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.
People Scientist Lead - People Analytics
$143K - $273K *
Innovate advanced people analytics strategies to uncover insights, drive workforce solutions, and enhance employee experience. Lead complex analyses, translating business challenges into actionable fr...
Yesterday
Machine Learning Scientist 5 - Ads Demand Science
$466K - $500K+*
Elevate your career by designing and deploying ML models that transform advertiser requests into optimized media plans, collaborating with a dynamic team to drive innovation and enhance decision-makin...
2 weeks ago
$172K - $237K *
Lead the charge in driving data science initiatives, transforming complex datasets into strategic insights and scalable solutions that impact multiple business areas while fostering cross-functional c...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$174K - $220K *
Innovate your career by leading data science initiatives that transform complex data into actionable insights. Collaborate cross-functionally to build scalable analytical solutions that drive strategi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Data Scientist, 2027 Graduate U.S.
$103K - $162K *
Optimize data analysis and experimentation strategies, partnering with cross-functional teams to derive actionable insights from extensive datasets, enhancing product innovation and business decision...
3 weeks ago
Director, AI Solutions Strategy & Planning
$206K - $261K *
Accelerate the commercialization of AI-driven solutions by leading strategy and planning efforts. Collaborate cross-functionally to define go-to-market frameworks, enhance retailer experiences, and dr...
2 weeks ago
Director, AI Solutions Strategy & Planning
$234K - $247K *
Join a dynamic team to shape AI-driven solutions for retailers, defining go-to-market strategies and driving cross-functional collaboration to enhance product offerings and market impact...
2 weeks ago
$170K - $185K *
Champion the development of scalable data platforms, leading cross-functional initiatives and enhancing AI-assisted analytics. Collaborate with teams to drive technical direction and improve system pe...
6 days ago
$119K - $179K *
Support the integration and harmonization of clinical data by designing FHIR-compliant models and pipelines, ensuring data accuracy and usability for patient care and research initiatives across the o...
2 weeks ago
Senior Staff Applied Scientist, Time Series & Demand Forecasting
$150K - $180K *
Lead the scientific direction for our forecasting platform, guiding teams to enhance demand forecasting accuracy and scalability. This hands-on role requires deep expertise in time-series analysis and...
4 days ago
$144K - $184K *
Join an innovative engineering team to transform product delivery through AI-driven development, ensuring high standards and compliance while combining product, design, and engineering leadership acro...
Reposted today
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping dynamic pricing solutions by developing algorithmic pay models that enhance courier earnings fairness and marketplace efficiency, collaborating across product and engineerin...
1 week ago
Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Agentic Systems
$160K - $200K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI by developing robust machine learning solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and usability of advanced systems, and driv...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $185K *
Lead the development of innovative AI products that empower job seekers with evidence-based coaching and actionable insights, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to shape impactful...
1 week ago
$160K - $200K *
Transform customer success and support by leading a dynamic team to enhance retention and expansion strategies. Collaborate with executives to build infrastructure and drive growth for 2,100+ accounts...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's building and optimizing a robust internal data platform to enhance product insights, streamline data ingestion, and ensure data quality for analytics and reporting. Collaborate with...
1 week ago
Principal Applied Scientist, Generative AI
$195K - $312K *
Zillow is seeking a Principal Applied Scientist to join the Agentic AI team, focusing on developing advanced multimodal technologies for understanding homes. The role involves designing and prototypin...
Reposted yesterday
Staff Data Scientist, Ad Platform
$150K - $180K *
Innovate measurement and causal strategies to drive executive decisions, establishing frameworks that enhance data-driven insights across pricing, growth, and marketing. Lead scientific governance and...
6 days ago
Account Director, Digital Native Large Enterprise
$160K - $200K *
Unlock your potential by driving AI sales strategies and fostering customer partnerships. Collaborate with top experts to bring transformative AI solutions to market, ensuring impactful growth and suc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Lead - AI Cybersecurity Program Contractor
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI Cybersecurity by providing technical leadership in evaluating, implementing, and operationalizing AI security solutions to protect against emerging threats while ensuring compli...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic AI leadership team to shape strategies and solutions that merge human insight with advanced automation. Drive impactful AI initiatives, enhance governance, and optimize the AI budget wh...
4 weeks ago
Scientist, Machine Learning AI
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by developing machine-learning solutions for biological datasets, integrating protein structures with phenotypic data, and communicating insights to diverse stakeholders. Drive innova...
1 week ago
$113K - $160K *
Lead the charge in architecting data solutions for enterprise customers, modernizing legacy systems across Analytics, Content, and Commerce. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure data inte...
2 weeks ago
Principal Technical Consultant - Forward Deployed Engineer, AI Security
$200K - $230K *
Lead a team that operationalizes advanced AI security solutions for enterprises, ensuring integration and compliance across environments. Collaborate with stakeholders to translate requirements into e...
3 weeks ago
Principal Data Scientist - Omaha, NE.
$140K - $175K *
Transform the future by leading the design and deployment of innovative Generative AI applications. Drive AI/ML projects from ideation to production, ensuring robust solutions that enhance operational...
1 week 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.