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.
$170K - $210K *
Shape the future of data engineering by owning our core infrastructure and driving the technical direction of data platforms. Collaborate across teams to ensure best practices in data modeling, pipeli...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $196K *
Unlock potential by leading statistical design and analysis throughout the product lifecycle. Collaborate cross-functionally to define objectives and strategies, ensuring scientific integrity and effe...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $196K *
Unlock the potential of data by leading statistical design and analysis across the product lifecycle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive evidence generation and ensure scientific integri...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $196K *
Unlock potential by leading statistical design and analysis throughout the product lifecycle, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure scientific integrity and effective decision-making usi...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $196K *
Engage with cross-functional teams to lead statistical design and analysis throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring scientific integrity and effective decision-making using diverse data sources...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $196K *
Drive statistical leadership across the product lifecycle, collaborating with cross-functional teams to define objectives and analysis strategies. Ensure scientific integrity and provide actionable in...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $196K *
Shape the future of healthcare by leading statistical design and analysis across product lifecycles. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive evidence generation and ensure scientific integrit...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by driving data science solutions that transform healthcare. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver predictive models, ensuring high-quality data products from inception t...
1 week ago
Principal Applied Scientist, Neuro-Symbolic AI Labs
$198K - $269K *
Shape the future of AI by developing next-gen neuro-symbolic systems. Collaborate with a leading team to define innovative applications, solve complex problems, and deliver high-quality scientific art...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$132K - $194K *
Champion the development of innovative applications, driving product growth and user engagement. Collaborate across teams to enhance user experiences and optimize AI capabilities, ensuring enterprise...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Innovate AI solutions for cyber operations by designing and integrating advanced models and workflows. Collaborate with teams to transform prototypes into mission-critical capabilities, ensuring secur...
5 days ago
$138K - $165K *
Transform AI innovation in cyber operations by designing and integrating advanced AI/ML solutions. Collaborate with mission teams to transition prototypes into enterprise-scale services, impacting nat...
5 days ago
$170K - $220K *
Elevate your career by harnessing data insights to drive strategic improvements. Utilize Python and advanced analytics tools to develop performance metrics, optimize workflows, and present impactful v...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Director of Client Success- Army
$133K - $176K *
Transform client success by leading initiatives that identify needs and implement innovative solutions, managing diverse teams for rapid deployment while fostering trusted partnerships and delivering...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Director, Data Engineering - AI & Data Platforms
$165K - $185K *
Lead the design and advancement of a cutting-edge data engineering platform that enhances AI capabilities, supports analytics, and drives business transformations through innovative data strategies an...
3 weeks ago
Director, Data Engineering - AI & Data Platforms
$165K - $185K *
Lead the design and evolution of a scalable data and AI platform, driving modern architecture and engineering standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enable machine learning and d...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Cybersecurity Operations & Compliance
$160K - $200K *
Transform identity governance through strategic leadership, comprehensive IAM technology, and rigorous control standards while driving SOX readiness and operational excellence for compliance and risk...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Staff Data Scientist / Technical Lead (Full-Stack / Production ML)
$160K - $170K *
Lead a high-output data science team, driving end-to-end project delivery and technical direction. Engage deeply in data engineering, governance, and production model delivery while collaborating with...
1 week ago
Forward Deployed AI Architect (GenAI, AWS)
$180K - $200K *
Join a team that's transforming AI delivery in Financial Services and Healthcare. Collaborate closely with clients to build innovative solutions, leveraging industry blueprints and hands-on coding exp...
Today
$90K - $110K *
Elevate your career by designing and deploying innovative ML tools. Collaborate with experts to tackle complex data challenges across industries, driving impactful solutions and contributing to cuttin...
Yesterday
$160K - $200K *
Deliver innovative data-driven solutions by analyzing complex datasets to support mission objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize data flow, ensure compliance, and enhance oper...
Reposted yesterday
$150K - $180K *
Innovate enterprise sales strategies by leading complex cycles with Fortune 1000 clients. Drive growth through deep partnerships while collaborating with leadership and engineering teams to create tai...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Executive Director of Data & AI
$210K - $250K *
Transform the governance landscape for data and AI, ensuring compliance and risk management across the enterprise. Lead initiatives that foster innovation while maintaining robust controls and oversig...
Yesterday
$160K - $190K *
Unlock potential by leveraging your AI expertise to drive client success through tailored solutions. Engage with clients to understand their challenges and deliver high-performance AI, ML, and HPC sol...
2 weeks ago
Principal Full-Stack Data Scientist - Foundational Models
$200K - $237K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative machine learning solutions that enhance personalization and recommendations. Collaborate across teams to develop, evaluate, and deploy models that create impactf...
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.