Job description

Our client is the world’s largest advocacy associations is seeking a Director of Research & Data Science to lead enterprise-wide data initiatives and drive a data-first culture. This strategic role will shape and execute the organization’s data strategy, enabling advanced analytics, research, and AI/ML experimentation. Key Responsibilities • Design and implement scalable, reliable data solutions to support research, analytics, and AI/ML initiatives • Translate complex business and research questions into robust data models capturing key relationships and behaviors • Develop reusable, research-ready data assets and pipelines for structured and unstructured data sources • Optimize data workflows from ingestion to insight, enabling efficient hypothesis testing and exploration • Collaborate cross-functionally to build data models, dashboards, and reports that drive actionable insights • Promote data governance standards for quality, privacy, and compliance • Continuously improve data architecture for performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency • Deliver analytics solutions using BI tools, SQL, cloud platforms, and scripting languages (Python, R) • Stay current with trends in data, analytics, and AI to recommend tools and practices that enhance capabilities. Education & Certifications • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field required • Certifications in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) preferred • Additional certifications in data management and analytics are a plus Experience • 8+ years of progressive experience in data science, analytics, and IT solution delivery • Proven success leading mid-to-large scale data initiatives with measurable business impact • Hands-on experience with predictive analytics, machine learning, and AI-driven insights • Deep expertise in cloud architecture (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) • Familiarity with Agile methodologies, Git-based version control, and CI/CD practices • Preferred experience in biotechnology, membership analytics, CRM/AMS systems, and trade association data (e.g., advocacy, legislative tracking, event registration) Knowledge, Skills & Abilities • Expertise in SQL, NoSQL, and complex ETL/data integration strategies • Proficiency with modern data warehousing tools (Snowflake, Databricks, Data Fabric) • Strong understanding of data governance, privacy, and compliance standards • Skilled in BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, Looker) and data visualization • Programming experience in Python, R, and familiarity with JavaScript/PHP for web integration • Excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences • Strategic thinker with the ability to align technical solutions with organizational goals

Requirements