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.
Sr. Statistician, Client Intelligence
$151K - $207K *
Join a dynamic team as you leverage statistical expertise to enhance healthcare insights, mentor analysts, and drive impactful data-driven decisions through collaboration and innovative methodologies...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Statistician, Client Intelligence
$151K - $207K *
Transform healthcare insights by leveraging advanced statistical methods and mentoring teams. Collaborate with cross-functional experts to enhance program performance and drive data-driven decision-ma...
2 weeks ago
Data Scientist, B2B Generalist
$150K - $180K *
Transform ambiguous B2B challenges into actionable insights, partnering with diverse teams to drive growth and optimize strategies through data science expertise and practical AI tools...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Data Management and Visualization
$90K - $100K *
Shape the future of data-driven solutions by leading innovative strategies and overseeing data management processes. Collaborate with diverse teams to optimize campaign performance and ensure data int...
6 days ago
$160K - $200K *
Transform the future of cloud services by engaging with the intelligence community, reviewing technical documents, and educating stakeholders on cloud solutions to meet mission requirements effectivel...
1 week ago
Senior Director, US Decision Science & AI Innovation
$186K - $311K *
Lead the development and deployment of advanced analytics and AI methods to drive commercial decisions in a major pharmaceutical organization, ensuring scientific rigor and enterprise-wide adoption wh...
3 days ago
Senior Director, US Decision Science & AI Innovation
$186K - $311K *
Join a team that's redefining analytics in the pharmaceutical industry. Lead the development and deployment of AI-driven methods that transform data into actionable commercial insights, ensuring scien...
3 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining B2B creativity by leading visual direction and storytelling for integrated campaigns, product launches, and customer engagement, while collaborating with diverse teams to...
1 week ago
Data Scientist - Client Platform
$160K - $200K *
Take ownership of data analytics to enhance user experience, improve app performance, and drive growth at scale. Collaborate across teams in the analytics lifecycle to provide actionable insights and...
3 weeks ago
Director of Data & Performance
$95K - $115K *
Drive data-informed decision-making and enhance organizational performance by leading analytics, GIS, and data strategy initiatives. Collaborate with city leaders to translate insights into actionable...
6 days ago
Lead Data Scientist - Relevancy Sciences (P3764)
$125K - $207K *
Empower your career as you lead data-driven innovations in search and recommendation systems. Shape the future of personalized customer experiences while mentoring teams and driving impactful initiati...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Lead Data Scientist - Relevancy Sciences (P3764)
$125K - $207K *
Pioneer innovative search and recommendation systems that deliver personalized customer experiences. Provide technical leadership, evaluate ML performance, and drive cross-functional collaboration, co...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Associate Director, Data Science
$112K - $179K *
Lead cutting-edge data science projects within a fast-paced environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build ML models and actionable insights for clients in the life sciences, helping dr...
3 weeks ago
$145K - $185K *
Transform the Cyber operations landscape by leading business development, shaping solutions, and executing contracts. Build trusted relationships, manage a diverse portfolio, and drive customer satisf...
1 week ago
AI Safety and Responsible AI Lead
$155K - $259K *
Join a team that's dedicated to defining and operationalizing Responsible AI practices across the AI lifecycle, ensuring AI systems align with safety, fairness, and compliance standards while supporti...
Reposted 5 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Pioneer the future of AI in higher education by leading strategy, governance, and implementation across the university. Drive responsible AI adoption, enhance student success, and transform institutio...
2 weeks ago
Senior Data Science Manager, Predictive Analytics & AI - US Commercial
$135K - $160K *
Advance your career by leading the development of machine learning and AI solutions, collaborating across teams to drive data-driven insights and strategic growth within the biotech commercial sector...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive cloud strategy initiatives by developing frameworks and governance processes. Lead the Cloud Management Office, conduct assessments, and create presentations to support informed decision-making...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing cloud strategies and governance frameworks for the Judiciary. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance cloud adoption and ensure effective decision-making through compreh...
2 weeks ago
$106K - $113K *
Join a team that's dedicated to building secure, scalable data solutions. As a Data Engineer, you'll design and maintain data pipelines, ensuring high-quality data for analytics and business decisions...
2 weeks ago
Staff Data Scientist, Ecosystem Health
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in enhancing product integrity by leveraging data science to define metrics, analyze experiments, and drive insights that foster a safer, more authentic community while meeting regulat...
2 weeks ago
Deputy Chief of Data Analytics
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading data-driven initiatives that enhance fairness and accountability in prosecution. As a senior leader, you'll shape analytics strategies, supervise teams, and drive impact...
Today
Deputy Chief of Data Analytics
$120K - $150K *
Join a team that's dedicated to leveraging data analytics to enhance prosecutorial effectiveness and fairness. As a senior leader, you'll guide strategic initiatives, supervise analysts, and ensure hi...
Today
Principal, Data Scientist - Applied Machine Learning
$132K - $264K *
Drive the future of machine learning by designing scalable solutions for personalization and ad targeting. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to tackle complex challenges and set technical standa...
2 weeks ago
Principal, Data Scientist - Applied Machine Learning
$143K - $286K *
Pioneer innovative machine learning solutions that enhance personalization and ad targeting. Lead complex projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and set technical standards while mentoring...
2 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.