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.
$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
Manager, Data Scientist - Alternative Data Strategy
$215K - $245K *
Join a team that's redefining credit decisioning by integrating alternative data. As a Data Scientist, you'll collaborate cross-functionally to build scalable models and systems, driving insights from...
Today
Analytics Manager, Global Affairs
$120K - $145K *
Innovate data-driven insights into AI adoption trends, focusing on local and regional patterns. Analyze usage data to support policy development and strategic communications, translating complex findi...
Today
AI/ML Data Scientist - AI Vector Search & Agentic AI Platforms
$180K - $220K *
Unlock potential by architecting enterprise-scale AI data platforms that drive innovative solutions. Collaborate across teams to deliver secure, scalable AI capabilities while communicating complex co...
1 week ago
Principal Data and AI Architect
$173K - $231K *
Unlock potential by becoming a trusted advisor in Data & AI architecture for public sector clients. Engage with diverse stakeholders, translating complex mission needs into actionable technical soluti...
Reposted 2 days ago
Associate Director, Data Science and Analytics
$112K - $161K *
Partner with us to lead media analytics and measurement strategies that drive actionable insights, campaign optimizations, and future planning. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance data quality a...
3 weeks ago
Associate Director, Data Science and Analytics
$112K - $161K *
Join a team that's transforming data into insights that drive campaign success. Lead media analytics and empower client strategies through actionable recommendations, fostering collaboration among div...
3 weeks ago
Associate Director, Data Science and Analytics
$112K - $161K *
Join a team that's dedicated to transforming media analytics into actionable insights. Lead strategies that optimize campaign performance while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance mea...
3 weeks ago
Associate Director, Data Science and Analytics
$112K - $161K *
Lead the charge in transforming media analytics into actionable insights that drive client strategies, optimize performance, and enhance campaign effectiveness across channels through robust measureme...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Healthcare Data Scientist (Medicare/Medicaid)
$85K - $115K *
Lead advanced analytics initiatives to detect and prevent fraud in Medicare and Medicaid, leveraging expertise in data science and machine learning to drive impactful solutions alongside a team of pro...
3 weeks ago
Senior Data Scientist - Product Analytics - XBOX Growth
$160K - $261K *
Engage with cross-functional teams to harness data insights, drive product innovation, and enhance user engagement for improved ROI in the gaming ecosystem, becoming a strategic partner to influence k...
Reposted today
Senior Data Scientist - Product Analytics - XBOX Growth
$119K - $234K *
Transform product analytics at a leading firm by driving data-informed decisions, optimizing engagements, and influencing strategic product initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally to amplify playe...
Reposted today
$195K - $245K *
Champion AI strategy and implementation in healthcare, leading a team to deliver measurable value. Drive business development, client engagement, and practice growth while shaping innovative solutions...
1 week ago
Machine Learning Scientist, Multimodal AI
$124K - $171K *
Champion advanced machine learning techniques to develop multimodal AI systems in biomedical applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance personalized oncology diagnostics and im...
Reposted 1 week ago
$155K - $190K *
Transform business outcomes by leading advanced data science initiatives, developing AI and machine learning models to enhance decision-making, risk management, and profitability across key business a...
6 days ago
Lead Director - Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Data Engineering
$144K - $288K *
Transform your career by leading enterprise-scale AI/ML initiatives that enhance data engineering capabilities and operational excellence. Drive innovation, security, and compliance for impactful AI s...
Reposted 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.