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.
Director, HR Business Partner (Technology)
$167K - $208K *
Unlock potential by serving as a strategic HR partner, driving talent strategies and leading acquisition integrations to enhance organizational effectiveness and employee engagement across business un...
1 week ago
Associate Director, Product (Data)
$165K - $175K *
Empower progress at the forefront of data product management, leading the development of innovative solutions. Drive product success through strategic oversight, client engagement, and cross-functiona...
2 weeks ago
$117K - $161K *
Elevate your career by designing and optimizing scalable data solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex data into actionable insights, ensuring high standards of quality...
Yesterday
Epidemiologist, Real-World Evidence (Remote US)
$95K - $115K *
Drive impactful healthcare decisions by leveraging real-world data expertise. Collaborate with clients to evaluate and analyze RWD for regulatory assessments, ensuring high-quality evidence generation...
1 week ago
$155K - $207K *
Elevate business performance by partnering with the CCO to drive customer retention and revenue growth through strategic analysis, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring...
6 days ago
Senior Technical Program Manager - Security
$150K - $180K *
The Security Program Manager will be responsible for securing OpenAI's critical product launches by coordinating security reviews and managing risks across cross-functional teams. This role ensures th...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Machine Learning System Engineer
$147K - $232K *
Advance your expertise by designing and optimizing large-scale model serving systems. You'll tackle everything from distributed infrastructure to deep low-level optimizations, ensuring reliable high-c...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $200K *
Unlock potential by leading complex AI engagements that drive business value. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions, ensuring successful delive...
3 weeks ago
Senior ML Systems Engineer, Inference
$150K - $220K *
Transform LLM inference efficiency by leading the performance measurement, diagnosis, and enhancement efforts to optimize customer experience through cost-effective and speedy solutions in a hands-on...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $120K *
Accelerate data-driven insights by leading data cleansing and analytics efforts for federal financial management. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver impactful reporting and automation solutions...
1 week ago
Physical Scientist for High-Resolution Regional Modeling for Atmospheric Rivers
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by conducting high-resolution modeling for atmospheric rivers, enhancing predictive capabilities within the Unified Forecast System, and collaborating on innovative parameterization m...
2 weeks ago
Director, AI Platforms, Global
$200K - $210K *
Join a dynamic team to lead AI platform strategy and operations, ensuring seamless access and governance while driving enterprise-wide adoption and continuous improvement of innovative AI solutions...
1 week ago
Sr. Manager, Enterprise Cyber Defense
$181K - $301K *
Transform your career by leading a global cyber defense team, driving proactive strategies to mitigate risks and enhance security across diverse environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams t...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Manager, Clinical Data Management, Study Lead
$134K - $219K *
Empower data management excellence by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance, and driving process improvements across multiple clinical trials while mentoring staff and maintaining high d...
2 days ago
Sr. Data Scientist, Business Analytics
$167K - $216K *
Deliver impactful insights and drive strategic decisions as you analyze key company metrics, partner with leadership, and enhance revenue forecasting to shape the future of the marketplace...
4 weeks ago
Sr. Data Scientist, Business Analytics
$168K - $217K *
Support strategic insights by analyzing key metrics that drive revenue and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to inform decision-making and strengthen data culture in a high-visibili...
4 weeks ago
$200K - $250K *
Lead the charge in embedding Domino into complex enterprise IT landscapes. Drive strategic deployments, design robust architectures, and enhance AI/ML integrations while collaborating with cross-funct...
1 week ago
GRC Principal - Data Privacy and Security
$130K - $160K *
Transform GRC programs by leading strategy and execution in data privacy and security, leveraging AI to enhance compliance and streamline operations while collaborating across functions to ensure robu...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Director of Account Management
$150K - $180K *
Lead a dynamic account management team, driving strategic relationships with major health systems. Foster high-touch engagement, ensuring customer success and operational excellence while directly man...
1 week ago
Sr. Practice Manager -- AI Agentic Ops
$150K - $190K *
Help us shape the future of AI operations by leading a dynamic team focused on innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and technical excellence in agentic environments. Drive growth and operatio...
2 days ago
Research Scientist, Robotics & World Models
$160K - $185K *
Transform the future of robotics by defining and validating data designs for foundation models, collaborating with customers and labs to innovate data strategies that enhance model training and deploy...
4 weeks ago
Support Scientist for JEDI Data Assimilation Transition to Operations
$95K - $115K *
Support the transition of JEDI data assimilation to operations, collaborating on research and development for atmospheric data assimilation, focusing on innovative methods in numerical weather predict...
3 weeks ago
Senior Remote Sensing Data Scientist, Cal/Val
$192K - $213K *
Transform data into insights by building robust calibration systems for multispectral infrared imagery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality data products for environmental m...
2 weeks ago
$330K - $390K *
Join a team that's driving enterprise-level strategic statistical leadership across Biostatistics. You'll oversee programs, mentor statisitians, and ensure collaboration for successful drug developmen...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Decision Scientist, Applied Optimization and Simulation 2026 - US
$130K - $155K *
Lead decision science projects, guiding teams and delivering data-driven solutions for Federal clients using machine learning and optimization techniques. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure impac...
3 weeks ago
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.