Head of Data Science

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DataKind is looking for an innovative individual who is ready to make a major impact on our data science strategy and help us deliver on our next decade of data science solutions for positive social impact. If you’re a self-starter eager to turn vision into action, you’re a strong communicator who delights in teaching and sharing knowledge, and you aren’t afraid to dive into messy, small, and/or complex datasets, we want to bring you on board! This is a new role at DataKind, and you’ll be a key cross-functional collaborator with significant autonomy to design, propose, and implement processes that will ensure DataKind delivers best-in-class data products for the social sector.

This is a remote position that can be based anywhere in the U.S. and requires the majority of working hours each day to fall between 8am and 6pm Eastern Standard Time.

This position could be hired at one of two levels - either a mid-career level or a senior-career level. At a mid-career level, the annual salary range is between $130,000 and $160,000, and at a senior/director level, the salary range is between $160,000 and $190,000. Actual salary from the ranges above will be based on the candidate’s experience and internal salary equity scan of active employee(s) with similar role and experience.

DataKind is a global nonprofit dedicated to harnessing the power of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in the service of humanity. DataKind teams talented pro bono experts from academia and industry with visionary changemakers to collaboratively design innovative solutions to tough social challenges. We help social organizations apply their data to predictive analytics, machine learning algorithms, and AI needs in a way that both increases impact and prioritizes ethics. 

We’re 20,000 strong: DataKind volunteers hail from almost every country across the world, representing a community of technologists and social changemakers who believe in using data science and AI for a stronger planet and a more just and prosperous world. We have completed 350+ projects around the world: From using satellite imagery to measure crop yields to automating the fight against hate speech online, our volunteer community has shown up to  help solve some of the most pressing around the world. Through this approach, illustrating what we call “the art of the possible,” these projects have resulted in more effective NGOs, more funding for social change organizations, and more awareness of the power (and pitfalls) of data science and AI in the social sector.  People are at the center of our process: DataKind celebrates human-centered design principles that focus on the “why,” the “for whom,” and the “should we” long before we ever get going on the “what.” “AI for Good” will only succeed if it’s “AI for All”: We’ll continue our work until all people and all communities can use digital technology for the outcomes they want to see. We support not just the tech communities of today, but anyone in any community who wants to lead in how data technologies serve their needs fairly, with an emphasis on including individuals from groups that are historically underrepresented in technology or will be impacted by the intervention. 

DataKind has always known that we’ll not be able to combat all of the world’s looming challenges through individual, short-term projects alone. We’re now focusing the DataKind network on issue areas, including improving health outcomes and increasing economic resilience for all.You can read more about our strategy here.

Our growing organization is looking for experienced candidates for the position of Head of Data Science. As a new position within DataKind, the Head of Data Science will be a key member of our senior thought leaders in the organization.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Product and working closely with the Director of Technology, the Head of Data Science will lead data product development, data science team development and support, and data science strategy. In addition to technical skills, we’re looking for someone who’s excited about external thought leadership and internal cross functional collaboration. 

Providing technical and strategic leadership to manage DataKind’s core service delivery activities. Example activities include: 

Leading strategy development and training across internal and external stakeholders to establish DataKind’s long term data science strategy. Example activities include: 

Engage with DataKind volunteers and staff to elevate DataKind’s overall technical practice through training, conversation, and partnership. Example activities include: 

Work with DataKind staff teams to ensure that our systems and processes are continuously improved and meeting established standards.  Example activities include: 

At the end of Year One, the Head of Data Science will have accomplished the following:

At DataKind, we believe that people are the most important asset to delivering on our mission to collaboratively design data-driven, innovative solutions to tough social challenges. Working with us means that you will have:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their interest in our mission and qualifications for the position here.

DataKind is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups in tech to apply. DataKind does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected category. 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.