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.
Artificial Intelligence Associate Director
$160K - $190K *
Transform the future of AI governance by leading the development and execution of a robust framework, ensuring compliance and risk management while fostering innovation across the organization...
2 weeks ago
$209K - $223K *
Transform security evaluation processes by automating and enhancing data analysis. Collaborate with a mission-driven team to ensure robust security across critical systems through innovative data solu...
1 week ago
$209K - $224K *
Advance automated security evaluations by leveraging Python and building resilient ETL pipelines. Collaborate across teams to enhance data integrity and streamline decision-making in compliance and ri...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$180K - $220K *
Shape innovative data strategies and analytics to drive actionable insights, managing cross-functional teams in advanced predictive modeling, and enhancing client engagement through data storytelling...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $220K *
Partner with us to lead our Data Science team by developing actionable insights, managing stakeholder expectations, and applying advanced analytics to drive marketing strategies and optimize decision...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $220K *
Advance your career with a leadership role in data science, managing stakeholder expectations, developing predictive models, and delivering actionable insights to enhance marketing strategies and driv...
3 weeks ago
$180K - $220K *
Make your mark at the forefront of data science, leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning to drive actionable insights and strategic solutions for marketing challenges while leading a talent...
3 weeks ago
Senior Data Scientist, Growth Marketing
$190K - $220K *
Advance your career by partnering with our Growth Marketing team to transform complex data into actionable insights, driving user acquisition and retention through innovative predictive modeling and s...
Today
$95K - $110K *
Lead the charge in developing cutting-edge AI and ML models to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency, driving innovation in data science to optimize processes and deliver actionable insig...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $155K *
Contribute to the development and maintenance of software solutions, leveraging expertise in Unix/Linux and strong programming capabilities to deliver high-quality, customer-focused results throughout...
3 weeks ago
$175K - $195K *
Shape the future of data-driven decision-making by developing innovative models and algorithms. Collaborate closely with engineering to transform insights into production-level solutions, guiding your...
4 weeks ago
$135K - $180K *
Drive the design and deployment of AI solutions and data products, leading the development of scalable, secure architectures and data pipelines to enhance AI capabilities across the Virtual Twin ecosy...
Yesterday
Data Platform & Governance Manager
$160K - $190K *
Lead and develop data engineering and AI teams to modernize infrastructure, optimize pipelines, and deliver trusted insights for workforce management, ensuring alignment with executive strategies and...
1 week ago
Data Platform & Governance Manager
$150K - $180K *
Architect data foundations and AI capabilities to enhance workforce intelligence. Lead two pods focused on data engineering and AI development, driving modernization and automation for scalable insigh...
1 week ago
Data Platform & Governance Manager
$160K - $190K *
Innovate workforce intelligence by leading data foundations and AI capabilities. Drive strategic modernization of data pipelines and automation tools, ensuring trusted insights and AI readiness across...
1 week ago
Data Platform & Governance Manager
$150K - $180K *
Lead the transformation of workforce analytics by developing AI-driven insights and modernizing data infrastructure. Oversee two pods focused on data engineering and AI enablement, ensuring efficient...
1 week ago
Data Platform & Governance Manager
$162K - $195K *
Drive the development of AI capabilities and data infrastructure, leading two pods to modernize pipelines and enhance workforce analytics. Shape strategies for automation and AI enablement, ensuring d...
1 week ago
Principal Data Scientist, AWS Analytics Engineering (AAE)
$189K - $256K *
Drive strategic data science initiatives that enhance AWS product growth, partnering with senior leaders to translate business challenges into scientific solutions while mentoring the team to raise sc...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$113K - $170K *
Lead the success of large-scale construction projects by overseeing all aspects of data center development. Engage with teams, manage schedules, and ensure compliance with engineering standards to del...
3 weeks ago
$113K - $170K *
Lead and transform successful data center construction projects by managing budgets, designs, and operations. Foster collaboration among teams, engage customers, and ensure adherence to safety and qua...
3 weeks ago
Technical Solutions Lead - External Data & Analytics Catalog
$138K - $230K *
Lead the charge in enhancing data discovery and onboarding experiences, driving product strategy and execution for a strategic data platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline work...
1 week ago
Senior Data Scientist, Pharmacy
$163K - $215K *
Drive innovation by leveraging data science to enhance pharmacy benefits, optimize clinical outcomes, and improve member experiences through advanced analytics and collaboration with cross-functional...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by embedding with product teams to drive data-driven decision-making. Collaborate on experiments, define metrics, and analyze user behavior for impactful product enhancements. Lead an...
3 weeks ago
Associate Distinguished Engineer - Senior Data Leader
$190K - $240K *
Unlock potential by leading enterprise data initiatives, driving MDM and semantic layer strategies, and collaborating with stakeholders to deliver scalable data solutions across complex organizations...
1 week ago
Senior Director, AI-Ready Data
$364K - $500K+*
Elevate your career by leading the transition to an AI-ready data platform. Oversee a global team to establish a unified data foundation, driving governance and innovation while collaborating with cro...
2 days 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.