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.
Mission Director - Intelligence Community
$145K - $185K *
Champion customer success within the Intelligence Community, driving satisfaction, retention, and account growth through relationship management and proactive solutions. Shape long-term partnerships w...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Head of Data Science & Analytics
$150K - $180K *
Inspire data-driven decision-making as you lead analytics and predictive modeling efforts. Collaborate across teams to enhance patient engagement, forecast demand, and measure impact, driving strategi...
6 days ago
Principal Data Scientist, Marketing Measurement
$182K - $252K *
Drive impactful marketing measurement by leveraging causal inference to optimize budget allocation across channels. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data-driven decisions enhance grow...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Champion data-driven insights and solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to shape analytics practice and drive impactful decision-making across various business domains...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead AI and Data Solution Engineer
$200K - $215K *
Drive innovation in data engineering and AI solutions, leading the design and deployment of scalable systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance business value through advanced technol...
2 weeks ago
Mission Director - Intelligence Community
$145K - $185K *
Champion growth by leading business development within the Intelligence Community. Build relationships, shape solutions, and ensure contract success while managing a diverse portfolio and driving team...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Client Success
$180K - $225K *
Lead client experience strategy and team performance, driving financial success and long-term retention across a diverse account portfolio while collaborating with executive stakeholders to implement...
Reposted today
Staff Data Scientist, Watchlist
$150K - $180K *
Unlock advanced data science solutions as you drive entity resolution and classification, enhance AML compliance models, and lead NLP initiatives within a dynamic team focused on real-time risk assess...
4 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance credit decisioning through advanced modeling and analytics. Lead initiatives that improve approval rates and expand credit access while collaborating with cross-function...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$195K - $270K *
Lead a dynamic team of analysts and data scientists to optimize marketing strategies, driving impactful insights and experimentation across channels to enhance growth and performance metrics for the o...
Today
Senior Data Scientist II, Core & Agentic Automation
$186K - $219K *
Champion data science initiatives by defining KPIs, leading analytics frameworks, and mentoring teams. Drive decision-making through trusted metrics and scalable workflows, aligning cross-functional p...
Today
Senior Data Scientist II, Core & Agentic Automation
$183K - $216K *
Unlock your potential by leading data science initiatives that drive impactful decision-making and enhance analytical frameworks across teams, ensuring rigorous performance standards and scalable self...
Today
$94K - $107K *
Transform data governance operations by driving process adoption, supporting data stewards, and enhancing governance tools. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance, improve workflows, and leverage...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of AI by developing cutting-edge NLP and machine learning solutions. Collaborate across functions to transform complex data into actionable insights, driving inno...
6 days ago
$160K - $175K *
Shape the strategic vision for data products, leading a high-performing team to drive data-informed decisions and enhance product strategy. Collaborate cross-functionally to establish data governance...
Today
Senior Data Scientist, People Analytics & Research
$180K - $210K *
Lead the charge in transforming people analytics by applying causal inference and advanced statistical methods to drive strategic decisions on recruitment, retention, and compensation across the organ...
3 days ago
Sr. Advisory Consultant, Data Governance
$110K - $130K *
Take ownership of data governance by facilitating alignment among stakeholders, executing metadata management, and coaching teams on sustainable stewardship practices. Drive data quality and complianc...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Chief Technology Officer - Databricks Data & AI Platform
$210K - $250K *
Champion transformative data strategies and lead technical pursuits in AI and data migration. Drive client success and practice growth while enhancing market presence through strategic partnerships an...
3 days ago
Chief Technology Officer - Databricks Data & AI Platform
$210K - $250K *
Transform your career by leading data strategy and architecture as a senior technology executive. Drive client success, enhance market presence, and shape innovative solutions in the Databricks Data ...
3 days ago
Chief Technology Officer - Databricks Data & AI Platform
$210K - $250K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of data and AI by leading strategic initiatives, guiding clients through complex migrations, and enhancing our market presence as a senior technology executive in...
3 days ago
Senior Director, AI Advisory - Enterprise Transformation
$136K - $190K *
Partner with us to drive enterprise transformation through strategic leadership and Adobe Experience Cloud expertise, facilitating client success by bridging strategic vision with tactical execution f...
1 month ago
$180K - $220K *
Champion data-driven innovation by leading advanced predictive analytics and modeling initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance strategic decision-making and drive business growth with im...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
VP, Data Strategy & Governance
$175K - $210K *
Drive the enterprise data strategy and governance, ensuring data quality, compliance, and accessibility. Lead cross-functional teams to foster a data-rich culture, enabling advanced analytics and AI r...
2 days ago
$130K - $160K *
Shape the future of AI governance by leading a dedicated team to drive responsible adoption and implementation of AI solutions, guiding stakeholders towards high-value opportunities while ensuring com...
3 weeks ago
Director, AI Assisted Solutions-1
$88K - $135K *
Elevate assessment innovation by leading AI-driven solutions for item development. Collaborate across programs, implement efficient workflows, and ensure quality in educational assessments while drivi...
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.