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.
Senior Product Manager - Identity Inventory, Correlation and Graph
$125K - $150K *
Champion the evolution of identity security by leading product management for our core identity graph and correlation services, ensuring seamless integration and access control across platforms while...
2 weeks ago
Vice President, Artificial Intelligence Research & Development
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Shape the future of AI by leading R&D strategies that integrate classical and generative AI, driving innovation and scalable solutions across diverse business applications while building a high-perfor...
5 days ago
Vice President, Artificial Intelligence Research & Development
$193K - $353K *
Take ownership of advancing AI capabilities by leading R&D strategies, integrating classical and generative AI, and building high-performing teams to deliver innovative, scalable solutions that drive...
5 days ago
Vice President, Artificial Intelligence Research & Development
$193K - $353K *
Unlock the potential of AI by leading innovative R&D strategies that integrate classical and generative AI, driving impactful solutions and scalable platforms across diverse business applications...
5 days ago
Vice President, Artificial Intelligence Research & Development
$193K - $353K *
Innovate AI strategies by leading R&D efforts that integrate classical and generative AI, driving impactful solutions across data and analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scal...
5 days ago
Vice President, Artificial Intelligence Research & Development
$193K - $353K *
Lead the enterprise AI R&D strategy, integrating classical and generative AI to drive innovative solutions. Build and scale a high-performing team while translating cutting-edge research into impactfu...
5 days ago
Talented Data Engineer (Knowledge Graph Specialist)
$95K - $115K *
Tackle complex data challenges as a Data Engineer, shaping the future of intelligence analysis. Collaborate with technical teams to enhance operational readiness and develop innovative solutions for g...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as a Data Scientist, leveraging AI and analytics to solve complex business challenges. Collaborate cross-functionally to build data-driven solutions that enhance decision-making an...
3 weeks ago
Technical Lead and Program Manager
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to lead technical execution and program delivery for critical defense initiatives. Drive multidisciplinary collaboration, manage resources, and ensure quality outcomes while enhanc...
2 days ago
Technical Lead and Program Manager
$110K - $130K *
Drive program delivery and technical execution for critical IT initiatives, ensuring effective management of resources, schedules, and stakeholder communication while enhancing service quality and ope...
3 days ago
Co-founder & CEO, AI for predictable drug discovery and development
$200K - $250K *
Join a pioneering initiative to revolutionize drug discovery, leading the charge as a Co-founder & CEO. Drive strategic partnerships, oversee fundraising, and build a robust commercial engine while fo...
Reposted today
Applied Data Scientist - AI Enablement (Transportation)
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to develop AI solutions and improve internal capabilities within the Transportation Business Group, progressing from internal development to client-facing delivery and advisory wor...
Reposted 5 days ago
$105K - $163K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of database management by architecting and administering diverse database environments, ensuring optimal performance and security for mission-critical application...
1 week ago
$105K - $163K *
Transform database environments by leading architecture and administration efforts across multiple platforms, ensuring compliance and performance for mission-critical applications in a dynamic, remote...
1 week ago
$80K - $120K *
Empower your career by developing advanced AI modules that enhance safety and risk analysis. Collaborate on statistical evaluations and deliver insights through dynamic dashboards while ensuring data...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Design and implement innovative cloud architecture solutions that support enterprise analytics, data management, and AI initiatives, ensuring security and efficiency across cloud environments while le...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of operational decision-making by leading a multidisciplinary research program that enhances performance and collaboration within the Air Force. Drive impactful outcomes through effec...
1 week ago
Sr. Customer Success Specialist, Applied AI, AWS WWSO CDS
$153K - $207K *
Unlock potential by serving as a strategic advisor for customer success in AI-driven communication, guiding onboarding and adoption of messaging solutions while collaborating with cross-functional tea...
2 days ago
Associate Medical Director (RadScience)
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the creation of impactful scientific content, enhancing medical education and patient outcomes. Collaborate cross-functionally, mentor writers, and drive excellence in heal...
Yesterday
$123K - $197K *
Transform the landscape of AI by architecting and optimizing cutting-edge LLMs while collaborating with diverse tech teams to innovate and enhance applications for performance and accuracy in resource...
Reposted 1 week ago
$135K - $155K *
Drive innovation as you develop and deploy cutting-edge AI solutions that enhance advertising measurement products, collaborating with cross-functional teams to maximize ROI and shape technology at sc...
5 days ago
Data and AI Solution Architect
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in designing and delivering advanced data and AI solutions, focusing on scalable architectures and integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance enterprise client operations and...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Data Scientist - Alternative Data Strategy
$179K - $204K *
Transform data into actionable insights by leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance credit decisioning through innovative data strategies...
Today
Manager, Data Scientist - Alternative Data Strategy
$179K - $204K *
Join a team that's transforming credit decisioning by integrating alternative data. As a Data Scientist, you'll evaluate vendors, engineer impactful features, and collaborate cross-functionally to enh...
Today
Manager, Data Scientist - Alternative Data Strategy
$197K - $225K *
Join a team that's redefining credit decisioning by integrating alternative data. Collaborate with cross-functional experts to build scalable models and systems, enhancing insights from diverse datase...
Today
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.