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.
$168K - $252K *
Lead the design and delivery of decision support systems and analytics solutions, enhancing decision-making for leadership. Collaborate with teams to ensure high-quality insights and technical excelle...
Reposted 1 week ago
$140K - $190K *
Join a team that's transforming clinical trials through advanced data science. Drive the development of predictive models and machine learning algorithms to enhance patient enrollment and trial manage...
1 week ago
Research Scientist, Clinical AI Evaluation Lead
$160K - $200K *
Champion the evaluation strategy for Health GenAI, driving clinical and technical excellence. Collaborate across teams to establish benchmarks, ensure safety, and influence product development, ultima...
6 days ago
Director, Advanced Analytics and Data Science - Innovation
$174K - $234K *
Shape the future of advanced analytics and AI, driving data-driven solutions across commercial, medical, and clinical operations. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver insights, enhance decision-m...
Reposted 1 week ago
Governance, Risk and Compliance Lead
$225K - $350K *
Join a dynamic team to drive critical GRC certifications from scoping to audit closure. Collaborate across functions, manage compliance processes, and build a scalable roadmap for compliance in a fast...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Data and AI Architect
$190K - $255K *
Transform public sector missions by architecting innovative data and AI solutions. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to drive technical strategy, ensuring compliance and operational success across...
2 days ago
Principal Data and AI Architect
$190K - $255K *
Lead the charge in transforming public sector missions through innovative data and AI architectures. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to deliver actionable solutions that meet security and compli...
2 days ago
$130K - $241K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI and data solutions, leading a team to implement secure, production-grade capabilities while driving enterprise-wide adoption and governance practices in a dy...
1 week ago
$130K - $241K *
Join a team that's driving AI innovation and data governance to enhance business solutions. Lead a skilled group in developing production-grade AI capabilities while collaborating across functions to...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team where you'll analyze customer data to drive business success, enhance operational efficiency, and communicate insights with stakeholders through effective visualizations and dashbo...
3 weeks ago
Data Scientist, Sr - Artificial Intelligence, Cloud & Automation (Open)
$131K - $237K *
Innovate in cybersecurity by architecting AI-driven solutions supporting critical mission objectives. Engage in developing advanced toolsets that enhance real-time intelligence and network defense for...
3 weeks ago
Vice President, Data Scientist (Open Finance)
$233K - $374K *
Lead the development of advanced data science capabilities in Open Finance. Drive strategic initiatives, build a high-performing team, and collaborate across functions to transform financial data into...
1 week ago
Vice President, Data Scientist (Open Finance)
$244K - $390K *
Lead the transformation of financial data into actionable insights as a visionary in data science. Drive advanced analytics and AI initiatives, collaborating across teams to deliver impactful solution...
1 week ago
Director, Data Science and Machine Learning (Risk and Fraud)
$160K - $200K *
Lead and innovate within a high-impact team to design, deploy, and manage machine learning models that enhance transaction approvals, improve fraud mitigation, and drive business outcomes across payme...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director, Data Science and Machine Learning (Risk and Fraud)
$160K - $200K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of innovation, leading the development and deployment of machine learning models for risk assessment and fraud prevention, directly impacting payment experiences wi...
3 weeks ago
Principal Forward Deployed Data Scientist
$235K - $285K *
Transform ideas into production-grade AI systems, collaborating with stakeholders to design, implement, and deploy autonomous solutions that meet business needs while navigating regulatory environment...
4 days ago
Principal Forward Deployed Data Scientist
$235K - $285K *
Unlock the potential of AI by transforming concepts into production-grade systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to design, implement, and evolve autonomous AI solutions that meet business needs while...
4 days ago
Principal Forward Deployed Data Scientist
$235K - $285K *
Innovate by transforming concepts into production-grade AI systems. Collaborate with stakeholders to design, implement, and deploy autonomous solutions that enhance user experiences while navigating r...
5 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic data science team driving revenue insights. Shape monetization strategies while overseeing experimentation and optimizing financial engineering metrics for glo...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Manager, Data Science, Provider Experience
$212K - $265K *
Transform provider experiences by leading a data science team to drive insights, align strategies, and enhance decision-making through collaboration with cross-functional partners. Foster a culture of...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Data Science, Provider Experience
$212K - $265K *
Champion the future of provider experience through data-driven insights. Lead a high-performing team and collaborate with cross-functional partners to define strategies, improve relationships, and dri...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Data Science, Provider Experience
$212K - $265K *
Empower provider experiences by leading a high-performing data science team. Drive strategic analysis, uncover insights, and collaborate cross-functionally to achieve measurable improvements in provid...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Chief of Staff, Life Sciences and Curing Diseases
$244K - $336K *
Join a team that's driving impactful change in life sciences. In this pivotal role, you'll translate strategy into execution, manage complex initiatives, and enhance operational effectiveness to accel...
1 week ago
Manager, Data Analysis Discovery & Requirements
$85K - $156K *
Transform data insights into impactful solutions while leading cross-functional teams. Own product lifecycle from discovery to delivery, driving adoption of scalable data products aligned with strateg...
Reposted 2 days ago
Director and Practice Lead, Data Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Drive the vision for a high-impact Data Engineering Practice, leading strategy, P&L, talent, and client engagement to transform enterprise data into strategic assets and AI-ready infrastructure...
Reposted 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.