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.
Principal, Data Governance Platforms
$149K - $224K *
Shape the future of data governance by leading the design and implementation of enterprise platforms that ensure data integrity, quality, and compliance across the organization, while collaborating wi...
1 week ago
Principal Consultant - Data Transformation & Technical Program Delivery
$139K - $174K *
Drive complex data and technology transformation initiatives, leading cross-functional teams to deliver strategic programs for financial services clients, ensuring alignment and successful execution f...
1 week ago
Data Engineer, Data Foundations
$130K - $155K *
Optimize data processing systems, collaborate with top-tier engineers, and drive product strategy to enhance customer experience using advanced AI technology. Your insights will directly influence ini...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Explore a senior leadership role driving innovative solutions for national security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align technical strategies, influence key decisions, and shape transform...
2 weeks ago
Senior Staff Data Scientist, Consumer Relevance
$232K - $325K *
Empower innovation by serving as a leading expert in relevance evaluation. Collaborate to enhance ranking and recommendation systems, driving product strategy through rigorous analysis and shaping the...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Data Scientist, Payments Intelligence
$215K - $243K *
Transform corporate payments by leveraging data science and machine learning to uncover high-value opportunities. Drive revenue growth and build intelligent payment products through innovative analysi...
Today
$130K - $170K *
Lead the charge in scaling an outbound SDR team. Drive performance and career growth while maintaining high standards for activity and quality. Utilize modern tools to refine processes and ensure succ...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Head of Strategic Partnerships, Labs
$134K - $168K *
Shape the future of enterprise AI partnerships by building strategic alliances with frontier labs and model providers, driving revenue growth through innovative go-to-market strategies and technical i...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in establishing a robust data governance framework. Design and implement policies and tools to ensure data accuracy, security, and accessibility, empowering teams to make informed, eth...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping our data governance strategy. You'll lead the design and implementation of policies and tools to ensure data accuracy, security, and accessibility, empowering teams to make...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's advancing robotic intelligence through innovative algorithms that empower robots to understand environments and interact with humans, focusing on training world models for complex p...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$145K - $175K *
Transform complex data into actionable insights by owning end-to-end data initiatives. Design scalable pipelines and models that enhance product features and analytics, ensuring data quality and relia...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive complex data initiatives from concept to production, building scalable pipelines and data models that empower analytics and AI workflows, ensuring data quality and reliability for teams and cust...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Transform complex data into actionable insights by owning end-to-end data initiatives. Design scalable pipelines and models that enhance product features and analytics, ensuring data quality and relia...
1 week ago
Senior Data Scientist - Clinical Informaticist
$85K - $149K *
Drive the development and optimization of health solutions through clinical expertise, data science, and informatics. Engage with healthcare organizations to enhance patient safety and operational out...
3 weeks ago
Senior Scientist, Continuous Manufacturing
$90K - $120K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of pharmaceutical engineering by providing expert support in continuous manufacturing processes, ensuring timely project delivery and collaboration across teams to...
1 week ago
Director of Software Engineering, Analytics
$180K - $225K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic engineering team focused on transforming satellite imagery into actionable insights. Drive innovation in analytics for defense and commercial applications whil...
1 week ago
Director of Software Engineering, Analytics
$180K - $225K *
Lead the charge in building and scaling a high-performing engineering team focused on advanced analytics from satellite imagery, driving innovation in both classified and unclassified environments whi...
1 week ago
Staff / Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Serving - USA
$270K - $500K *
Help us build advanced machine learning systems by optimizing inference and scaling processes. Collaborate with a dynamic team to transform ambiguity into actionable solutions, leveraging cutting-edge...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Manager, Data Science - US Card - Marketing
$197K - $225K *
Unlock potential by leveraging advanced machine learning to optimize customer acquisition and enhance personalized experiences, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive impactful data-driven...
3 days ago
$76K - $120K *
Take ownership of critical operational pipelines as a Research Statistician, executing analyses and improving processes to ensure the SAT Suite runs smoothly. Collaborate with cross-functional teams t...
5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Manage complex entity matching processes, ensuring accuracy and integrity across data workflows. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement effective solutions and maintain high standards i...
Yesterday
Staff Product Manager, US Public Sector
$181K - $249K *
Join a team that's redefining product strategy for the US Public Sector. Own the roadmap for Databricks Data Intelligence, ensuring compliance and addressing unique government needs across federal and...
3 weeks ago
Lead Engagement Manager, FDE - Communications, Media, Entertainment & Gaming
$178K - $245K *
Lead transformative initiatives for CMEG clients by driving strategic account management, mentoring engagement teams, and solving complex problems in fast-paced environments, fostering growth and exce...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director, China Research Center, and Distinguished Tang Chair in China Research
$152K - $262K *
Drive impactful research on China by leading the center's strategic direction, forging partnerships, and enhancing research quality. Collaborate with experts to address key policy challenges while man...
Reposted 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.