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 of Data Analytics and Solutions
$125K - $156K *
Drive data excellence by leading analytics initiatives, enhancing governance, and integrating systems. Collaborate with leadership to deliver impactful insights and ensure compliance while leveraging...
Today
Senior Director, Commercial Data & Analytics
$190K - $210K *
Unlock data-driven insights as a hybrid leader, balancing hands-on analytics with high-level client strategy. Drive impactful initiatives and foster cross-functional collaboration to deliver valuable...
3 weeks ago
Director, Data Science - Consumer and Developer Experience (Remote-Eligible)
$244K - $279K *
Lead the charge in transforming data into actionable insights, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance customer experiences and drive strategic initiatives through innovative data science...
1 week ago
$129K - $189K *
Empower our data science team by leading analysis and modeling efforts to enhance customer insights and optimize product adoption, ultimately driving growth and informed decision-making across the org...
1 month ago
Principal Data Scientist, User Ecosystem
$313K - $365K *
Unlock potential by shaping the future of consumer insights through advanced data science. Lead measurement and modeling strategies to enhance user engagement and community dynamics, driving impactful...
2 days ago
Manager, Machine Learning Operations & Delivery
$115K - $175K *
Lead and innovate within our ML Operations team, driving scalable machine learning solutions. Oversee a talented group while ensuring robust integration of ML technologies, optimizing performance, and...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join our dynamic Delivery team to design and develop robust data pipelines, leveraging cloud technologies and distributed systems while ensuring optimal performance and scalability for our clients' da...
4 weeks ago
Senior Entity Resolution Engineer
$160K - $195K *
Unlock your potential by building advanced entity matching solutions. Collaborate with a dedicated team to transform complex data into actionable insights, ensuring transparency and accuracy in every...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Professional Services Federal
$128K - $160K *
Drive operational excellence and customer satisfaction by managing services teams, optimizing project delivery, and enhancing client engagement strategies for government clients, ensuring alignment wi...
Today
$235K - $265K *
Transform data engineering by leading the design and build of a state-of-the-art platform powering analytics and ML. Collaborate across teams to create efficient, scalable systems that support million...
1 month ago
$94K - $161K *
Transform data-driven decision-making by managing complex data science projects. Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless execution from model development to deployment, driving measurable business...
3 weeks ago
Sales Director, Data Solutions
$150K - $180K *
Champion the development of a high-growth data solutions business, driving revenue, client engagement, and team leadership, while shaping product direction in a dynamic, fast-paced environment focused...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Principal Software Engineer, Agentic Data Platform
$255K - $290K *
Drive the technical vision for a complex database platform, ensuring scalability and performance. Lead architecture decisions, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to enhance data infrastruc...
1 week ago
Global AI Solutions Director - Financial Services
$200K - $225K *
Transform the AI landscape in Financial Services by leveraging your expertise to guide strategic initiatives and drive innovation as a Director of AI Industry Solutions, supporting customer engagement...
Reposted 5 days ago
Lead Solution Architect, Professional Services - Agentic AI
$160K - $174K *
Join a team that's leading the charge in architecting complex AI solutions for enterprise environments. Drive technical excellence and mentorship while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to trans...
3 weeks ago
Data Analytics Program Manager
$120K - $130K *
Unlock potential by managing complex datasets to drive decisions across a fast-scaling energy planning function. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and operational effici...
5 days ago
Senior/Staff AI Scientist, Antibody Design
$150K - $180K *
Transform innovative protein design through advanced AI techniques, enhancing antibody drug discovery. Collaborate across disciplines to maximize efficiency and impact, while leading research that set...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr Director Analyst - AI Driven Compute Architecture and Custom Silicon
$172K - $202K *
Shape the future of AI-driven compute architecture by delivering innovative insights and strategies. Collaborate with industry leaders to analyze market trends and provide actionable advice that drive...
2 weeks ago
Principal Applied Scientist (User Modeling)
$195K - $312K *
Advance user modeling by driving complex AI projects end-to-end, collaborating with cross-functional teams to translate cutting-edge research into impactful solutions for home shopping experiences...
2 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Elevate data architecture by leading design and governance for a critical modernization program, ensuring secure, scalable solutions in AWS GovCloud while collaborating with diverse stakeholders to ma...
1 week ago
Head of Analytics and Business Intelligence
$200K - $280K *
Drive impactful analytics initiatives that shape strategic decisions, leading a dedicated team to enhance insights across diverse business areas while building scalable models that support complex mar...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Director I, AP Statistics Curriculum and Assessment
$96K - $135K *
Engineer innovative assessment strategies for AP Statistics, enhancing curriculum and evaluation processes. Collaborate with educators using cutting-edge AI tools to maintain the program's excellence...
3 weeks ago
Principal Machine Learning Engineer
$196K - $309K *
Lead the design and implementation of advanced knowledge graph solutions, enhancing personal work contexts and integrations across teams, while delivering scalable, low-latency APIs. Mentor engineers...
3 weeks ago
$128K - $214K *
Help us shape the future of data science by developing advanced analytics and machine learning solutions for federal clients. Collaborate with a dynamic team to drive impactful data-driven decisions a...
2 weeks ago
$165K - $210K *
Drive innovation as you lead a data science team focused on generative AI and machine learning. Shape scalable solutions that address business challenges, leveraging advanced analytics to deliver meas...
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.