What Is A Chief Data Officer?

• Position Title: Fractional (part-time) Chief Data Officer (CDO)
• Department: Data & Analytics / Executive Leadership
• Reports To: CEO / COO
• Commitment: Part-time / milestone-based (e.g., 10–20 hours per week or defined project engagements)

Position Overview

The Fractional Chief Data Officer (CDO) provides strategic leadership and advisory guidance on the organization’s enterprise data initiatives. This role focuses on defining data strategy, governance frameworks, analytics roadmaps, and operational best practices — enabling the organization to use data as a strategic asset without requiring full-time executive oversight.

The Fractional CDO works closely with the executive team and internal staff to ensure data initiatives are aligned with business objectives, scalable, and actionable.

Key Responsibilities

1. Data Strategy & Advisory

   • Define and prioritize enterprise data strategy in alignment with business objectives.
   • Identify opportunities to leverage data for revenue growth, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making.
   • Provide actionable recommendations for data investments, technology adoption, and analytics capabilities.

2. Data Governance & Standards

   • Develop frameworks and policies for data quality, security, privacy, and compliance.
   • Advise on regulatory requirements, risk mitigation, and industry best practices.
   • Provide oversight to ensure data management practices are consistent and sustainable.

3. Analytics & Insights

   • Guide development of dashboards, KPIs, and analytics processes that generate actionable insights.
   • Assist internal teams in leveraging analytics for marketing, operations, finance, and product initiatives.
   • Recommend approaches for predictive modeling, machine learning, or advanced analytics projects.

4. Project-Based Deliverables

   • Define clear deliverables and timelines for key data initiatives, such as:

     • Enterprise data strategy roadmap
     • Data governance framework
     • Analytics and reporting architecture
     • Data quality and security assessments
   • Review and validate internal data projects to ensure alignment with business objectives.

5. Team Guidance & Enablement

   • Mentor internal staff or contractors on data best practices, analytics methodology, and reporting frameworks.
   • Provide strategic oversight rather than day-to-day management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Extensive experience leading enterprise-level data initiatives and analytics programs.
• Proven track record of delivering tangible business outcomes through data strategy and governance.
• Deep understanding of data architecture, analytics, BI tools, and data integration at scale.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate recommendations clearly to leadership teams.
• Experience in multiple industries or organizational contexts is a plus.

Key Metrics / Performance Indicators

• Completion of agreed-upon strategic initiatives and project milestones.
• Adoption and implementation of recommended data governance frameworks.
• Measurable improvements in data quality, accessibility, or reporting efficiency.
• Business decisions influenced by actionable analytics and insights provided.

Scope of Engagement