Job description

Director of AI and Data Science – Technology & Innovation Leader Are you a data-driven visionary passionate about transforming businesses through artificial intelligence? We are seeking a Director of AI and Data Science to lead the strategy, development, and implementation of AI solutions for a forward-thinking organization based in Boston, MA. This is a unique opportunity to lead cutting-edge initiatives, unlock new revenue opportunities, and shape the future of data-driven decision-making. If you thrive at the intersection of technology, leadership, and innovation, this role is for you. Shape the Future of AI and Data Science in Boston A leading tech-driven company in Boston, MA is looking for a Director of AI and Data Science to spearhead its artificial intelligence and data initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in machine learning, data engineering, and business strategy, with the ability to build high-performing teams and deploy scalable AI solutions. If you have a passion for solving complex problems and driving innovation through data, this is your chance to lead transformational work in a vibrant and rapidly evolving industry. Key Responsibilities of the Director of AI and Data Science – Boston, MA AI Strategy & Vision: Develop and execute a strategic roadmap for AI and data science initiatives that align with the company’s overall goals. Identify key areas for AI integration and foster a long-term vision for how artificial intelligence can drive innovation and competitive advantage. Data-Driven Innovation: Lead the design and deployment of advanced machine learning models and AI systems that solve complex business problems. Champion the adoption of AI/ML technologies across departments to enhance decision-making, product capabilities, and customer experiences. Leadership & Team Development: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of data scientists, ML engineers, and analysts. Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture that encourages continuous learning and experimentation in AI and data science. Business Impact & Performance Optimization: Translate data insights into strategic actions that drive revenue, optimize operations, and improve business outcomes. Partner with product, engineering, and business teams to deliver measurable results through AI and analytics. Data Infrastructure & Governance: Oversee the development and maintenance of scalable data pipelines, infrastructure, and platforms to support AI initiatives. Ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with governance and privacy standards. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with stakeholders across departments—including product, marketing, operations, and IT—to identify opportunities for AI integration. Lead workshops and initiatives to raise AI literacy and adoption company-wide. Model Deployment & Lifecycle Management: Manage the full lifecycle of machine learning models from ideation to deployment and monitoring. Implement best practices for model versioning, performance tracking, and retraining. Innovation & Emerging Technologies: Stay at the forefront of AI advancements and emerging trends. Evaluate and implement new tools, frameworks, and technologies that can enhance the company’s data science capabilities. Ethical AI & Responsible Use: Ensure that AI systems are developed and used responsibly, with a focus on fairness, transparency, and accountability. Advocate for ethical AI practices and risk mitigation strategies. Reporting & Executive Communication: Communicate key findings, strategies, and performance metrics to senior leadership and executive stakeholders. Deliver clear, actionable insights that support strategic decision-making. What the Client is Looking for in You As the Director of AI and Data Science, the client is seeking a visionary and technically adept leader who can harness the power of artificial intelligence to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and create meaningful business impact. You should be an experienced, hands-on leader with the ability to guide cross-functional teams, translate data into strategic value, and foster a culture of continuous learning and experimentation. Proven Leadership in AI, Machine Learning & Data Strategy The ideal candidate brings deep experience leading AI and data science functions within high-growth or enterprise environments. You should have a successful track record of deploying machine learning models in production, leading end-to-end data projects, and aligning AI strategies with overarching business goals. Experience building scalable AI platforms and influencing product roadmaps is highly valued. Strategic Mindset with Business Impact Orientation The client is looking for someone who thinks beyond models and algorithms—someone who can apply AI to solve real-world business challenges. You should have a strong strategic mindset with the ability to identify high-impact opportunities, prioritize data initiatives, and drive measurable results across product, operations, or customer experience domains. Strong Technical Expertise & Innovation Focus You are expected to possess hands-on expertise in machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and statistical modeling, combined with a practical understanding of data infrastructure, tools, and best practices. Familiarity with Python, R, SQL, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure), and MLOps pipelines is essential. The client values professionals who stay ahead of AI trends and continuously explore new technologies. Exceptional Leadership & Team Development Skills The client seeks a collaborative and inspiring leader who can attract, develop, and retain top AI and data science talent. You should be able to scale teams, foster a culture of curiosity and accountability, and promote diversity of thought. A track record of mentoring junior talent while aligning team output with business objectives is important. Excellent Communication & Cross-Functional Influence Success in this role requires the ability to communicate complex data insights in a clear and compelling manner to both technical and non-technical audiences. You should be skilled at influencing stakeholders, leading data-driven conversations, and integrating AI initiatives across business units. Data Governance & Ethical AI Stewardship The client values a data science leader who prioritizes responsible AI development. Experience with data privacy, model transparency, bias mitigation, and regulatory compliance is crucial. You should have a strong commitment to ethical AI practices and risk-aware decision-making. Passion for Solving Real-World Problems with Data Above all, the client is looking for a purpose-driven innovator who is passionate about using data and AI to solve meaningful business and societal challenges. Your ability to apply technical rigor with creativity and empathy will be essential to succeeding in this role. FAQs About the Role – Director of AI and Data Science – Boston, MA 1. What are the key responsibilities of the Director of AI and Data Science in this role? As the Director of AI and Data Science, you will be responsible for defining and executing the organization’s AI and data strategy, developing machine learning models, and leading cross-functional initiatives that drive innovation and business value. You will manage a team of data scientists and engineers, oversee end-to-end model development and deployment, and collaborate with key stakeholders to integrate data-driven solutions across various business functions. 2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position? The ideal candidate should have 8+ years of experience in AI, machine learning, and data science, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role. A strong background in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field is essential. Hands-on experience with Python, SQL, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and MLOps tools is required. A Master’s or PhD in a relevant discipline is preferred but not mandatory. 3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role? The client is looking for a collaborative, innovative leader who can mentor teams, align AI efforts with business goals, and inspire data-driven thinking across the organization. Key traits include strong communication skills, strategic foresight, adaptability, and the ability to foster a culture of experimentation, ethical AI, and technical excellence. 4. What challenges can I expect in this role? You may face challenges such as integrating AI into legacy systems, ensuring data quality and governance, managing cross-functional expectations, and keeping pace with rapid advancements in AI technologies. Balancing innovation with ethical and regulatory considerations will also be a critical part of the role. 5. How will my work impact the organization? As a senior leader in AI and data, your work will directly influence strategic decisions, operational efficiency, product development, and customer experiences. The insights and models you create will enable the organization to unlock new opportunities, reduce costs, and gain a competitive advantage in the market. 6. What is the company’s culture and team environment like? The company promotes a forward-thinking, collaborative, and inclusive culture. It values curiosity, continuous learning, and open communication. You’ll work alongside other innovative thinkers in an environment that encourages experimentation and cross-functional collaboration while maintaining high ethical standards in AI development. What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job? As the Director of AI and Data Science in Boston, MA, you can expect a highly competitive compensation package that reflects the strategic importance of this role and the expertise it demands. The remuneration typically includes: 1. Base Salary The base salary for a Director-level AI and Data Science role in a major metropolitan area like Boston generally ranges from $180,000 to $250,000 annually, depending on the size of the company, scope of responsibility, and candidate experience. In high-growth tech companies or enterprise environments, this figure may exceed $275,000. 2. Performance-Based Bonuses Most organizations offer annual performance bonuses tied to individual and team KPIs, such as successful deployment of AI models, business impact of data-driven initiatives, or cross-functional collaboration outcomes. Bonuses typically range from 15% to 40% of the base salary, with top performers earning even higher percentages. 3. Equity & Stock Options Many companies—especially startups and tech-forward organizations—include equity or stock options in their compensation packages. This aligns your contributions with long-term business value and may include Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) or performance-based shares, providing significant upside in growing or publicly traded firms. 4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) For senior leadership roles, some companies offer LTIPs that reward sustained contributions over a multi-year period. These plans can include bonus payouts, additional equity grants, or milestone-based incentives, especially for roles with broad strategic impact. 5. Executive Benefits & Perks You can expect a robust benefits package that often includes: • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance • 401(k) with employer matching • Paid time off, holidays, and parental leave • Professional development allowances • Hybrid or flexible work options • Wellness stipends and access to executive coaching or mental health support • Commuter benefits or relocation assistance (if applicable) 6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Support To attract top AI talent, companies may offer signing bonuses ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, as well as relocation assistance, particularly for candidates moving from other regions or countries. Total Compensation Potential Taking into account base salary, performance bonuses, equity, and additional incentives, the total annual compensation for a Director of AI & Data Science can range from $250,000 to $500,000+, particularly in high-growth or enterprise organizations that prioritize AI and data-driven transformation. How to Apply If you are a visionary AI and data science leader with a proven ability to turn data into actionable strategy, we encourage you to apply for the Director of AI and Data Science role in Boston, MA. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead impactful initiatives, shape enterprise-wide data capabilities, and drive innovation at the intersection of technology and business. To apply, please submit your updated resume and a cover letter outlining your experience in AI/ML leadership, data science project delivery, cross-functional collaboration, and measurable business impact. Be sure to highlight your skills in model deployment, data engineering oversight, cloud platforms, and your strategic influence within previous organizations. This role presents a high-impact career opportunity to lead a growing AI function, collaborate with executive stakeholders, and build scalable data solutions that shape the company’s future. Apply today to take the next bold step in your data science leadership journey in Boston’s thriving tech and innovation ecosystem! For more information or to explore related opportunities, visit our AI & Data Science Executive Recruiters page. Tags: Director of AI | Data Science Jobs | AI Leadership | Machine Learning Strategy | Data-Driven Innovation | Cloud Data Platforms | Boston Tech Jobs | AI Director Role | Strategic Analytics | Enterprise AI Transformation

Requirements