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.
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...
Yesterday
VP, Data Strategy & Governance
$160K - $200K *
Transform enterprise data strategy by leading governance initiatives, fostering a data-driven culture, and ensuring compliance across all business units. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance data...
Yesterday
Lead Data Scientist, Credit Risk
$152K - $210K *
Drive innovative credit strategies for new applicants, managing risk across the member lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop data-driven policies and models, enhancing member e...
1 week ago
Lead Data Scientist, Credit Risk
$152K - $210K *
Shape the future of credit risk strategy by leading innovative data-driven solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop policies and models that enhance member experience while managi...
1 week 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
VP, Data Strategy & Governance
$180K - $220K *
Drive enterprise data strategy and governance, ensuring data quality, compliance, and innovation. Collaborate with stakeholders to foster a data-rich culture, enhance analytics capabilities, and lead...
Yesterday
Senior Data Scientist - Operational Analytics
$104K - $166K *
Analyze, visualize, and transform complex datasets into actionable insights and decision-support tools. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive FAA modernization efforts through innovative analytics an...
Reposted 5 days 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
$110K - $130K *
Champion a high-performing data science team to drive AI innovation, enhancing product features and internal systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to embed data-driven solutions, fostering a culture...
Today
$166K - $214K *
Join as a Senior Data Scientist to drive product analytics, collaborate across teams, measure success, and influence strategy through data-driven insights and experimentation to enhance customer engag...
Reposted 1 week ago
Exploitation Scientist/Data Scientist
$110K - $130K *
Drive advanced GEOINT exploitation capabilities by leading multi-sensor workflows, developing analytic methods, and mentoring junior staff. Collaborate with government partners to enhance intelligence...
2 weeks ago
$317K - $443K *
Transform the consumer experience by leading data science strategies that integrate measurement, experimentation, and machine learning. Drive multi-team collaboration to enhance relevance and optimize...
4 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career with an AI Scientist role focusing on advanced AI features and customer outcomes. Collaborate with senior leaders, design intelligent systems, and enhance reasoning and orchestrati...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Data Scientist - Evaluating Foundation Models and AI Agents for National Security
$114K - $182K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative evaluation studies in AI/ML. Collaborate with a team to analyze model behavior, develop test scenarios, and enhance AI systems' performance under realistic condi...
3 weeks ago
Data Scientist - Evaluating Foundation Models and AI Agents for National Security
$114K - $182K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your data science expertise to design and conduct evaluations for advanced AI and ML systems, focusing on pretrained models and controlled experiments to analyze and imp...
3 weeks ago
Director of Data, Strategy & Performance
$90K - $110K *
Champion data strategy and performance management, leading cross-portfolio initiatives to enhance data governance, analytics, and decision-making, while fostering organizational capacity and driving i...
5 days ago
Principal Applied Scientist, Foundation AI Assets (FAI)
$198K - $269K *
Shape the future of generative AI by leading innovative research and development efforts. Collaborate with top scientists to create scalable solutions that enhance customer experiences and drive impac...
6 days ago
$160K - $200K *
Join a team that's dedicated to leveraging data insights to drive product growth. Collaborate across functions to build scalable data solutions that inform strategic decisions, enhance product offerin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
AI / Machine Learning Research Scientist BDVA 1672
$130K - $155K *
Drive innovative AI research and prototyping initiatives, focusing on advanced algorithms and frameworks for defense applications. Collaborate on predictive analytics and autonomous systems to enhance...
2 weeks ago
Computational Scientist & Service Delivery Manager
$85K - $105K *
Drive advanced computational solutions for multi-institutional research projects, integrating AI and HPC technologies. Collaborate with faculty and manage a team to enhance research computing services...
6 days ago
Computational Scientist & Service Delivery Manager
$85K - $105K *
Innovate and shape the future of research computing by developing scalable software solutions that enhance scientific workflows. Collaborate with faculty and students to leverage advanced technologies...
6 days ago
$115K - $192K *
Champion the development of AI-driven legal solutions by leading a team focused on LLMs and RAG architectures. Drive strategy, technical execution, and team growth to enhance document drafting and ret...
1 week ago
Data Scientist I or II (MAD-BS-OR)
$99K - $167K *
Transform data into valuable insights as a Data Scientist. Leverage AI and machine learning techniques to develop innovative solutions, advance analytics capabilities, and collaborate with cross-funct...
Reposted 6 days ago
Principle Machine Learning Architect | Enterprise Agentic Search
$196K - $309K *
Oversee the architecture for enterprise search, guiding AI agents in effective information retrieval, query understanding, and context construction. Lead cross-team collaboration to enhance search qua...
3 weeks ago
Senior Data Scientist II - Ads Optimization
$218K - $230K *
Transform advertiser outcomes by owning analytics and experimentation strategy. Lead algorithm development for ad pacing and budget allocation, applying advanced data science in high-throughput enviro...
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.