Director, Information Governance

Job Description:

Perkins Coie, a leading international law firm, is seeking an exceptional Director of Information Governance to lead our firm’s information governance (IG) program and projects. This is a unique opportunity to lead a talented team of IG professionals in developing, implementing, and managing an integrated IG strategy that optimizes the firm’s use of its information assets throughout the entire information lifecycle.

As Director, you will define and build the framework for Perkins Coie’s IG programs, addressing both physical and electronic information governance needs. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s approach to client service delivery and adapting to the evolving technological landscape.

This position collaborates across practice groups, firm leadership, and administrative departments to develop an IG program aligned with our overall business strategy, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical, and client obligations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

These essential functions are primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a forward-looking, enterprise-wide information governance strategy aligned with organizational goals and digital transformation initiatives.
• Serve as the principal advisor to leadership on all matters related to information governance and information lifecycle management.
• Lead the integration of information governance into business strategy, risk management, and innovation efforts.

Enterprise Policy & Framework Development

• Establish and maintain robust policies, standards, and frameworks for information governance, data stewardship, and records management across all business units and geographies.
• Oversee the development and implementation of enterprise-wide data classification, retention, and protection protocols.

Technology & Innovation

• Guide the selection, implementation, and optimization of advanced information governance technologies, including data discovery, classification, and analytics tools.
• Champion the adoption of emerging technologies and best practices to enhance information value, security, and accessibility.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of information governance professionals.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and innovation within the information governance function.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.
• Be present at work during regularly scheduled working hours and as needed in the position, consistent with the Firm’s attendance expectations.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED

• Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships with personnel at all levels of the organization and communicate both orally and in writing with them to promote IG throughout the firm.
• Demonstrated leadership capacity and strategic vision
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and maintain focus on detailed work with minimum supervision; ability to set goals and continually work towards them; ability to proactively complete tasks and independently manage workload.
• Expert knowledge of industry IG best practices, information technology best practices and architecture roadmaps.
• Experience leading teams, and peers to solve complex information lifecycle problems.
• Experience leading agile delivery activities across people, process, and technology.
• Proven ability to negotiate and work collaboratively in a complex, sometimes ambiguous, environment.
• Intermediate ability to work with a broad range of technology.
• In-depth knowledge of Information Governance and Records Management technology and solutions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in IG, information security, legal, privacy, records and information management, and information governance.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership and management experience.
• Information Governance Professional, Certified Information Governance Officer or other relevant certification, or bachelor’s degree in relevant field required.
• This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. To be granted access pursuant to US Export Control laws, candidate must be either (a) a United States citizen or national; or (b) a person lawfully admitted for permanent residence of the United States (i.e., “Green Card” holder).

At Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals dedicated to providing value and superior service and