative Data Infrastructure: Build the foundational systems that enable evidence-based administration across federal agencies
• Policy Implementation: Transform high-level data strategies into operational realities through process-oriented administration
• Regulatory Compliance: Navigate complex frameworks including the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and emerging cryptocurrency and AI governance requirements
• Public Value Creation: Enable better government services through improved internal data management and governance

Core Responsibilities

• Apply Public Management Frameworks: Implement data governance structures using evidence-based administration principles and performance management concepts from your academic training
• Data Lifecycle Management: Oversee the complete data lifecycle from creation through disposal, ensuring compliance with federal retention schedules and disposition requirements
• Policy Development and Implementation: Draft and implement data governance policies and standards that align with good governance practices and federal data management laws, regulations, and directives
• Regulatory Analysis and Compliance: Monitor and interpret evolving regulations including PRA, FOIA, OGDA, FDTA, and emerging frameworks for AI governance
• Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate complex data governance concepts to diverse audiences, from technical staff to senior executives, using the communication skills honed in your graduate program
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with business, legal, IT, program, and policy teams to ensure enterprise-wide adoption of data governance frameworks
• Performance Measurement: Develop metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess data governance maturity and identify improvement opportunities
• Strategic Advisory: Provide subject matter expertise on Master Data Management (MDM), data quality frameworks, and interoperability standards

Growth Opportunities in Emerging Governance Areas

While your primary focus will be traditional data governance, this role offers potential to work on cutting-edge governance challenges that represent the future of public administration:

• AI Governance (potential exposure): As agencies explore AI implementation, contribute to frameworks ensuring responsible, ethical, and effective AI use in government operations
• Virtual Currency and DeFi: emerging digital policy areas including digital data ethics and digital infrastructure regulation, data governance and analytics. Understand emerging requirements for digital assets, digital asset market structure and industry and regulatory trends
• Advanced Analytics Governance: Learn how agencies balance data accessibility for evidence-based policymaking with privacy and security requirements

What We're Looking For

Requirements

Education: Recent graduate or current student in final semester of an accredited MPP, MPA, or related public administration graduate program

Academic Foundation: Strong performance in courses related to:

• Public Management and Organizations
• Information and Technology Management
• Program Evaluation and Performance Management
• Policy Implementation and Administration
• Quantitative Analysis or Research Methods

Communication Excellence: Exceptional written and oral communication skills demonstrated through policy memos, capstone projects, or professional presentations

Analytical Skills: Proven ability to synthesize complex information and develop actionable recommendations

Public Management Knowledge: Deep understanding of how government organizations function, including budget processes, administrative procedures, and stakeholder dynamics

Citizenship: US citizen willing and able to obtain Public Trust Clearance

Hybrid Job Status: Ability to travel to Washington DC weekly

Preferred Qualifications

Specialized Coursework: Advanced study in digital government, e-governance, or technology policy

Capstone/Thesis Focus: Projects addressing government modernization, administrative reform, or data-driven decision making

Internship Experience: Federal, state, or local government internships, particularly in administrative or operational roles

Technical Skills: Familiarity with data analysis tools (R, Python, SQL) or visualization platforms (Tableau, Power BI)

Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of federal information management laws and policies

Application Note: In your cover letter, please discuss how your graduate coursework and experiences have prepared you for the intersection of public management and data governance. We're particularly interested in examples of how you've applied analytical frameworks to operational challenges.

Benefits

Peregrine Culture & Values: At Peregrine Advisors, we are deeply committed to creating social value and improving government performance through data-driven solutions. We hire individuals who are not only skilled but also eager to contribute to a positive social impact. Our inclusive work environment encourages collaboration and innovation, providing employees with the opportunity to grow and develop professionally.

Growth & Development Opportunities: We are a learning organization. We provide extensive onboarding support, professional development opportunities, including support for professional certifications, tuition reimbursement, and sponsored training programs to help our employees excel. Our team members work on high-impact projects with some of the largest datasets in the federal sector, offering both technical challenges and opportunities for growth.

Benefits: Peregrine Advisors offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision) with 100% of employee premiums covered
• Life and disability insurance, fully covered by the company
• 401(k) retirement plan with 100% match on contributions up to 4% of salary, with immediate vesting
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) to encourage work-life balance
• Tuition reimbursement for further education and professional development

Peregrine Advisors is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming diversity and inclusivity in all hiring practices. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.