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.
Principle Machine Learning Engineer
$160K - $200K *
Lead the technical direction for AI agent quality, defining metrics and evaluation systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance agent performance and ensure quality in production enviro...
4 days ago
$125K - $220K *
Drive security excellence by leading a dynamic team to enhance our cloud platform's security posture. Collaborate across departments to ensure compliance, resilience, and customer trust while fosterin...
2 weeks ago
Program Manager, Strategic Customer Delivery
$108K - $156K *
Join a dynamic team as you oversee complex software deployments, ensuring governance and stakeholder engagement across multiple sites. Drive successful outcomes for strategic customers while managing...
Yesterday
Senior Data Scientist Online & Marketing
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in advancing data science initiatives to optimize business profitability and enhance customer experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop insights and solutions usi...
3 weeks ago
Enterprise Strategist- Services Engagement
$121K - $170K *
Drive your career forward as a strategic leader, guiding enterprise-level technology solutions. Engage with executive stakeholders, architect innovative multi-practice solutions, and influence digital...
1 week ago
Data Scientist / Fully Remote / Work Life Balance
$100K - $120K *
Drive impactful data solutions by leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning. Collaborate with diverse teams to tackle complex business challenges across various industries, enhancing decision...
Reposted today
Senior Research Scientist - AI Security
$192K - $356K *
Lead the charge in advancing AI security research by innovating protective measures for AI models and systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex cybersecurity challenges and co...
3 days ago
Backend Software Engineer - AI/ML Integration
$87K - $157K *
Transform healthcare data processing by designing and developing robust backend services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI and machine learning, ensuring reliable, standards-bas...
Today
$250K - $275K *
Empower the data landscape by leading a team to create reliable, AI-ready data systems. Own the data platform, establish governance, and ensure data quality for impactful decision-making across client...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Client Success
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in delivering exceptional client services for high-value accounts. Develop integrated marketing strategies, oversee multidisciplinary teams, and drive account growth while ensuring qua...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Manager, Information Security & IT
$160K - $180K *
Lead the charge in enhancing cybersecurity and IT programs across compliance, cloud, and application security. Collaborate with teams to implement secure practices in a hands-on role while driving ini...
3 weeks ago
Medical Director - Client Services and Analytics
$180K - $220K *
Join a team that's shaping clinical sales strategies and enhancing client relationships. Lead initiatives that drive market growth and improve patient satisfaction while collaborating across disciplin...
Yesterday
Senior machine learning engineer
$171K - $269K *
Elevate AI-powered search experiences by developing machine learning capabilities, enhancing query understanding, and delivering intelligent systems that adapt to user needs across diverse platforms a...
3 weeks ago
Chief Medical Officer, Detention Operations
$210K - $250K *
Drive enterprise-wide physician leadership and clinical oversight for government healthcare programs. Ensure high-quality, compliant healthcare services across federal detention facilities with a focu...
3 weeks ago
Director of Programmatic Retail Media
$125K - $150K *
Unlock your potential to lead programmatic strategies, shape best practices, and empower teams to excel in the DSP landscape. Collaborate with stakeholders and transform our approach to digital advert...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Manager of Data Analysis for Lab Production Support, Extended-Hours Support (ExHS)
$140K - $175K *
Optimize data analytics support for lab production operations by leading a dedicated team in a dynamic environment. Drive innovation, ensure compliance, and enhance operational effectiveness while mak...
2 weeks ago
$128K - $187K *
Create robust machine learning systems to transform satellite imagery into reliable data. Collaborate with experts to design scalable solutions, build data pipelines, and develop models that enhance g...
2 weeks ago
Group Product Manager - BI and Data Science - Merchandising & Store Operations
$125K - $150K *
Empower teams by leading BI and Data Science product management, driving strategy and innovation across Merchandising, Planning, Inventory, and Store Operations to enhance decision-making and operatio...
3 weeks ago
Databricks Solution Architect (Data & AI)
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career by designing innovative data solutions on Databricks. Lead architecture workshops, partner with sales, and drive enterprise-level analytics and AI platforms while ensuring governan...
2 days ago
Databricks Solution Architect (Data & AI)
$150K - $180K *
Empower enterprise clients by designing and delivering innovative data, analytics, and AI platforms on Databricks. Collaborate with teams to shape solutions, lead workshops, and ensure governance whil...
2 days ago
Databricks Solution Architect (Data & AI)
$145K - $175K *
Innovate by designing and delivering advanced data and AI platforms on Databricks. Collaborate with clients and teams to shape solutions, optimize architectures, and drive successful implementations f...
2 days ago
$130K - $145K *
Empower business growth by leveraging advanced analytics to drive data-driven decision-making across Commercial, Operations, and Finance, transforming complex data into actionable insights for measura...
3 weeks ago
Senior Strategist, Paid Social
$88K - $98K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of paid social strategy for top consumer brands. Drive growth through innovative, data-driven campaigns on platforms like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube, while mentori...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
AVP/VP, Client Services (RadScience)
$175K - $205K *
Transform client relationships and drive growth by leading strategic initiatives in scientific visualization, medical education, and digital engagement. Manage multidisciplinary teams and oversee acco...
Reposted 6 days ago
$180K - $247K *
Join a team that's driving customer success by leading technical strategies and fostering relationships. Collaborate with sales and engineering to maximize the value of the Databricks platform for com...
2 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.