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.
$77K - $176K *
Engineer innovative data solutions to unlock insights from complex datasets. Collaborate with clients to transform data into actionable intelligence, leveraging machine learning and statistical analys...
1 week ago
Principal Applied Scientist, Generative AI
$195K - $312K *
Zillow is seeking a Principal Applied Scientist to join the Agentic AI team, focusing on developing advanced multimodal technologies for understanding homes. The role involves designing and prototypin...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Analyze complex motion imagery data to enhance mission capabilities while leveraging advanced technologies. Collaborate with teams to optimize aircraft operation analysis and multi-object tracking for...
3 weeks ago
Staff Data Scientist, Ad Platform
$150K - $180K *
Innovate measurement and causal strategies to drive executive decisions, establishing frameworks that enhance data-driven insights across pricing, growth, and marketing. Lead scientific governance and...
5 days ago
$130K - $155K *
Lead complex research initiatives as a Principal Research Scientist, driving innovative solutions and enhancing client relationships. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality analysis and influe...
Yesterday
$135K - $160K *
Elevate the future of AI/ML engineering by developing cutting-edge knowledge retrieval and NLP technologies. Collaborate with leaders to enhance user experience and drive innovation while owning proje...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior/Staff FDE - Synthetic Data Generation
$180K - $320K *
Transform complex AI challenges into effective synthetic data strategies. Lead technical execution across the delivery lifecycle, enhancing model performance through innovative data generation and eva...
2 weeks ago
Distinguished Engineer - AI Adoption
$254K - $381K *
Contribute to enterprise-wide AI adoption by leading technical initiatives, evaluating technologies, and building frameworks to enable impactful AI solutions across the organization while shaping the...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Distinguished Engineer - AI Adoption
$254K - $381K *
Empower enterprise AI adoption by designing solutions, evaluating vendors, and developing robust frameworks, while driving collaboration across teams to implement high-impact AI strategies for busines...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Distinguished Engineer - AI Adoption
$254K - $381K *
Accelerate enterprise AI adoption by leading technical initiatives, assessing emerging technologies, and collaborating across business units to develop scalable AI solutions and frameworks that transf...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Distinguished Engineer - AI Adoption
$254K - $381K *
Empower enterprise AI growth by evaluating emerging technologies and designing frameworks, while driving safe adoption across business units. Lead technical initiatives and collaborate with teams to i...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Account Director, Digital Native Large Enterprise
$160K - $200K *
Unlock your potential by driving AI sales strategies and fostering customer partnerships. Collaborate with top experts to bring transformative AI solutions to market, ensuring impactful growth and suc...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior/Staff FDE - Synthetic Data Generation
$180K - $320K *
Accelerate impactful AI initiatives by leading synthetic data projects, enhancing model performance through strategic experimentation and scalable solutions, while collaborating with cross-functional...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $160K *
Collaborate across teams to design and maintain Infrastructure-as-Code, automate CI/CD deployments, and enforce cloud security best practices in a dynamic Agile environment, delivering innovative clou...
Reposted yesterday
$120K - $160K *
Support our cloud initiatives by architecting scalable Infrastructure-as-Code solutions, managing CI/CD pipelines, and enforcing security best practices in a collaborative Agile environment for enterp...
Reposted yesterday
$110K - $130K *
Empower your career by joining a dynamic team focused on building and managing cloud infrastructure. Collaborate across Agile teams to design, implement, and enhance cloud solutions while ensuring com...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $120K *
Architect resilient cloud environments on AWS GovCloud, driving modernization and security for mission-critical systems, while leading strategic project initiatives and providing expert guidance throu...
Reposted today
Senior Technical Lead - AI Cybersecurity Program Contractor
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI Cybersecurity by providing technical leadership in evaluating, implementing, and operationalizing AI security solutions to protect against emerging threats while ensuring compli...
3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Lead - AI Cybersecurity Program Contractor
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career as a Senior Technical Lead, driving AI Cybersecurity initiatives. Lead evaluations, implementations, and integrations of AI security solutions while collaborating across teams to s...
3 weeks ago
$117K - $145K *
Transform digital marketing strategies by leveraging data analytics to optimize campaign performance. Collaborate with teams to deliver actionable insights and drive client success through innovative...
1 week ago
Principal Machine Learning Engineer
$240K - $420K *
Champion the development of cloud-native infrastructure for AI-driven solutions, leading architectural strategy and hands-on implementation across teams to enhance scalability and performance in missi...
Today
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic AI leadership team to shape strategies and solutions that merge human insight with advanced automation. Drive impactful AI initiatives, enhance governance, and optimize the AI budget wh...
4 weeks ago
Director of AI Applications Development
$150K - $180K *
Deliver innovative AI solutions by leading a high-performing team, guiding architecture, and fostering collaboration with business partners to enhance client experiences and drive strategic priorities...
3 days ago
Head of Predictions & Optimization
$150K - $180K *
Drive innovation in Revenue Growth Management by leading a top-tier data science team to optimize pricing and promotions, transforming data into actionable insights and strategies that enhance brand d...
3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist, Computational Chemistry
$165K - $190K *
Drive innovative drug design as an Experienced Computational Chemist, leveraging molecular modeling and data-driven insights to influence discovery programs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams a...
Reposted 5 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.