Master Data Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
The Office of Information and Technology Services (ITS) works to build the capacity of schools to use information and technology, maintain network infrastructure, security standards, and support other departments to meet district goals. ITS provides innovative technology solutions that improve the quality of education for students, reduce the administrative burden on educators, facilitate parent interaction, increase community engagement, and support CPS' mission of transparency by focusing on the ease and equity of access to information.
Job Summary:
The Manager, Master Data Management & Data/AI is responsible for establishing a comprehensive data strategy that encompasses both Master Data Management (MDM) and advanced analytics, including AI/ML initiatives. Reporting to the Executive Director of Data and Analytics, the Manager, MDM & Data AI will lead a team of MDM specialists and data analysts, collaborating with stakeholders across departments to drive data governance and support CPS's ambitious goals for student success. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.
This position will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of MDM specialists and data scientists while defining and implementing the overall MDM vision, strategy, and roadmap for CPS, aligning it with the broader data and AI/ML strategy. Champion data governance initiatives and foster a data-driven culture across the district.
• Oversee the implementation, maintenance, and optimization of the MDM strategy, including data modeling, integration, quality management, and governance. Establish and enforce data quality standards and processes to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of master data across all systems. Additionally, evaluate, implement, and manage MDM tools and technologies to support CPS's data management needs.
• Lead and oversee the development, implementation, and deployment of advanced analytics and AI/ML models to address business challenges and enhance educational outcomes, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and ethical use.
• Identify opportunities to leverage data and AI/ML to enhance operational efficiency, personalize learning experiences, and support data-informed decision-making.
• Partner with business leaders and stakeholders across departments (e.g., academics, human resources, finance) to understand their data requirements and ensure alignment with the overall data strategy.
• Develop and deliver presentations and reports on MDM and data science initiatives, highlighting their impact and value.
• Define and implement data governance policies and procedures to ensure compliance with internal standards and external regulations (e.g., FERPA).
• Monitor and improve data quality by tracking key metrics, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions.
• Continuously research and evaluate new MDM technologies, data science techniques, and AI/ML advancements to optimize data management and analysis processes, while staying informed about industry standards and emerging data privacy regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.
In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, this position must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Major in Computer Science, Information Management, Statistics, or a related field is a plus.
• Certified Information Management Professional (CIMP), Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), or related certifications are preferred.
Experience Required:
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in data management, including the following:
• A minimum of two (2) years in a supervisory role.
• Experience in both MDM and data science/AI/ML.
• Experience successfully implementing and managing data-driven initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of MDM principles, concepts, and best practices.
• Extensive experience with data modeling, data integration, data quality management, and data governance.
• Strong knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques.
• Familiarity with MDM tools and technologies (e.g., Informatica MDM, SAP MDM, IBM InfoSphere MDM).
• Proficiency in data science programming languages (e.g., Python, R) and cloud-based data platforms (e.g., Azure).
• Knowledge of data governance frameworks and data privacy regulations.
• Strong SQL skills and experience with relational databases.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership, team management, and mentorship abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to build consensus and foster collaboration across diverse teams.
• Strong technical expertise in data science and AI/ML.
• Exceptional leadership skills to ensure data quality, consistency, and accessibility across the organization.
Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Dental
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Days
• Parental Leaves
• Short-Term Disability
• Religious Holidays
• Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.