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Director Data Science Startup Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

ACT Science Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes minimal passage reading, direct data analysis, and recognizing question patterns for maximum efficiency. * Test Strategy & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ACT Science time pressure ...

Varsity Tutors

ACT Science Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes minimal passage reading, direct data analysis, and recognizing question patterns for maximum efficiency. * Test Strategy & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ACT Science time pressure ...

Life Care Services

VP, Data & AI

Des Moines, IA · On-site

... science, data governance, and AI. This leader is accountable for defining and executing enterprise AI strategy, driving high-impact AI solutions, and building a responsible AI program, all in direct ...

LCS

VP, Data & AI

Des Moines, IA · On-site

... science, data governance, and AI. This leader is accountable for defining and executing enterprise AI strategy, driving high-impact AI solutions, and building a responsible AI program, all in direct ...

Asbury Village

VP, Data & AI

Des Moines, IA

... science, data governance, and AI. This leader is accountable for defining and executing enterprise AI strategy, driving high-impact AI solutions, and building a responsible AI program, all in direct ...

Life Care Companies, LLC

VP, Data & AI

Des Moines, IA · On-site

... science, data governance, and AI. This leader is accountable for defining and executing enterprise AI strategy, driving high-impact AI solutions, and building a responsible AI program, all in direct ...

Life Care Services

VP, Data & AI

Des Moines, IA

... science, data governance, and AI. This leader is accountable for defining and executing enterprise AI strategy, driving high-impact AI solutions, and building a responsible AI program, all in direct ...

The Arlington of Naples

VP, Data & AI

Des Moines, IA

... science, data governance, and AI. This leader is accountable for defining and executing enterprise AI strategy, driving high-impact AI solutions, and building a responsible AI program, all in direct ...

Nationwide

Sr Analyst, Data Solution Analyst

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$83K - $105K/yr

Reports to Manager/Director Data Leader. Typical Skills and Experiences: Education : Undergraduate studies in computer science, management information systems, business, statistics, math, a related ...

Heritage at Irene Woods

VP, Data & AI

Des Moines, IA

... science, data governance, and AI. This leader is accountable for defining and executing enterprise AI strategy, driving high-impact AI solutions, and building a responsible AI program, all in direct ...

LCS

VP, Data & AI

Des Moines, IA

... science, data governance, and AI. This leader is accountable for defining and executing enterprise AI strategy, driving high-impact AI solutions, and building a responsible AI program, all in direct ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDirector Data Science Startup JobsDirector Data Science Startup Jobs in Iowa

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 popular job titles related to Director Data Science Startup jobs in Iowa? For Director Data Science Startup jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Data Science Startup jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Director Data Science Startup jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Director Data Science Startup jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Director Data Science Startup job openings:
Director Data Science Startup jobs near you

Assistant Director-Engineering (Data Enablement)

Principal Financial Group

Des Moines, IA • On-site, Remote

$141K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

What You'll Do
We're looking for an Assistant Director of Engineering to join our Retirement & Income Solutions (RIS) business, which serves participants in plan-sponsored retirement programs through income and advisory offerings. In this critical leadership role of data enablement capabilities, you'll build and support high-performing data engineering teams, guide technical direction, and ensure the successful delivery of initiatives that strengthen customer outcomes and enable market insight.
You'll balance strategic leadership with hands-on engagement-partnering closely with product, business, data & analytics, and technology leaders while staying connected to the realities of execution across multiple teams.
You'll have the opportunity to:
  • Drive priority decisions that deliver new data and AI capabilities while enabling high quality, trusted data across the full data lifecycle.
  • Partner with product, business, data & analytics, and technology stakeholders to prioritize work and ensure teams stay focused on the highest value outcomes.
  • Lead and support data engineers with diverse skill sets across cloud-based platforms (AWS, Snowflake, IDMC), on-premises- technologies (Informatica PowerCenter), and mainframe DB2 environments.
  • Collaborate with delivery managers to review performance metrics and foster a continuous improvement mindset.
  • Serve as a people leader by mentoring and developing teams of high-impact data engineers.
  • Work effectively with leaders and teams located both stateside and offshore in a globally distributed model.
  • Execute against defined strategies while also influencing broader technical and organizational direction based on insights from your teams.
  • Ensure robust data pipeline delivery, high-quality trusted data, and reliable deployments across multiple teams.
  • Support large, cross-team- initiatives requiring strong coordination, communication, and alignment.

Act as an advocate for the responsible adoption of AI tools to improve data engineering productivity and effectiveness.
Who You Are
  • Bachelor's degree (preferably in computer science, engineering, technology, or a related field) or equivalent professional experience.
  • 8+ years of enterprise level technical experience demonstrating- increasing responsibility and impact.
  • Be comfortable with flexible call times with our global staffing model.

Leadership Experience:
  • More than 2 years formally leading engineering teams of at least 15 team members
  • Guiding engineering teams through complex technical and business challenges.
  • Designing and delivering resilient, scalable solutions in large environments.
  • Building alignment and consensus among diverse stakeholders.
  • Navigating enterprise-level- partnerships and dependencies.

Leadership Qualities:
  • Strategic, forward-thinking- mindset with a bias toward action.
  • Strength in operating in dynamic, evolving environments.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills That Help You Stand Out
  • 4+ years of technology leadership experience managing and mentoring direct reports.
  • Financial services industry experience.
  • Strong use of data and metrics to identify issues, measure progress, and guide decisions.
  • Solution architecture experience partnering closely with business leaders.
  • Solid background in Agile practices and tools such as Jira.
  • Experience with AWS, Snowflake, IDMC, and DB2, along with strong data modeling skills and expertise in shaping data product roadmaps, semantic layers, and scalable data solutions for analytics and consumption.

Salary Range Information
Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.
Salary Range
$141000 - $170000 / year
Time Off Program
Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don't accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.
Pension Eligible
Yes
Additional Information
Work Environment
This role offers in-office, hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek), and remote work arrangements (only if residing more than 30 miles from Des Moines, IA, Raleigh, NC, or Charlotte, NC). You'll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.
Work Authorization/Sponsorship
At this time, we're not considering candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future or those needing work authorization for this role. (This includes, but is not limited to students on F1-OPT, F1-CPT, J-1, etc.)
Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants
Investment Code of Ethics
For Principal Global Investors positions, you'll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.
Experience Principal
At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we're imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services - and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.
Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Posting Window
We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline.
Date First Posted (TTF)
5/22/2026
Latest Post Date: Careers - US
5/22/2026
LinkedIn Remote Hashtag
#LI-Remote
LinkedIn Hashtag
#LI-EW1

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