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.
$100K - $110K *
Transform data into actionable insights by developing predictive models, enhancing data processes, and creating visualizations. Collaborate across teams to drive strategic pricing and support decision...
5 days ago
Head of Data Governance & Enterprise Context Eng
$238K - $311K *
Lead the charge in data governance and architecture, ensuring our data is trusted and AI-ready. Shape policies, drive adoption, and build a robust data catalog while collaborating across teams to enha...
6 days ago
Senior Data Scientist, AI Solutions Engineering - Client Services
$133K - $213K *
Unlock data-driven insights by collaborating with stakeholders to design and implement scalable data solutions. Drive innovation in AI/ML, manage complex projects, and enhance decision-making across t...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Director - AI & Agentic Platform Engineering
$175K - $210K *
Accelerate the development of a secure enterprise agent platform, enabling teams to deploy and scale AI agents effectively. Lead architecture, governance, and operational excellence to ensure reliable...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Director - AI & Agentic Platform Engineering
$180K - $220K *
Join a team that's redefining platform engineering by creating a secure, scalable enterprise agent platform that supports AI agent development, deployment, and governance, enabling teams to innovate r...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Director - AI & Agentic Platform Engineering
$160K - $200K *
Architect an innovative enterprise agent platform to enable robust, scalable AI solutions across teams, ensuring security, governance, and operational excellence while transforming agent development i...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Director - AI & Agentic Platform Engineering
$175K - $210K *
Lead the charge in building and operating an enterprise-level agent platform, ensuring reliable, governed deployment of AI agents while establishing robust security measures and fostering an exception...
3 weeks ago
$171K - $273K *
Unlock potential by mapping emerging AI technologies and building strategic relationships. Drive proactive market intelligence to identify key opportunities and strengthen a leading AI strategy throug...
5 days ago
Director of Data Science (Remote)
$150K - $180K *
Drive measurable business growth by leading a commercial Data Science team focused on predictive modeling, customer analytics, and strategic partnerships to enhance marketing performance and decision...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director of Data Science (Remote)
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of predictive Data Science to enhance customer acquisition and marketing performance, driving measurable business growth through innovative models and strategic p...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead innovative cell culture media development, driving projects from concept to commercialization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and solve complex technical challenges...
1 week ago
dbGaP Study Data Curator for NCI
$142K - $184K *
Contribute to impactful cancer research by curating genomic and clinical data for dbGaP. Collaborate with study teams to ensure data quality, compliance, and accessibility, enhancing the integrity of...
2 weeks ago
$171K - $222K *
Empower our team by conducting data analysis and building ML models for supply optimization. Collaborate across functions to drive impactful projects that enhance traffic monetization while ensuring a...
6 days ago
Systems of Systems Integration Engineering Capability Chief Engineer
$190K - $285K *
Innovate systems integration strategies to enhance mission outcomes through collaboration, technical leadership, and mentorship. Drive quality and capability development while shaping research priorit...
3 days ago
Forward Deployed Engineer, AI Transformation -Senior Vice President
$156K - $234K *
Drive AI transformation by collaborating with stakeholders to innovate and optimize core business processes. Leverage technical expertise to design solutions that enhance efficiency and scalability, b...
Today
Human-Centered Design (HCD) Specialist
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance digital health applications through user-centered design. Conduct research, develop prototypes, and collaborate with stakeholders to create intuitive solutions that impr...
1 week ago
Sr. Director, Decision Support
$225K - $250K *
Transform the future of healthcare analytics by leading a dynamic Decision Support team. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance reporting technologies, and ensure data integrity to support executive dec...
1 week ago
Sr. Director, Decision Support
$225K - $250K *
Drive strategic leadership in Decision Support, enhancing reporting solutions and business intelligence initiatives to empower data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency across healthcare...
1 week ago
$165K - $185K *
Transform healthcare data integration by ensuring compliance, quality, and efficiency. Collaborate with teams and clients to optimize processes and enhance relationships, driving operational success i...
2 weeks ago
Sr Data Scientist, Merchandising Analytics
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by developing and enhancing predictive models, driving data-led solutions, and leading cross-functional teams. Collaborate closely with stakeholders to translate insights into strateg...
Reposted today
$160K - $200K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic analytics team to transform data into strategic insights. Collaborate across functions to drive impactful marketing decisions and innovate measurement methodol...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in transforming data into strategic insights, guiding a high-performing analytics team to drive impactful marketing decisions and optimize performance across diverse client needs and i...
1 week ago
Principal Machine Learning Engineer
$240K - $420K *
Pioneer innovative AI-driven security solutions, defining technical vision and architecture for exploitability-based security across multiple teams, while mentoring engineers and driving enterprise-gr...
Yesterday
Principal Engineer, Data Quality, AI Foundry
$307K - $427K *
Lead the charge in shaping data quality strategies for AI initiatives, ensuring high-quality datasets for Search and DeepMind. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and establish...
Today
Compliance and Data Governance Specialist
$120K - $180K *
Drive compliance and data governance initiatives, ensuring adherence to federal regulations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges in a...
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.