Director of Data Science

Overview

Emerson Collective is an organization designed to develop opportunities and solutions in education, environment, immigration, and health equity through philanthropy, creativity and investments. Established and led by Laurene Powell Jobs, Emerson Collective brings together entrepreneurs and academics, artists, community leaders, and more to build solutions that spur measurable, lasting change. We work collectively to make the greatest difference possible.

The Opportunity

The Technology team at Emerson Collective (EC) consists of software engineers, data scientists, and product managers spanning new product development, engineering, data science, and information technology. Our mission is to use technology and data to amplify the impact of the Collective and our partners to accelerate change – to do that, we often build products, in collaboration with partners in the field. We look for opportunities to make change using technology. And we act as advisors for the Collective and our partners.

The Director of Data Science is a trusted partner with experience as an analytical problem solver and champion of data-driven approaches. In the role, you will collaborate with engineers and data professionals to foster the use of data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, and other techniques to amplify solutions in EC’s issue areas. This senior leadership position requires a deep understanding of data science capabilities, ethics, data governance, and how to use data to support the social sector.

Role and Responsibilities

*  _Strategic leadership_ : In partnership with our team, develop, lead, and oversee a strategic vision for data. This includes the use of modeling, engineering, and ML opportunities to support EC initiatives and issue areas. You will advise and drive the responsible use of technology to create meaningful data insights that contribute to our objective and key results (OKRs) in alignment with the budget.
*  _Coach a high-performing and focused team_ : Manage and inspire data professionals and consultants to ensure success. Support Technology teammates to create valuable data solutions and cultivate a data-driven culture.
*  _Oversee data infrastructure and governance_ : Work with our Head of Engineering to build and maintain a robust data infrastructure, including data warehouses, analytics platforms, and data security protocols. Establish and administer data governance policies to ensure data quality, accuracy, and ethical use.
*  _Develop data insights and solutions_ : Work with colleagues and the Technology team to identify, collect, analyze, and launch data outputs such as analyses, visualizations, and products that deliver maximum value. 
* _Evangelize human-centered technology_ : Foster a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing on emerging trends in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related technologies.

Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements

* 10+ years of experience as a data scientist and/or data engineer working with technical teams on data solutions for social issues.
* 3+ years of experience in relevant technical leadership and people management including performance management goal setting, coaching, development, and engagement. 
* Passionate, knowledgeable, and eager to continue learning and building data infrastructure and applying data in social sector projects.
* Insatiable desire and belief that tech and data can contribute to positive change with the perseverance to guide innovation in the field.
* Proven experience developing and deploying ethical and responsible data outputs adhering to data quality, security, privacy, and governance standards. This includes understanding, building, and leveraging AI/ML technologies. 
* Proficient with a wide spectrum of database, data warehouse, and data lake technologies.
* Experience with our relevant tools and platforms including JavaScript, Python, SQL, HTML, CSS, React, Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, Heroku, Airflow, Django, Airtable, GitHub, etc.
* Strong verbal and written ability to communicate and present concisely and persuasively to technical and non-technical audiences at every level; within EC, at the executive level, and with external partners.
* Detail-oriented with outstanding organizational skills and demonstrates the ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines.
* Background in data or machine learning engineering, or a similar field is highly desirable.
* Familiarity and flexibility with working across multiple time zones.
* Willing to travel as needed.

Location

Emerson Collective is a Bay Area-based organization with offices in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C. This position is located in Washington DC and is onsite four days per week.

To Apply

To apply please submit a cover letter and resume through our website.

This position requires being up to date on COVID vaccination consistent with current CDC guidelines, subject to documented religious and/or medical exemptions.

Building a diverse and inclusive workforce is key to our mission and values as we strive to create systemic change and open possibilities for all of the communities we serve. To that end, we provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.