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Director Data Science Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Sr Data Scientist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$117K - $146K/yr

Partner with Product Owners to lead end-to-end data science initiatives, from problem definition ... direct authority. Demonstrated initiative and resourcefulness , with the ability to navigate ...

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Director Data Science information

See Iowa salary details

$50.7K

$145.5K

$229.2K

How much do director data science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for director data science in Iowa is $145,467.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,300.00 and $178,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Director Data Science position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Data Science, you need a deep understanding of advanced statistical modeling, machine learning, and data strategy, typically backed by an advanced degree in a quantitative field and significant leadership experience. Proficiency with tools such as Python, R, SQL, cloud data platforms, and familiarity with data governance frameworks and certifications like Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) are common requirements. Outstanding communication, stakeholder management, and team leadership abilities make candidates stand out in this position. These skills ensure the successful translation of complex data insights into actionable business strategies and the effective leadership of high-performing data science teams.

What does a data science director do?

A data science director oversees the data science team, develops strategic data initiatives, and ensures the effective use of data analytics to support business goals. They often manage projects, collaborate with other departments, and have expertise in statistical methods, machine learning, and data management tools. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for guiding teams and translating complex data insights into actionable strategies.

Can data scientists make $300k?

Data scientists, especially those in senior or specialized roles at large companies or in high-cost-of-living areas, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, advanced skills in machine learning and programming, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or equity compensation.

What is the 80 20 rule in data science?

In data science, the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, suggests that roughly 80% of results come from 20% of the efforts or features. Data scientists often use this rule to prioritize variables, focus on impactful data, and optimize models efficiently.

What is a Director Data Science job?

A Director of Data Science leads a team of data scientists and analysts to drive data-driven decision-making within an organization. They develop strategic initiatives, oversee machine learning and analytics projects, and collaborate with executives to align data efforts with business goals. The role requires expertise in data science, leadership, and communication to translate complex insights into actionable strategies.

What is the highest paid job in data science?

The highest paid roles in data science are typically senior positions such as Chief Data Officer or Director of Data Science, with salaries often exceeding $200,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, advanced skills in machine learning, and leadership capabilities, often complemented by advanced degrees and certifications.

What types of teams and professionals will I collaborate with as a Director Data Science?

As a Director Data Science, you will regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams including business analysts, data engineers, software developers, product managers, and senior executives. Your role often involves translating business goals into data-driven strategies, as well as mentoring and guiding data scientists and analysts on your team. You may also work closely with stakeholders from marketing, operations, and finance to align analytics initiatives with organizational objectives. This collaborative environment fosters innovative solutions and ensures data science efforts have a meaningful impact on overall business performance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Science jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Data Science jobs in Iowa are:
What job categories do people searching Director Data Science jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Director Data Science jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Director Data Science jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Director Data Science job openings:
Director Data Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Data Science job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,467 per year, or $69.9 per hour.
Director, Data Analytics & Insights

Director, Data Analytics & Insights

GreatAmerica Financial Services

Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

GreatAmerica Financial Services is a highly successful entrepreneurial company providing equipment financing to businesses across the United States. Our exemplary customer service, our principle-centered business philosophy and our team-based operating approach are key to our success and growth.

We are looking to add a key member to our Data Team!

The Director, Data,Analyticsand Insightsis responsible forleading data and analytics strategy for enterprise analytics and customer insights that drivethe futureperformanceof our businessand are enabled through scalable data capabilities. This role owns the strategy to deliver data, analytics, and insights to key stakeholders, including high-quality insights and key decision support, as well as the analysis of tradeoffs. Additionally, this leader partners with key stakeholders to deliver modern data products andestablisha strong data-driven culture across the organization. In partnership with Technology, this role ensures data assets, reporting, and analytic solutions are aligned with evolving enterprise priorities and plays a key role in leading and supporting the efforts of our Product teams.

As the Director, Data Analytics & Insights, you will:

Strategy & Business Impact

  • Defines and executes an enterprise data & analytics strategy aligned to business priorities

  • Leads and partners with executive leadership and key stakeholders to identify and prioritize high-value data and analytics initiatives across the enterprise, balancing requests from Product and non-Product teams, and partnering closely with the SVP of Operations to align efforts with product strategy, customer impact, and overall business priorities for growth, efficiency, and risk management.

  • Establishes and evolves the operating model for enterprise analytics, including intake, prioritization, governance, and capacity planning, to ensure resources are aligned to the highest-value business opportunities.

  • Develops a deep understanding of our customers and how our businessoperatesto ensure data and analytics efforts are aligned with real-world needs, operational drivers, and opportunities to enhance customer experience and performance.

  • Builds strong partnerships across Product, Operations, Technology, Finance, Risk, Legal, Compliance, and other key functions to align analytics priorities, data practices, and decision support with enterprise needs.

  • Establishes success metrics (adoption, business impact, decision velocity) and drives measurable outcomes from analytics investments

Enterprise Analytics

  • Own,Develop andmaintainexecutive dashboards and KPIs that provide clear visibility into enterprise performance (e.g., enterprise activity dashboard, ROA analysis).Suggest actions and outcomes based on results.

  • Identifytrends, patterns, and emerging risks to inform proactive decision-making.

  • Synthesize and communicate the enterprise performance story to executive leadership.

  • Translates complex data into clear executive narratives, recommendations, and decision support for senior leadership and board-level discussions.

  • Define and track metrics to measure the outcomes andimpactof strategic initiatives.

Customer Insights

  • Lead customer segmentation to better understand distinct customer groups and value drivers.

  • Develop and refine customer lifetime value models to inform growth and investment decisions.

  • Analyze customer behavior to uncover insights that drive engagement, retention, andability to sell multiple products.

  • Partner with Sales and Operations onVoice of the Customer programsto translate themes/data to outcomes that drive incremental value to our customers.

  • Deliver retention and growth analytics toidentifyopportunities to improve customer loyalty and expand relationships.

Data Products & Insights Delivery

  • Champions scalable self-service analytics capabilities, design standards, and data literacy efforts that enable leaders and teams to confidently use data in day-to-day decision-making.

  • Partners with advanced analytics and data science teams to operationalize insights and integrate predictive capabilities into business processes

  • Ensures consistent definitions, metrics governance, and trusted data sources across the enterprise

Data Governance

  • Partners across business and technology teams to strengthen enterprise data governance practices, including stewardship, data quality, metadata, lineage, access controls, and consistent use of trusted data assets.

  • Applies enterprise data definitions and governance standards

  • Partners with Data Governance to ensure data quality and consistency

  • Leverages governed data assets to deliver insights

People Leadership & Talent Strategy

  • Leads, develops, and scales a high-performing analytics organization (BI, analysts, and potentially data product roles)

  • Establishes role clarity, career paths, and capability models across analytics disciplines

  • Oversees hiring, performance management, and succession planning for the function

  • Builds enterprise data literacy through structured enablement and training programs

To be successful in the role, you will need:

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in BusinessAnalytics, Finance, Math, Information Systems, Statistics, or relevant field

Experience

  • 8+ years of experience in data, analytics, or business intelligence roles

  • 5+ years of experience leading teams or enterprise-level initiatives

  • Experience defining and executing data & analytics strategies at scale

  • Experience partnering with senior business leaders and driving cross-functional outcomes

  • Experience working in an agile or product-based delivery model preferred

  • Experiencewith modern BI and analytics platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, etc.)

  • Workingknowledge of data querying and data models (SQL or equivalent)

  • Familiarity with data architecture concepts, pipelines, and analytics ecosystems


Skills and Abilities

  • Experience working within modern cloud-based data and analytics ecosystems and partnering with technology teams on scalable data platform capabilities preferred.

  • Strong business acumen with ability to translate data into actionable insights

  • Ability to balance strategic leadership with operational execution

  • Strong prioritization and decision-making skills

  • Extensive experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau, QlikView, PowerBIetc.

  • Experience with Microsoft SQL and ability toacquiredata sets via moderately complex queries

  • High levelofproficiencywith Microsoft Office suite

  • Experience with reporting capabilities withinSalesForcea plus

  • Strong business acumen with the desire to understand the core drivers of business behaviors

  • Sense of accountability for thetimelydelivery ofhigh quality, consistentinformation visualizationat the enterprise level

  • Accountability for delivering measurable business value from analytics investments

  • Ability tooperatein a fast-paced, evolving environment while driving organizational change

Sharing rewards is an integral part of our culture. We believe in the value of hard work and reward our employees beyond the paycheck. Our total rewards package is based on eligibility and includes:

Financial Benefits

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Monthly Bonuses for Eligible Employees
  • 401(k) and Company Match
  • Annual Profit Sharing
  • Paid Time Off

Health, Wellbeing, and Family Planning Benefits

  • Paid Vacation - starting at 80 hours annually for employees in their first year of service.
  • Paid Sick Days - Ten (10) per year with a conversion option for unused time.
  • Ten (10) Paid Holidays per year
  • Gym Reimbursement
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long Term Disability
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Parental Leave

Education and Career Planning Benefits

  • Tuition Assistance
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Leadership Development Opportunities

Perks

  • Paid Parking
  • Service Awards
  • Hybrid work arrangements
  • Business casual environment
  • A strong organizational culture focused on our greatest asset: you!

If your experience aligns closely, please apply. We value diverse backgrounds and adding new perspectives. We encourage you to apply if you can make a strong impact in this role at www.greatamerica.com/careers.

Please note, applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Apply