Information Governance: Discovering Careers with an M.A. in Law

With the digital age affecting every aspect of business, the need for professionals who can effectively manage and protect information assets continues to increase. Information is more than just data; it’s a valuable business asset, and skilled individuals are needed to ensure its ethical and lawful use, as well as its safeguarding to mitigate operational risks.

What Is Information Governance?

Information governance encompasses the decision-making, procedural processes, and standards for using information to help a business meet its goals. Professionals in this field are entrusted with ensuring the ethical and legal use of information, while also instilling the procedures and frameworks needed to minimize operational risks. Let’s explore some of the lucrative roles available to those with an M.A. in Law specializing in Information Governance.

Digital Asset Manager

A Digital asset manager plays an important role in overseeing the acquisition, management, and protection of a business’s digital assets. Digital asset management jobs are in high demand as businesses increasingly generate and handle more sensitive information in their daily operations. 

What Does a Digital Asset Manager Do?

• Asset Classification: Develop and implement classification systems to categorize and index digital assets for easy retrieval.

• Rights Management: Ensure compliance with copyright and licensing agreements for digital assets, securing permissions when necessary.

• Digital Preservation: Develop strategies for long-term digital asset preservation and data security.

Digital Asset Manager Salary

The average salary in the U.S. for a digital asset manager is around $73,000 annually with an estimated range between $58,000 and $94,000 according to Glassdoor*

*Data gathered in 2023.

Information Risk and Governance Director

An information risk and governance director leads the development, execution, and performance of an organization’s security, risk management, and privacy program. These professionals are responsible for providing valuable consultation to leadership on informational risk to help the decision-making process. An information risk and governance director will need a proven track record in cyber security to take on this title.

What Does an Information Risk and Governance Director Do?

• Strategy Development: Lead the development and implementation of information governance and eDiscovery risk management strategies within the organization.

• Consultation: Provide expert consultation to leadership on data-related risks, aiding in strategic decision-making.

• Risk Assessment: Identify, assess, and mitigate information-related risks, including data breaches and cybersecurity threats.

Information Risk and Governance Director Salary

According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for an information risk and governance director in the U.S. is $163,000. The salary range typically falls between $145,000 and $185,000 for this position*.

*Data gathered in 2023.

Information Governance and Systems Analyst

Information governance and systems analysts are responsible for supporting the risk department by implementing information structures and frameworks that ensure information is accurately and efficiently moving through the organization. This job requires a firm understanding of databases and strong analytical skills. 

What Does an Information Governance and Systems Analyst Do?

• Framework Implementation: Implement information governance frameworks and data management strategies within the organization.

• Database Management: Manage databases and data repositories, optimizing data storage and retrieval processes.

• Data Quality Assurance: Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data by establishing data quality standards and controls.

Information Governance and Systems Analyst Salary

According to ZIppia, an information and systems analyst in the U.S. can expect to earn around $83,000 a year with a normal salary range between $58,000 and &119,000*. 

*Data gathered in 2023.

Data Governance Officer

Data governance officers are key players in establishing and maintaining data governance frameworks within organizations, ensuring data accuracy, compliance, and security. With the increasing importance of data integrity and privacy, Data governance jobs have become indispensable at many major organizations. 

What Does a Data Governance Officer Do?

• Compliance Management: Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and privacy laws, such as GDPR or HIPAA.

• Data Security: Implement security measures to protect data from breaches and unauthorized access.

• Documentation: Maintain comprehensive documentation of data governance practices, audits, and compliance records.

Data Governance Officer Salary

The salary for data governance officers in the U.S. is around $128,000 a year on average. The salary range for this role tends to be between $100,000 and $172,000 annually according to Talent.com.*

*Data gathered in 2023

Your Path to a Rewarding Career in Information Governance

With the evolving and growing nature of this field, the demand for information governance jobs will continue to rise. If you’re ready to make an impact on the way organizations handle and protect their data, then The Colleges of Law is your ideal partner. Our commitment to accessible legal education, innovation, and diversity ensures that you receive the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the rapidly changing landscape of the legal industry.

Take the first step toward your information governance career today. Explore The Colleges of Law Master of Arts in Law program, and open the door to a world of possibilities.