MissionWired is seeking an experienced Vice President of Data Science & Machine Learning Strategy to lead their data science and machine learning initiatives, bridging the gap between complex technical infrastructure and business objectives, and defining/scoping projects effectively for technical feasibility and strategic alignment.
Requirements
- Proven experience (5+ years) in data science leadership roles, with a track record of scaling and managing small or large teams of technologists;
- Prior experience in a role that required bridging technical and business understanding;
- Significant experience with both data science and software engineering, demonstrating an understanding of the entire development lifecycle;
- Experience managing complex technical projects from conception to deployment;
- Deep understanding of machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling, and data engineering principles;
- Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science (e.g., Python, R) and experience with relevant software development practices;
- Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and big data technologies;
Responsibilities
- Providing strategic management, staffing and direction for the Data Science & Engineering team, aligning efforts with overall business goals and priorities;
- Acting as the primary liaison between technical teams and business stakeholders, translating complex technical concepts into actionable business strategies and vice versa. Understand the current tech stack deeply and anticipate future needs and limitations;
- Leading the definition, scoping, and prioritization of data science and machine learning projects, ensuring they are technically feasible, impactful, and aligned with business value;
- Mentoring and developing a high-performing team of data scientists, machine learning engineers, and product managers. Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth;
- Helping provide technical help to build and develop machine learning models, debug complex problems, and provide surge capacity;
- Providing expert guidance on complex technical issues, architectural decisions, and best practices in data science, software engineering, and machine learning. Conducting quality assurance checks on the team’s work and connecting pieces to define broader goals;
- Collaborating closely with product management, engineering, analytics and other business units to integrate data science solutions seamlessly into products and operations, constantly improving data reliability and quality;
Other
- Supporting your team on some nights and weekends as we approach high-volume times such as elections may be required.
- Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a diverse team;
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of effectively engaging with technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels;
- Demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions and to scope projects effectively based on priorities, team abilities, and business impact;
- Strategic thinker with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
