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.
Director, Data Architecture (AI Enablement)
$225K - $260K *
Shape the future of AI data architecture by leading enterprise-wide strategies for data accessibility, governance, and integration. Drive innovation while ensuring secure, trustworthy data for AI tool...
5 days ago
Senior Staff AI Engineer - Office of the CTO
$227K - $313K *
Shape the future of AI technologies by developing innovative agentic AI applications that enhance software-defined vehicles, driving solutions to complex customer challenges and leading cross-function...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$135K - $180K *
Lead mission-ready data analysis efforts, creating impactful dashboards and visualizations. Collaborate with stakeholders to integrate tools into workflows, enhance decision-making, and drive operatio...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$126K - $149K *
Architect innovative solutions at the intersection of technology and finance. Lead the design of secure, scalable architectures, ensuring alignment with business objectives while driving operational e...
1 week ago
$126K - $149K *
Champion innovative solutions by leading the design and delivery of secure, scalable architectures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and ensure alignment with...
1 week ago
Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Agentic Systems
$160K - $200K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI by developing robust machine learning solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance performance and usability of advanced systems, and driv...
2 weeks ago
Manager Data Science - Global Payment Network AI Foundations
$179K - $204K *
Empower a cross-functional team to deliver AI-driven insights from vast transaction data, leveraging advanced machine learning and natural language processing to enhance merchant intelligence and driv...
1 week ago
Manager Data Science - Global Payment Network AI Foundations
$215K - $245K *
Drive innovation in AI and machine learning by leading cross-functional teams to develop scalable solutions that enhance merchant intelligence and optimize transaction evaluations across a global paym...
1 week ago
Manager Data Science - Global Payment Network AI Foundations
$179K - $204K *
Drive AI innovation by leading a cross-functional team to develop scalable machine learning solutions that enhance merchant intelligence and optimize transaction analysis across a global payment netwo...
1 week ago
Manager Data Science - Global Payment Network AI Foundations
$215K - $245K *
Lead innovative AI initiatives by partnering with cross-functional teams to develop machine learning models that enhance merchant intelligence and drive strategic business outcomes across the payments...
2 weeks ago
Manager Data Science - Global Payment Network AI Foundations
$179K - $204K *
Empower innovation by leading a cross-functional team to develop AI-driven solutions that enhance merchant intelligence and optimize payment processes, leveraging advanced machine learning and natural...
2 weeks ago
Manager Data Science - Global Payment Network AI Foundations
$179K - $204K *
Unlock potential by leading a cross-functional team to develop AI-driven solutions that enhance merchant intelligence and optimize transaction analysis across a global payment network...
2 weeks ago
$115K - $155K *
Unlock potential by driving advanced AI data engineering solutions that enhance federal missions. Collaborate across teams to design, build, and deploy cloud-native AI capabilities, ensuring data qual...
2 weeks ago
Technical Program Manager, Science Strategy & Communications
$365K - $435K *
Lead the charge in bridging research and the scientific community, driving impactful programs that enhance AI capabilities for researchers. Collaborate with diverse teams to shape strategies and foste...
5 days ago
Technical Program Manager, Science Strategy & Communications
$365K - $435K *
Join a dynamic team to bridge researchers and AI capabilities, driving impactful science programs and shaping external engagement strategies. Leverage your research expertise to enhance collaboration...
5 days ago
$150K - $185K *
Lead the development of innovative AI products that empower job seekers with evidence-based coaching and actionable insights, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to shape impactful...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Manage the development of AI-driven fraud and risk systems, applying practical solutions to complex data challenges. Collaborate across teams to enhance risk detection and build scalable data systems...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Transform customer success and support by leading a dynamic team to enhance retention and expansion strategies. Collaborate with executives to build infrastructure and drive growth for 2,100+ accounts...
2 weeks ago
$78K - $163K *
Join a dynamic team to leverage data analytics and AI techniques that inform strategic operational decisions. Engage in multi-disciplinary collaboration, applying statistical methods and advanced tech...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Expert Data Scientist - Intelligence Support (TS/SCI)
$125K - $135K *
Unlock potential by developing and monitoring operational data pipelines, ensuring seamless data movement and integration across systems. Collaborate with teams to address technical challenges and enh...
2 days ago
Senior Data Scientist I, Real World Evidence (RWE), Life Sciences R&D
$120K - $170K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative RWE analyses in oncology. Drive insights from complex data, implement advanced statistical methods, and leverage AI tools to enhance research efforts. Collaborat...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $185K *
Engage your analytical skills as you collaborate with teams to derive insights from complex data sets, enhancing digital outreach programs and tools for impactful decision-making and user support...
Yesterday
$155K - $315K *
Transform complex networking challenges into solutions by leveraging generative AI and sophisticated data science methodologies. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership in AI-d...
Reposted yesterday
$135K - $160K *
Unlock potential by building and managing a robust internal data platform that enhances product insights, revenue tracking, and customer service efficiency through effective data ingestion and quality...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's building and optimizing a robust internal data platform to enhance product insights, streamline data ingestion, and ensure data quality for analytics and reporting. Collaborate with...
1 week 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.