Senior Director, Data Science – Machine Learning

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Develop and implement a comprehensive multi-year strategy and roadmap for data science, machine learning, and AI.

• Lead and expand the data science and machine learning division.

• Convert organizational goals into a practical research and delivery portfolio.

• Provide guidance to executive leadership on emerging AI technologies and decisions regarding build versus buy.

• Represent the capabilities of data science and AI to executives, federal partners, vendors, and external organizations.

• Set technical standards for machine learning development, validation, code quality, documentation, reproducibility, and engineering practices.

• Mentor and coach data scientists, analysts, and engineers.

• Recruit, onboard, and maintain a skilled workforce in data science and AI.

• Lead applied research efforts and convert findings into actionable insights and production-ready ML solutions.

• Supervise quantitative research, program evaluation, statistical modeling, and frameworks for outcome measurement.

• Oversee NLP and machine learning models for crisis services, focusing on summarization, sentiment analysis, quality assurance, risk detection, and routing optimization.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to implement models in a secure, HIPAA-compliant environment and oversee their lifecycle.

• Ensure that production AI and ML systems comply with governance, validation, documentation, audit, and regulatory standards.

• Act as a senior technical representative in Data Governance and Responsible AI governance forums.

• Work in partnership with technology, engineering, analytics, governance, and program leaders.

• Assist with cooperative agreement deliverables, research reporting, and external program evaluation activities.

⛳️ Requirements

• Demonstrated executive-level expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, NLP, and applied AI.

• Extensive knowledge of the end-to-end management of the machine learning lifecycle.

• Proven experience in leading and scaling data science, machine learning, or AI teams.

• Background in establishing technical standards, engineering best practices, and maintaining scientific rigor.

• Experience in converting applied research into production-ready machine learning systems.

• Competence in designing quantitative research studies and assessing analytical methods.

• Understanding of responsible AI, model governance, model risk management, fairness evaluation, and explainable AI.

• Experience working within regulated or sensitive data environments, including HIPAA or 42 CFR Part 2.

• Ability to collaborate with executive, engineering, product, analytics, governance, and operational teams.

• Proven track record in recruiting, mentoring, developing, and retaining technical talent.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong strategic thinking, decision-making, and organizational leadership abilities.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field is required.

• Over 10 years of progressive experience in applied data science and/or machine learning engineering.

• At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role.

• Proven success in building, leading, or scaling a data science, ML, or AI function significantly.

• Experience in delivering complete production machine learning solutions.

• Proficiency in Python and contemporary ML technologies such as scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face, MLflow, Snowflake, and dbt.

• Familiarity with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and sensitive-data governance requirements.

• Physical ability to remain stationary for 50% of the time and operate a computer and standard office equipment.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Supplemental income insurance

• Employer-paid disability insurance

• Employer-paid life insurance

• Pre-tax FSA for medical and dependent care

• 401(k) available