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Director Data Science Startup Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Associate Director, Data Science

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$56K - $56K/yr

Tombras, a 600+ person, full-service, national advertising agency with a digital mindset, is seeking an Associate Director, Data Science. You'll be joining one of the top independent agencies in ...

How We LEAD Capitol Christian Music Group is seeking a Director, Data & Insights who will leverage ... Bachelor's degree in business, Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, Economics, or a related ...

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

Associate Director, Data Science

Tombras

Knoxville, TN โ€ข On-site

$56K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Tombras, a 600+ person, full-service, national advertising agency with a digital mindset, is seeking an Associate Director, Data Science.
You'll be joining one of the top independent agencies in North America. Connecting Data & Creativity for Business Resultsยฎ is working for our clients and creating a flywheel affect fueling both client and agency growth. You'll be a part of a highly creative agency that has been recognized by AdAge, Adweek, Communication Arts, Fast Company, Forbes and Fortune. Tombras was recently named 2025 AdAge Agency of the year and 2024 AdAge Independent Agency of the Year.
Why Join Tombras Analytics?
Tombras Analytics sits at the cornerstone of Connecting Data + Creativity for Business Results and delivers Diagnostic, Descriptive, Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics across both internal teams and a diverse global, national and regional client base. We are a passionate team of 20+ professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of analytics to help our clients discover opportunities, capitalize on trends, create efficiencies and improve marketing and business results for maximum growth.
This role is foundational to leading our Data Science Team, which partners with our Analytics, Media, and Data-Ops Teams to realize the vision of offering best in class marketing science for our clients. You'll lead the strategy and development of proprietary tooling, work on brands with household recognition, and grow the team as the agency scales.
The Associate Director, Data Science will report directly to the Director, Data Science and should have prior experience in media analytics, especially digital media. The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of experience in media, marketing or a related field and possess 5+ years of experience in Analytics and Data Science roles.
Where you'll be working: Knoxville, TN. Relocation assistance may be provided.
What you'll be doing:
  • Leading the strategy behind and client engagements for advanced analytics including Media Mix Modeling, Message Mix Modeling, Multi-Touch Attribution, Forecasting, and support testing, experimentation, and optimization. Your remit will be end-to-end, from selling in new work thru delivery of the results.
  • Developing the framework and approach for marketing science and develop bespoke offerings.
  • Employing best in class tooling to develop proprietary Martech in partnership with the Technology and Media practices.
  • Identify new and innovative data sets that can be used to improve existing modeling work, or deliver net new models.
  • Clearly articulate statistical results to clients, ultimately leading to continued client engagement and implementation.

What you bring:
  • An M.S. or Ph.D. degree in a relevant field such as Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Business Analytics, or Operations Research
  • (Optional) Experience in marketing science or advertising analytics
  • Mastery of advanced analytical techniques including but not limited to Multivariate/Bayesian Regression, Randomized Control Trials, Media Mix/Multi-Touch Attribution, Time-Series, Forecasting, Predictive Modeling, Discrete Choice Models
  • Strong competency with python, R, SQL, and other commonly used statistical tools
  • Client services mindset
  • Ability to influence clients and partner agencies to act on insights
  • Ability to distill complicated information into succinct graphical presentations for senior stakeholders.

Why you'll want to work at Tombras:
  • Family - It comes first, on every list. Tombras has been family-run since day 1, we strive to facilitate a family-oriented environment rooted in supporting one another.
  • Dog-friendly offices
  • Flexible PTO
  • Generous parental leave for primary and non-primary caregivers
  • Medical (PPO or High Deductible option) for employee + dependents
  • 401(k) Participation
  • Employer-paid Dental & Vision
  • A company culture of promotions from within and an atmosphere allowing for varied and rapid career development.

Want more reasons to work at Tombras? Check out the latest Tombras News and Our Values.
Tombras is proud to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.
Tombras is an E-Verify employer and participates in the E-Verify program.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Job may require traveling overnight, driving long distances as required and sitting for extended periods of time with occasional walking and standing and occasionally lifting or carrying articles weighing less than 10 pounds.
Remote employees must be based in the United States.