Senior Director, Data Science & Machine Learning
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Salary$140k – $180k
LocationRemote USA
Work moderemote · United States
Typefull-time
SeniorityDirector
Experience10+ yrs
DepartmentTechnology
Company size201–500 people
PostedAug 13, 2026 · 2mo ago
Verified live2d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Executive-level expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and applied AI
Deep technical knowledge of end-to-end machine learning lifecycle management
Demonstrated experience leading and scaling high-performing data science, ML, or AI teams
Proven ability to establish technical standards, engineering best practices, and scientific rigor
Strong experience translating applied research into production-ready ML systems
Experience designing quantitative research studies and evaluating complex analytical methods
Knowledge of responsible AI frameworks, model governance, model risk management, fairness evaluation, explainable AI
Experience working with highly regulated or sensitive data environments, including HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2
Strong ability to partner with executive leadership, engineering, product, analytics, governance, and operational teams
Demonstrated ability to recruit, mentor, develop, and retain technical talent
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong strategic thinking, decision-making, and organizational leadership capabilities
Demonstrated commitment to responsible AI, ethical ML, equity, transparency, continuous improvement
Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Epidemiology, Public Health, or related field
10+ years of progressive experience in applied data science and/or ML engineering
Minimum of 5 years of people leadership experience managing data scientists, ML engineers, or research teams
Demonstrated success building, leading, or significantly scaling a data science, ML, or AI function
Proven experience delivering end-to-end production ML solutions, including deployment, monitoring, governance, continuous model improvement
Strong technical proficiency with Python and modern ML frameworks (scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face, MLflow, Snowflake, dbt, or comparable)
Master's or Ph.D. strongly preferred
Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, crisis services, public health, or federally regulated environments strongly preferred
Experience with causal inference methodologies, advanced statistical analysis, or program evaluation preferred
Experience supporting federal grants, cooperative agreements, or government-funded programs highly desirable
Skills
Python
scikit-learn
PyTorch
TensorFlow
Hugging Face
MLflow
Snowflake
dbt
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Supplemental income insurance
Employer paid disability insurance
Employer paid life insurance
Pre tax FSA for medical and dependent care
401(k)
Department: Technology Reports to: AVP, Data Travel: ~10%
Salary Range: $140,000 - $180,000
Vibrant Emotional Health’s groundbreaking solutions have delivered high quality services and support, when, where and how people need it for over 50 years. Through our state-of-the-art technology-enabled services, community wellness programs, and advocacy and education work, we are building a society in which emotional wellness can be a reality for everyone.
Position Overview:
The Senior Director, Data Science & Machine Learning provides strategic and technical leadership for Vibrant’s Data Science, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence function. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Data, this role is responsible for establishing and leading the organization’s data science capabilities in support of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, H2H (Here 2 Help), Community Programs, and enterprise initiatives. The Senior Director oversees the development of data science strategy, applied research, machine learning engineering standards, and AI governance while ensuring analytical solutions are operationally effective, compliant with applicable regulations, and aligned with organizational priorities. This position serves as the senior technical leader for data science and machine learning, providing direction for team development, cross-functional collaboration, and the responsible implementation of AI-enabled solutions.
Duties/Responsibilities:
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Define and execute Vibrant’s multi-year data science, machine learning, and AI strategy and roadmap in partnership with Technology leadership.
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Lead and grow the organization’s data science and machine learning function, providing mentorship, technical leadership, and career development for team members.
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Translate organizational priorities into a structured applied research and delivery portfolio with measurable outcomes supporting 988 Lifeline, H2H, Community Programs, and enterprise initiatives.
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Advise executive leadership on emerging AI technologies, strategic opportunities, and build-versus-buy decisions.
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Represent Vibrant’s data science and AI capabilities with executive stakeholders, federal partners, vendors, and external organizations.
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Establish and maintain technical standards for machine learning development, validation methodologies, code quality, documentation, reproducibility, and engineering best practices.
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Coach and mentor data scientists, analysts, and engineers through code reviews, technical guidance, and structured learning opportunities.
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Recruit, onboard, and retain high-performing data science and AI talent while defining organizational structure and future hiring strategy.
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Foster a culture grounded in scientific rigor, innovation, responsible AI, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
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Lead applied research initiatives that translate analytical findings into actionable recommendations and production-ready machine learning solutions.
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Design and oversee advanced quantitative research, program evaluation, and statistical modeling supporting organizational and federal reporting requirements.
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Develop and maintain outcome measurement frameworks that evaluate service quality, client outcomes, and operational performance.
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Oversee development, deployment, and monitoring of NLP and machine learning models supporting crisis services, including call summarization, sentiment analysis, quality assurance, risk detection, and routing optimization.
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Partner with engineering teams to ensure machine learning models are deployed within secure, HIPAA-compliant infrastructure and monitored throughout the model lifecycle.
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Ensure all production AI and machine learning systems meet governance, validation, documentation, audit, and regulatory requirements.
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Serve as the senior technical representative within Data Governance and Responsible AI governance forums, helping establish enterprise AI policies and standards.
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Collaborate with cross-functional technology, engineering, analytics, governance, and program leaders to ensure machine learning solutions align with operational priorities and clinical appropriateness.
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Support cooperative agreement deliverables, research reporting, and external program evaluation activities.
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Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
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Executive-level expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and applied artificial intelligence.
•
Deep technical knowledge of end-to-end machine learning lifecycle management, including model development, validation, deployment, monitoring, and optimization.
•
Demonstrated experience leading and scaling high-performing data science, machine learning, or AI teams within complex organizations.
•
Proven ability to establish technical standards, engineering best practices, and scientific rigor across data science initiatives.
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Strong experience translating applied research into production-ready machine learning systems that deliver measurable organizational impact.
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Experience designing quantitative research studies, evaluating complex analytical methods, and communicating research findings with appropriate scientific rigor.
•
Knowledge of responsible AI frameworks, model governance, model risk management, fairness evaluation, and explainable AI principles.
•
Experience working with highly regulated or sensitive data environments, including HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, or similar regulatory frameworks.
•
Strong ability to partner with executive leadership, engineering, product, analytics, governance, and operational teams to deliver enterprise AI solutions.
•
Demonstrated ability to recruit, mentor, develop, and retain technical talent while fostering a collaborative and psychologically safe team culture.
•
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
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Strong strategic thinking, decision-making, and organizational leadership capabilities.
•
Demonstrated commitment to responsible AI, ethical machine learning, equity, transparency, and continuous improvement.
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Experience within healthcare, behavioral health, public health, nonprofit, or other mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.
Required Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field required; Master’s or Ph.D. strongly preferred.
•
10+ years of progressive experience in applied data science and/or machine learning engineering.
•
Minimum of 5 years of people leadership experience managing data scientists, machine learning engineers, or research teams.
•
Demonstrated success building, leading, or significantly scaling a data science, machine learning, or artificial intelligence function.
•
Proven experience delivering end-to-end production machine learning solutions, including deployment, monitoring, governance, and continuous model improvement.
•
Strong technical proficiency with Python and modern machine learning frameworks such as scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face, MLflow, Snowflake, dbt, or comparable technologies.
•
Experience working in healthcare, behavioral health, crisis services, public health, or other federally regulated environments strongly preferred.
•
Familiarity with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and governance requirements related to sensitive data.
•
Experience with causal inference methodologies, advanced statistical analysis, or program evaluation preferred.
•
Experience supporting federal grants, cooperative agreements, or government-funded programs is highly desirable.
Physical Requirements:
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Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
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Will constantly operate a computer and other standard office equipment.
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May occasionally ascend and descend a ladder to service office equipment or facilities.
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Will frequently communicate over video calls with internal and external stakeholders to provide updates, technical guidance, and project status.
Benefits
We determine base pay through a comprehensive review of skills, experience, education, certifications, geographic location, and other relevant factors. The range listed reflects the compensation parameters for the role and does not represent the full compensation package. A complete overview of compensation and benefits will be provided by the Talent Acquisition team during the hiring process.
Full time employees will be eligible for excellent comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, supplemental income insurance, employer paid disability insurance, employer paid life insurance, pre-tax FSA for medical and dependent care, and 401K available.
Legal
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. Vibrant will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
Vibrant Emotional Health is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, caregiver status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Please be aware that fictitious job openings, consulting engagements, solicitations, or employment offers may be circulated on the Internet in an attempt to obtain privileged information, or to induce you to pay a fee for services related to recruitment or training. Vibrant does NOT charge any application, processing, or training fee at any stage of the recruitment or hiring process. All genuine job openings will be posted on our careers page and all communications from the Vibrant recruiting team and/or hiring managers will be from an @vibrant.org email address.
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