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.
$165K - $210K *
Drive innovation as you lead a data science team focused on generative AI and machine learning. Shape scalable solutions that address business challenges, leveraging advanced analytics to deliver meas...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Drive demand health insights and advertiser performance metrics to shape strategic decisions. Collaborate with sales and product teams to enhance outcomes and identify growth opportunities in a rapidl...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Data Scientist, PGC Traffic Strategy and CRP - TikTok
$179K - $277K *
The Data Scientist for PGC Traffic Strategy at TikTok will analyze user behavior and product features to generate actionable business insights. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional t...
Reposted 6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate data engineering capabilities by designing robust ETL/ELT workflows, ensuring data quality, and implementing scalable solutions on AWS and Kubernetes. Collaborate with teams to optimize perfor...
1 week ago
Sr Director Head of Data Science Services
$196K - $342K *
Lead the charge in transforming workforce analytics into actionable insights, overseeing data science services that power HR strategies and initiatives globally, while fostering a culture of innovatio...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Director, Data Platform Engineering
$162K - $195K *
Architect the future of data at an enterprise level, driving innovation and operational excellence in data platform engineering. Lead a high-performing team to enhance analytics, AI capabilities, and...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Data Platform Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in defining and executing the strategic vision for an enterprise data platform. Drive scalable, secure data capabilities that empower analytics and AI, while fostering collaboration ac...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Data Platform Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Deliver strategic vision for enterprise data platform, driving scalable, secure data capabilities. Lead modernization initiatives, partner with stakeholders, and enhance data governance while building...
1 week ago
Sr Director Data Science - Remote
$159K - $273K *
Lead cross-functional teams to optimize financial systems, define product vision, and drive innovation through data-driven insights while managing delivery logistics and stakeholder collaboration for...
3 weeks ago
Senior Associate, Data Governance & Metadata Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by enhancing enterprise data governance through technical solutions, workflows, and integrations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to automate processes and strengthen metadata...
2 weeks ago
Senior Associate, Data Governance & Metadata Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Engineer scalable data governance solutions by enhancing metadata management, workflows, and integrations within the enterprise Collibra platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to automate p...
2 weeks ago
Senior Associate, Data Governance & Metadata Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Drive the evolution of enterprise data governance by enhancing metadata management and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions and strengthen data quality and...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $165K *
Empower AI innovation in cyber operations by designing and integrating advanced AI/ML solutions. Collaborate with mission teams to transform prototypes into enterprise-scale services, ensuring impactf...
5 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Transform your career by leading AI innovation in cyber operations. As a Senior AI/ML Engineer, you'll design and integrate cutting-edge AI solutions that enhance mission capabilities for national sec...
5 days ago
Staff Applied ML Engineer, Federal/National Security
$180K - $240K *
Architect and deploy advanced production AI systems for national security, leveraging LLMs and agentic workflows. Collaborate to create reusable solutions that enhance operational efficiency and relia...
4 weeks ago
Senior Director, Data & Analytics
$150K - $180K *
Elevate UPP's data landscape by spearheading enterprise data strategies and governance. Lead a dynamic team, ensuring data integrity and accessibility while fostering innovation through cloud capabili...
3 weeks ago
AI/ML Integration Specialist - AFTAS Pro
$120K - $145K *
Bring your expertise to a dynamic integration role focused on embedding AI in complex enterprise systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure AI capabilities enhance performance while maintaining...
Reposted 2 days ago
$120K - $265K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of data architecture by leading the design and implementation of a secure, scalable Azure data platform, driving innovation in data management and analytics acros...
Reposted 6 days ago
$137K - $155K *
Champion NLP innovations in healthcare by leveraging machine learning to enhance medical data extraction and claims analysis, while driving automation and stakeholder collaboration for impactful solut...
4 weeks ago
Principal Information Systems Analyst - Data Analytics Specialization
$122K - $143K *
Architect data governance practices to enhance analytics and reporting. Support departmental initiatives through complex data analysis, ensuring compliance and integrity while fostering collaboration...
5 days ago
Program Manager, AI Enablement
$117K - $187K *
Accelerate our AI operations by managing initiatives and driving governance, ensuring seamless integrations while fostering collaboration across teams to enhance productivity and adoption in an engagi...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Optimize data pipelines by designing and managing robust GCP solutions that support enterprise analytics and reporting, ensuring efficiency for large-scale data environments and alignment with AI/ML i...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Staff Applied Scientist, Personalization
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in AI and Machine Learning innovation, designing and deploying transformative models to enhance user experience, drive business growth, and improve operational efficiency collaborative...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Principal Machine Learning Engineer - Central AI
$236K - $309K *
Champion the development of advanced machine learning algorithms, driving AI innovation across products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build robust AI functionalities and ensure seamless...
2 weeks ago
Principal Machine Learning Engineer - Central AI
$236K - $309K *
Join a team that's driving AI innovation by developing cutting-edge machine learning algorithms and frameworks that enable seamless integration across products and services, ensuring collaboration and...
3 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.