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Director Data Science Startup Jobs in California

PROPRIUS

Director Data Science

San Francisco, CA

Director Data Science Location: San Francisco, CA Sponsorship: Yes Relocation: Yes Industry: Data Science A Fortune 500 is looking for a proven Data Science leader to create a new Data Science team.

Superhuman

Director, Data Science

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$302K - $415K/yr

The Opportunity As Director, Data Science , you will lead the data science strategy and team for a core product in our AI-native suite that works everywhere our customers work-powering agentic ...

Boot Barn

Director, Data Science & Insights

Irvine, CA

$150K - $200K/yr

DIRECTOR, DATA SCIENCE & INSIGHTS REPORTS TO: CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER STATUS: EXEMPT Summary Boot Barn is where community comes first. We thrive on togetherness, collaboration, and belonging. We build ...

Boot Barn

Director, Data Science & Insights

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

DIRECTOR, DATA SCIENCE & INSIGHTS REPORTS TO: CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER STATUS: EXEMPT Summary Boot Barn is where community comes first. We thrive on togetherness, collaboration, and belonging. We build ...

ServiceTitan

Director, Data Science

Glendale, CA · On-site +1

Ready to be a Titan? We're seeking a Director of Data Science for Operations to lead data science and applied AI across two connected domains: our operational core and the post-sales product ...

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Director Data Science Startup information

What are some unique challenges a Director of Data Science faces in a startup environment?

As a Director of Data Science in a startup, you will often need to balance hands-on technical work with strategic leadership, since resources and team sizes are usually limited. You'll likely be tasked with building and mentoring a team from the ground up, establishing best practices, and aligning data initiatives with fast-changing business goals. Additionally, you may need to advocate for data-driven decision-making across non-technical teams and adapt quickly as the company's priorities shift. This environment fosters rapid professional growth but requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and a willingness to wear multiple hats.

What is the difference between Director Data Science Startup vs Data Scientist?

AspectDirector Data Science StartupData Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degree (Master's/PhD), leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Computer Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing teams, strategic planningHands-on data analysis, model development, research
Employer & Industry UsageStartups, tech companies, innovation-driven firmsVaries from startups to large corporations, research labs
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, strategic responsibilitiesTechnical skills, project work, data analysis

The Director Data Science Startup typically holds a leadership position with strategic oversight and team management responsibilities, requiring advanced degrees and experience. In contrast, a Data Scientist focuses on technical data analysis and model development, often with less emphasis on leadership. Both roles are common in startup environments and tech industries, but they differ significantly in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Data Science at a Startup, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Data Science at a startup, you need deep expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, and data strategy, often supported by an advanced degree in a quantitative field. Familiarity with tools like Python, R, SQL, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP), and experience with data pipeline architectures are typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and business acumen are vital soft skills for aligning data initiatives with startup objectives and motivating cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for driving product innovation, scaling data operations, and delivering actionable insights in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment.

What does a Director of Data Science do at a startup?

A Director of Data Science at a startup leads the development and execution of data-driven strategies, overseeing teams of data scientists and analysts to drive business growth. They are responsible for aligning data initiatives with the company's goals, building predictive models, and ensuring the integrity and scalability of data solutions. This role often involves close collaboration with engineering, product, and executive teams to translate business needs into actionable data projects. Additionally, they help shape the data culture and mentor team members in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Data Science Startup jobs in California? The most popular types of Data Science Startup jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Data Science Startup jobs in California? For Director Data Science Startup jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Data Science Startup jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Director Data Science Startup jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Director Data Science Startup jobs? Cities in California with the most Director Data Science Startup job openings:
Director Data Science Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Data Science Startup job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Director Data Science

PROPRIUS

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Director Data Science

Location: San Francisco, CA

Sponsorship: Yes

Relocation: Yes

Industry: Data Science

A Fortune 500 is looking for a proven Data Science leader to create a new Data Science team. This is your chance to build a department, define a strategy, and implement a road-map to create and build data science products.


The department will be part of a new innovation center, essentially a start-up within a bigger organization. As the new leader of this department it is imperative that you bring disruptive ideas, creative mindsets and hire top-notch technical talent. The head of this new Data Science division will be expected to solve classic e-commerce problems; targeted advertising and marketing, recommendation systems, behavioral analytics and customer profiling, supply chain optimization, etc.


You will be tasked with designing, building and selling analytics tools and products within the wider business and build a world class team to help you accomplish the vision you have submitted to stakeholders. This is an incredible opportunity to make a significant impact on a multibillion-dollar business; greenfield positions like this do not come around often.

For this opportunity you will need:

  • PhD in Computer Science/related field/equivalent industry experience.
  • Extensive Data Science experience preferably in different environments.
  • Experience in building Data Science product and putting it into production.
  • Ability to define and implement a global Data Science strategy.
  • Proven track record in a Data Science leadership position.
  • Strong Machine Learning experience.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and influence at the C-level.

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