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.
Data Warehouse & Analytics Architect
$180K - $220K *
Join a dynamic team as a Data Warehouse & Analytics Architect, where you'll lead architectural excellence and technical guidance, driving innovation in data privacy solutions while mentoring passionat...
3 weeks ago
Data Warehouse & Analytics Architect
$180K - $220K *
Shape the future of data privacy as a Data Warehouse & Analytics Architect by leading architectural excellence and technical direction in scalable data solutions while mentoring a collaborative team d...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Deployment Strategist, FDE - Financial Services
$219K - $302K *
Elevate your career as a Deployment Strategist, bridging complex business problems with cutting-edge technical solutions. Drive product strategy from discovery to launch, ensuring customer satisfactio...
1 month ago
Sr. Deployment Strategist, FDE - Financial Services
$219K - $302K *
Advance your career by bridging business needs with innovative technical solutions, managing product development from ideation to deployment. Collaborate with executives, engineers, and customers to d...
1 month ago
Sr. Deployment Strategist, FDE - Financial Services
$219K - $302K *
Join a team that's redefining the future of financial services by bridging complex business problems with innovative technical solutions, ensuring successful product adoption from discovery to launch...
1 month ago
Sr. Deployment Strategist, FDE - Financial Services
$219K - $302K *
Join a team that's redefining deployment strategies in financial services. You'll bridge complex business problems with technological solutions while leading projects from inception to successful impl...
1 month ago
Sr. Deployment Strategist, FDE - Financial Services
$219K - $302K *
Unlock potential by bridging technical solutions with C-suite business challenges. Lead product direction from discovery to launch, ensuring adoption while managing diverse stakeholder relationships a...
1 month ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive innovative data solutions by leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning techniques. Collaborate across disciplines to enhance predictive modeling and contribute to impactful projects tha...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower your career by leveraging advanced data science and machine learning techniques. Collaborate in a dynamic environment to develop innovative solutions and predictive models that drive impactful...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform business needs into impactful AI/ML solutions by collaborating with stakeholders, developing innovative technologies, and ensuring alignment with enterprise standards for responsible AI...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Transform business needs into impactful AI/ML solutions by collaborating with stakeholders and deploying scalable technologies. Drive innovation through machine learning and NLP while ensuring alignme...
Yesterday
$170K - $190K *
Lead the charge in designing and enhancing innovative AI curricula, managing a dedicated team to ensure high-quality educational materials are ready for implementation, while driving continuous improv...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $140K *
Champion high-quality data integration and analytical platforms to drive business insights. Collaborate with stakeholders to design scalable models, ensuring data reliability and self-service capabili...
4 weeks ago
Applied Scientist, Advertising Trust
$172K - $223K *
Unlock potential by developing advanced ML models and solutions for ad content understanding. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance advertiser experiences and ensure high-quality ad moder...
6 days ago
Director of Product & Data Strategy
$150K - $180K *
Lead the strategy and execution of enterprise applications and data management. Own product roadmaps, ensure system efficiency, and build a high-performing team while driving innovation through AI and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
AI/ML Engineer, Individual Contributor
$120K - $200K *
Empower the future of AI reliability by detecting and addressing failures in production agents. Drive improvements through innovative evaluation methods and enhance user experience with your expertise...
2 days ago
Data Engineer, California College Guidance Initiative
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of data engineering by optimizing ETL/ELT processes and enhancing cloud infrastructure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive data solutions that promote educational equity...
Reposted today
Staff Research Scientist - Foundation & World Models
$320K - $400K *
Elevate research in foundation and world models by driving innovative multimodal learning. Collaborate across teams to translate complex research into scalable solutions, while mentoring peers and set...
2 weeks ago
Staff Research Scientist - Foundation & World Models
$320K - $400K *
Join a team that's advancing research in foundation and world models. Drive large-scale multimodal learning, set technical direction, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate innovativ...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Program Manager, AI Initiatives
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in shaping and managing AI initiatives, driving program governance, and ensuring scalable AI adoption within the healthcare system to enhance patient care and operational efficiency ac...
4 weeks ago
Principal Information Systems Analyst - Cloud Specialization
$122K - $143K *
Join a team that's transforming healthcare data analytics. As a Principal Information System Analyst, you'll lead Azure-based data engineering initiatives, optimizing large-scale data pipelines and en...
5 days ago
Sr. Director, Technical Researcher
$155K - $170K *
Lead complex research initiatives by transforming business questions into actionable insights. Collaborate with clients to design robust studies, ensuring methodological integrity and advancing resear...
1 week ago
$117K - $234K *
Lead the charge in developing data-driven solutions that drive strategic business objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create predictive models and impactful visualizations, while me...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in strategic client partnerships by managing complex agreements, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring successful outcomes to foster long-term relationships and drive investment growth...
3 weeks ago
Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Agentic Systems (Active Secret Clearance)
$185K - $230K *
Unlock your potential as a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, driving innovative AI solutions and enhancing performance across complex workflows. Collaborate with diverse teams to shape the future of A...
2 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.