Director, Data Scientist

Our Purpose

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Title and Summary

Director, Data Scientist

Overview
The AI Ops team is seeking a Director of Data Science to lead enterprise data science strategy and drive AI-powered solutions that improve reliability and performance at scale. The ideal candidate is a strategic people leader who is highly motivated, intellectually curious, analytical, and passionate about translating complex data into scalable AI and machine learning solutions.

Role
-Define and execute data science strategy aligned to AI Ops and enterprise priorities, identifying opportunities where AI and advanced analytics can improve operational resilience, performance, and decision-making
-Lead the design, development, and deployment of machine learning, deep learning, predictive modeling, and generative AI solutions that address complex operational challenges
-Establish best practices for model development, validation, governance, and lifecycle management to ensure scalable, reliable, and production-ready solutions
-Translate complex data and analytical insights into strategic recommendations that influence executive decision-making and measurable business outcomes.
-Partner across Engineering, Product, Operations, and AI/ML Engineering teams to operationalize models and enable intelligent automation across platforms.
-Build and develop high-performing data science teams, fostering innovation, accountability, technical excellence, continuous learning, and mentorship for junior team members.

All About You
-Advanced expertise in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and predictive modeling, with proven ability to deliver enterprise-scale solutions that drive measurable business impact
-Strong experience applying machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI techniques to large-scale, complex datasets and operational challenges
-Strong foundation in applied mathematics, statistics, algorithm design, and model validation, with the ability to build scalable, robust, and business-aligned solutions
-Proven ability to translate complex data into actionable insights, define success metrics, and influence strategic business decisions through analytics
-Demonstrated success leading high-performing data science teams, mentoring junior team members, developing talent, and aligning team capabilities to long-term business and organizational strategy
-Familiarity with AI Ops, MLOps, model lifecycle management, production deployment, or highly regulated large-scale enterprise environments is highly valued

Corporate Security Responsibility
Every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security. All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and therefore, it is expected that the successful candidate for this position must:

-Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices;
-Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
-Report any suspected information security violation or breach; and
-Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.

Mastercard is a merit-based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role. In the US or Canada, if you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application process or during the recruitment process, please contact reasonable_accommodation@mastercard.com and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Reasonable Accommodations team will respond to your email promptly.

Corporate Security Responsibility

All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices;

• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;

• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and

• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.

In line with Mastercard’s total compensation philosophy and assuming that the job will be performed in the US, the successful candidate will be offered a competitive base salary and may be eligible for an annual bonus or commissions depending on the role. The base salary offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Mastercard benefits for full time (and certain part time) employees generally include: insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance); flexible spending account and health savings account; paid leaves (including 16 weeks of new parent leave and up to 20 days of bereavement leave); 80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time, 25 days of vacation time and 5 personal days, pro-rated based on date of hire; 10 annual paid U.S. observed holidays; 401k with a best-in-class company match; deferred compensation for eligible roles; fitness reimbursement or on-site fitness facilities; eligibility for tuition reimbursement; and many more. Mastercard benefits for interns generally include: 56 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time; jury duty leave; and on-site fitness facilities in some locations.

Pay Ranges

O'Fallon, Missouri: $170,000 - $281,000 USD