Chief Data Scientists shape how organizations use data, analytics, and artificial intelligence to make decisions and create business value. As senior executives, they set data science strategy, guide teams, and partner with leaders across the organization to turn complex information into measurable results. Explore vetted Chief Data Scientist (CDS) opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.
A Chief Data Scientist leads an organization’s data science vision and execution. Typical responsibilities include setting priorities for analytics and machine learning, overseeing data science teams, establishing standards for model development, and explaining findings to executives and stakeholders. Depending on the company, the role may also cover AI strategy, data governance, experimentation, and the development of data products.
Employers commonly seek extensive experience in data science, statistics, machine learning, or a related discipline, along with a record of leading teams and delivering business outcomes. Strong candidates combine technical judgment with executive communication, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. Familiarity with responsible AI, privacy, data quality, and cloud-based data platforms can also be valuable.
Chief Data Scientists work across industries including technology, financial services, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and consulting. The position may be titled Chief Data Scientist, Chief AI Officer, VP of Data Science, or Head of Data Science, depending on the organization’s structure. These leaders often work closely with engineering, product, legal, and business teams.
Browse vetted professional opportunities for Chief Data Scientists and related data science leaders on Ladders. Discover roles with salaries of $100,000 or more, compare opportunities, and find a position that matches your leadership experience and career goals.
Manager, Predictive Modeling and Machine Learning
$158K - $170K *
Lead the development of predictive models integrating advanced ML techniques to drive strategic decision-making across credit risk, collections, and business operations while mentoring data scientists...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Data Scientist (Palantir Foundry)
$120K - $145K *
Unlock the potential of data as a senior data scientist, transforming U.S. Army enterprise data into impactful analytical products and workflows, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to dri...
1 week ago
$250K - $300K *
Empower the future of AI in commerce media by leading strategy and execution across AI Labs and Data Science. Drive customer engagement, scale capabilities, and enhance product impact while building a...
2 weeks ago
$145K - $175K *
Innovate and lead a data engineering team to drive AI strategies, optimizing IT architecture while ensuring data integrity and compliance, enhancing performance across various projects in an agile env...
4 weeks ago
$151K - $215K *
Transform enterprise data readiness by leading AI initiatives and designing advanced analytical solutions. Collaborate across functions to implement generative AI tools, enhancing data-driven decision...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower data-driven decision-making by analyzing product usage and user behavior. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance analytics frameworks and drive strategic insights that shape produc...
4 weeks ago
Lead Applied Scientist, Search & Information Retrieval
$147K - $274K *
Transform the future of search and information retrieval by designing and deploying large-scale systems that enhance legal, tax, and accounting content, ensuring reliable and measurable impact across...
1 week ago
IT Architect/Data Scientist (Job 1499)
$180K - $190K *
Transform your career by leading cloud architecture and data interoperability initiatives. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance security and compliance for federal healthcare environments while d...
2 days ago
Data Warehouse & Analytics Architect
$180K - $220K *
Shape the future of data privacy as a Data Warehouse & Analytics Architect by leading architectural excellence and technical direction in scalable data solutions while mentoring a collaborative team d...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in transforming client operations by identifying and accelerating AI-driven opportunities. Collaborate with stakeholders to frame business challenges, prototype solutions, and drive me...
Reposted today
$120K - $140K *
Champion high-quality data integration and analytical platforms to drive business insights. Collaborate with stakeholders to design scalable models, ensuring data reliability and self-service capabili...
4 weeks ago
Director of Product & Data Strategy
$150K - $180K *
Lead the strategy and execution of enterprise applications and data management. Own product roadmaps, ensure system efficiency, and build a high-performing team while driving innovation through AI and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Data Engineer, California College Guidance Initiative
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of data engineering by optimizing ETL/ELT processes and enhancing cloud infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive data solutions that promote educational equity...
Reposted yesterday
Sr. Director, Technical Researcher
$155K - $170K *
Lead complex research initiatives by transforming business questions into actionable insights. Collaborate with clients to design robust studies, ensuring methodological integrity and advancing resear...
1 week ago
Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Agentic Systems (Active Secret Clearance)
$185K - $230K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, driving innovative AI solutions and enhancing performance across complex workflows. Collaborate with diverse teams to shape the future of A...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Assessment Solutions and Technical Strategy
$164K - $196K *
Unlock psychometric expertise to lead proposal strategies and craft technical documents, ensuring alignment with educational measurement principles for successful assessment products in competitive ma...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Lead Engineer, Analytics Platform & AI
$125K - $150K *
Engage with us to architect and lead full-stack development of our analytics platform, embedding AI for improved insights. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance performance, scalability, and secur...
3 weeks ago
Scientific Solutions Architect
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team as you bridge scientific R&D and digital strategy, guiding customers to realize value through complex solutions tailored to their unique challenges. Drive transformation and ensure...
3 weeks ago
$72K - $90K *
Lead data-driven insights to enhance business performance, collaborating across teams to support strategic initiatives. Utilize technical skills in SQL, Python, and data visualization to drive impactf...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's transforming client experiences by leading complex ERP implementations. You will manage diverse cross-functional teams, oversee project scopes and budgets, and cultivate strong clie...
3 weeks ago
Senior Data Scientist II, Monetization
$183K - $216K *
Take ownership of the scientific and product roadmap for monetization, leading audience creation and measurement methodologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product strategy and in...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to lead design and optimization of enterprise security controls. Focus on guarding data and networks utilizing advanced Palo Alto solutions while collaborating across various techn...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Principal, Data Governance Platforms
$149K - $224K *
Shape the future of data governance by leading the design and implementation of enterprise platforms that ensure data integrity, quality, and compliance across the organization, while collaborating wi...
1 week ago
Senior Staff Data Scientist, Consumer Relevance
$232K - $325K *
Empower innovation by serving as a leading expert in relevance evaluation. Collaborate to enhance ranking and recommendation systems, driving product strategy through rigorous analysis and shaping the...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Data Scientist, Payments Intelligence
$215K - $243K *
Transform corporate payments by leveraging data science and machine learning to uncover high-value opportunities. Drive revenue growth and build intelligent payment products through innovative analysi...
Yesterday
What does a Chief Data Scientist do?
A Chief Data Scientist sets data science strategy, leads analytics and machine learning teams, and helps executives apply data-driven insights to business decisions. The role may also oversee AI initiatives, data products, and responsible data practices.
What qualifications are common for Chief Data Scientist jobs?
Employers typically look for deep experience in data science or a related technical field, leadership experience, and a record of delivering measurable results. Expertise in machine learning, statistics, AI, data governance, and executive communication is often valued.
How is a Chief Data Scientist different from a Data Science Manager?
A Data Science Manager generally leads a team or function, while a Chief Data Scientist typically sets strategy across the organization and advises senior executives. The exact scope varies by company.
Which industries hire Chief Data Scientists?
Chief Data Scientists are hired in technology, financial services, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, consulting, and other sectors that rely on analytics, machine learning, or AI.
What salary range can I expect for Chief Data Scientist jobs on Ladders?
Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. Compensation varies based on factors such as industry, location, company size, and the scope of the role; review individual listings for salary details.