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.
Associate Director - Technology Practice
$90K - $100K *
Champion excellence in executive search by leading market mapping, building strong candidate pipelines, and conducting first-round interviews in a collaborative team environment. Your contributions dr...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Data & AI Consultant, Revenue Growth Management (RGM), Consumer Industries
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to transform data into actionable insights for CPG and retail clients. Leverage advanced analytics and AI to drive revenue growth through effective pricing, promotion, and merchandisin...
4 weeks ago
Director, Global AI Security & CISO Initiatives
$150K - $188K *
Advance global cybersecurity initiatives as an operational partner to the CISO. Lead strategic planning, guide execution, and ensure alignment with organizational goals while fostering collaboration a...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $135K *
Advance educational research by analyzing data and synthesizing findings to enhance student access to advanced courses. Collaborate with stakeholders to design studies, build dashboards, and communica...
3 days ago
$157K - $232K *
Lead the charge in building scalable data infrastructure for analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance data architecture, drive AI/ML initiatives, and establish governance across t...
3 weeks ago
$142K - $218K *
Shape the future of data architecture by building scalable data platforms that drive impactful analytics and AI/ML initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure effective data governa...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Cloud Engineering Governance - FedRAMP
$130K - $160K *
Lead governance initiatives in a multi-cloud environment, managing a team to secure and optimize cloud operations. Oversee compliance, develop policies, and optimize costs while ensuring alignment wit...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director, Technical Products and Operations
$200K - $235K *
Drive product excellence by owning the lifecycle and security of high-performance client SaaS platforms hosted on AWS. Lead a dedicated team to optimize operations, ensure compliance, and deliver seam...
Reposted 6 days ago
$160K - $200K *
Champion the development of policy strategies that guide product decisions, ensuring compliance and safety while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tr...
1 week ago
$65K - $101K *
Empower teams by supervising Tier I Knowledge Center agents, ensuring outstanding support for external users. Your leadership will drive performance, manage escalations, and improve service excellence...
3 weeks ago
Senior Responsible AI Researcher
$150K - $180K *
Lead groundbreaking research in AI safety and evaluation, bridging academic rigor with real-world challenges. Drive innovative methodologies and collaborate with top-tier institutions to enhance respo...
4 days ago
Senior Director, Client Growth & Strategy, DHS
$200K - $250K *
Reimagine growth strategies within federal agencies, focusing on enhancing digital services and customer engagement. Leverage your expertise to drive business development, capture opportunities, and f...
Today
$145K - $190K *
Lead the design and evolution of scalable data architecture, providing technical leadership across teams to deliver reliable, secure, and cost-effective data solutions while shaping emerging capabilit...
1 week ago
Associate Director, Government Partnerships
$108K - $132K *
Drive impactful government partnerships by managing agency accounts, securing agreements, and shaping offerings. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance services and mentor colleagues, ensuring effe...
1 week ago
Senior Engineer, Machine Learning/AI Ops
$150K - $173K *
Join a team that's building and operating AWS infrastructure for ML models and AI tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance event-driven integrations and ensure secure, reliable produc...
1 week ago
Senior Machine Learning Engineer (Traditional ML & Financial Data) - Remote - USA
$125K - $150K *
Unlock the potential of data as a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, collaborating with clients to enhance their teams or build innovative solutions. Drive impactful projects using traditional ML techn...
6 days ago
Senior Data Scientist - Growth
$200K - $250K *
Drive your career with a strategic role that shapes customer growth through data insights. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize the growth funnel, influence product direction, and enhan...
1 week ago
CDO-L Study Lead Engineer (REMOTE)
$120K - $145K *
Drive the advancement of enterprise Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) capabilities in contested environments, leading technical studies and architectural development to enhance operat...
Today
$229K - $330K *
Transform financial strategy for GTM operations, driving growth through data-driven insights and modernized processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance, optimize investme...
1 week ago
Enterprise Architect, AWS Practice
$150K - $180K *
Unlock the potential of complex AWS engagements by anchoring architecture across delivery, security, and client relations. Become the key strategist who connects technical design to business excellenc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Product, Security and Privacy
$260K - $300K *
Transform product development by ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to proactively manage legal risks throughout the product lifecycle, empowering r...
3 weeks ago
Machine Learning Engineer (Model Dev)
$140K - $180K *
Transform cancer care by developing AI biomarkers through collaboration with ML scientists and clinical partners, enhancing model robustness and interpretability across diverse datasets to improve pat...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by designing and optimizing cloud-based data platforms, ensuring scalability and performance across relational, NoSQL, and vector databases while collaborating with AI and engineering...
2 weeks ago
Salesforce Data Architect, Revenue Solutions
$125K - $150K *
Join us to lead complex data migration initiatives, focusing on Salesforce CPQ and Billing. Collaborate with clients and teams to design scalable data architectures that drive revenue transformation a...
3 weeks ago
Senior Scientific Director (Rare/Neurology/Psychiatry)
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in developing and overseeing scientific content across multiple therapeutic areas, ensuring high-quality contributions and strategic client interactions to drive growth and innovation...
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.