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.
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing cloud strategies and governance frameworks for the Judiciary. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance cloud adoption and ensure effective decision-making through compreh...
2 weeks ago
Principal, Data Scientist - Applied Machine Learning
$143K - $286K *
Lead the charge in developing scalable machine learning solutions for personalization and ad targeting. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex problems, set technical standards, and...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director of Cloud Security
$150K - $235K *
Grow your career with a role leading cloud security strategy across multi-cloud environments. As a key decision-maker, you will enhance enterprise security frameworks while driving innovation, complia...
Reposted 5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive analytical solutions by leading projects, applying advanced data analysis, and collaborating with clients to deliver actionable insights across energy initiatives including efficiency and sustai...
3 weeks ago
Data Science Manager (Full-Stack / Production ML)
$160K - $170K *
Lead and grow a high-performing data science team while delivering full-cycle data solutions. Shape data infrastructure, oversee ML models, and engage with stakeholders to translate business needs int...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Director of Client Experience, Lab Network
$125K - $160K *
Drive client success in our lab network by managing relationships, ensuring renewals, and identifying growth opportunities. Collaborate across teams to enhance processes and improve client experiences...
6 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Empower innovation by leading the data and ML strategy, driving product outcomes through analytics and machine learning, and building a high-impact team in a growth-oriented tech environment...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Applied Scientist, Document Understanding
$147K - $274K *
Develop advanced document understanding systems to enhance legal content processing. Collaborate across teams to design, deploy, and evaluate models that drive measurable impact in legal, tax, and acc...
5 days ago
$80K - $100K *
Unlock insights by analyzing customer and operational data to enhance business outcomes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop dashboards and reports that drive strategic decisions and im...
2 weeks ago
Director, Data Strategy & Analytics
$150K - $180K *
Drive impactful data strategies and analytics by leading a high-performing team, optimizing decision-making, and enhancing operational efficiency across the organization. Collaborate with stakeholders...
1 week ago
Sr. Data Scientist - Measurement
$160K - $195K *
Innovate with us to develop and deploy cutting-edge AI solutions that enhance advertising measurement products. Collaborate across teams to drive impactful data-driven decisions and expand our capabil...
Yesterday
$180K - $230K *
Develop and evaluate advanced NLP models to transform unstructured data into actionable insights. Collaborate across teams, drive end-to-end solutions, and communicate effectively to bridge technical...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your expertise in data analysis and psychometrics to drive innovative assessment solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance educational outcomes through advan...
2 weeks ago
$170K - $210K *
Shape the future of data engineering by owning our core infrastructure and driving the technical direction of data platforms. Collaborate across teams to ensure best practices in data modeling, pipeli...
3 weeks ago
Semiotic.AI - Chief Technology Officer (CTO) - AI-to-AI Micropayments
$200K - $250K *
Elevate innovation by spearheading the technical foundation for a new decentralized micropayment solution. As a strategic leader, you will architect systems, mentor teams, and drive cross-disciplinary...
4 weeks ago
$117K - $161K *
Champion data-driven insights by designing and governing scalable ETL/ELT pipelines and analytical products. Collaborate across teams to enhance data accessibility and ensure reliable analytics for in...
1 week ago
Staff Data Scientist / Technical Lead (Full-Stack / Production ML)
$160K - $170K *
Lead a high-output data science team, driving end-to-end project delivery and technical direction. Engage deeply in data engineering, governance, and production model delivery while collaborating with...
2 weeks ago
Principal Full-Stack Data Scientist - Foundational Models
$200K - $237K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative machine learning solutions that enhance personalization and recommendations. Collaborate across teams to develop, evaluate, and deploy models that create impactf...
3 days ago
$120K - $160K *
Unlock potential by designing advanced data architectures that enable agentic systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance data flow, governance, and retrieval methods in a dynamic environment focused...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$171K - $190K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and implementation of scalable data platforms. Drive innovation in cloud data architecture and pipeline automation, collaborating across teams to deliver impactf...
2 weeks ago
$155K - $165K *
Develop a cutting-edge data ecosystem as a Senior Data Engineer, enhancing analytics, reporting, and machine learning. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create efficient pipelines and accessi...
Reposted today
$113K - $188K *
Transform data into insights by developing cutting-edge machine learning models. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address complex business needs using advanced analytics, ensuring data-driv...
Reposted 6 days ago
Director of Engineering, Data Labs
$252K - $300K *
Unlock potential by leading the technical strategy for Data Labs, guiding engineering teams to innovate AI training solutions, and shaping the future of model evaluation and deployment in a rapidly ev...
3 days ago
$201K - $251K *
Transform workforce intelligence by leading People Analytics, establishing data governance, and driving strategic decision-making in a high-growth environment. Collaborate across functions to enhance...
2 weeks ago
$162K - $190K *
Lead the charge in developing scalable analytics and KPI frameworks, ensuring trusted metrics drive impactful business decisions. Collaborate cross-functionally to standardize measurement and enhance...
Today
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.