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.
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...
1 week 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...
1 week 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
Senior Data Scientist II - Ads Optimization
$192K - $202K *
Drive analytics and algorithmic strategies that optimize ad performance across platforms, balancing user experience with advertiser goals. Collaborate cross-functionally to implement groundbreaking so...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Product Manager, Data Governance
$156K - $215K *
Pioneer product governance and security capabilities for data solutions. Collaborate with enterprise clients to define long-term strategies, product roadmaps, and ensure seamless implementation, enhan...
4 weeks ago
Director of Data Science & Analytics
$170K - $200K *
Analyze and implement data-driven strategies to enhance business growth and customer understanding by leading a team focused on advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and data infrastructure across...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$179K - $259K *
Lead the charge in enterprise-wide data warehousing, navigating design and development across multiple units. Drive data governance and AI initiatives while ensuring security compliance and operationa...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Engage with data and investment teams to streamline data operations, ensuring efficient delivery of high-quality data for trading and research in global capital markets...
3 weeks ago
Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Behavioral Biometrics
$127K - $160K *
Drive innovative research in authorship verification by developing robust machine learning models. Collaborate closely with engineering to ensure seamless integration and optimize performance for real...
2 weeks ago
Data Insights & Analytics Director
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of data-driven decision-making by leading a team that builds predictive models and insights that elevate strategic recommendations and client success across multiple domains of market...
1 month ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform the acquisition lifecycle by generating and managing critical data requirements, ensuring compliance and quality in contract deliverables while collaborating with cross-functional teams to e...
1 week ago
Staff Data Scientist - Fraud & Risk
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and optimization of advanced deep learning models for fraud detection and risk management. Drive technical initiatives, mentor peers, and collaborate cross-funct...
3 weeks ago
Staff Data Scientist - Fraud & Risk
$150K - $180K *
Transform complex data into actionable insights by developing advanced machine learning models for fraud detection and risk management. Lead cross-functional initiatives, mentor peers, and drive innov...
3 weeks ago
Staff Data Scientist - Fraud & Risk
$150K - $180K *
Join our Fraud & Risk Data Science team to design and optimize cutting-edge DS/ML models. Lead technical initiatives, mentor peers, and drive impactful solutions in fraud detection and risk management...
3 weeks ago
Staff Data Scientist - Fraud & Risk
$130K - $160K *
Take ownership of advanced data science initiatives in fraud detection. Drive the development of deep learning models and optimize solutions that enhance risk management processes, mentoring peers whi...
3 weeks ago
Data Scientist (Data Analytics Officer) - Sr.
$110K - $135K *
Pioneer data-driven decisions by developing standardized performance evaluations that transform operational data into actionable insights, driving resource allocation, planning, and leadership decisio...
1 month ago
Client Coding Project Manger (CCPM)
$75K - $90K *
Transform your career with impactful auditing and training roles in risk adjustment. Collaborate with management to enhance coding compliance, drive performance improvement, and foster a culture of ex...
Reposted 1 week ago
$166K - $200K *
Shape the future of data analytics by driving impactful forecasting, operational analysis, and cloud product insights. Collaborate on innovative solutions to enhance data quality and infrastructure, e...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Data Scientist, Generative AI Applications
$150K - $180K *
Grow your career with a pivotal role in architecting GenAI products, enhancing model performance and fostering innovation, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to drive impactful so...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Data Scientist - Applied ML
$166K - $214K *
Lead the charge in advancing machine learning solutions, driving impactful data science projects by collaborating with cross-functional teams and deploying scalable models to enhance business decision...
3 weeks ago
Deputy Assistant Director (Chief Academic Officer)
$100K - $120K *
Join us to lead academic governance and quality control at a premier institution, overseeing educational policies, accreditation, and faculty development to enhance national security education and tra...
2 days ago
Enterprise Strategist – Chief Architect - AI
$168K - $240K *
Unlock potential by leading AI advisory strategy and governance, driving customer adoption through tailored solutions, and collaborating with technical teams to deliver impactful outcomes in a dynamic...
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.