Director of Data Science

Company Overview
Datalign Advisory is a cutting-edge platform that provides AI-driven, data-centric financial advisory services, connecting users with expert advisors to optimize financial decision-making. Our goal is to revolutionize the financial advisory landscape by offering personalized, scalable solutions through advanced technology and data analytics. In 2022, we launched from Cambridge’s innovation hub with Link Ventures as our lead investor. Today, we’ve connected over $40 billion in assets with 7,000 trusted advisors.

Position Overview
We are seeking an exceptional Director of Data Science to lead our product-focused data science initiatives and drive strategic decision-making through advanced analytics and machine learning. This senior leadership role requires a proven track record of building and scaling data science capabilities that directly impact product development, user experience, and business outcomes.
As Director of Data Science, you will shape the future of how consumers connect with vetted financial advisory firms through our proprietary three-sided marketplace, leveraging data and AI-powered analytics to create meaningful one-to-one matches and improved financial outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the company-wide data science strategy aligned with product roadmap and business objectives, reporting directly to CEO
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with product management, engineering, and business teams to rapidly identify and test high-impact opportunities
• Drive the adoption of data-driven decision making across all product development and business functions in a fast-paced startup environment
• Establish lean data science standards and governance frameworks that enable rapid experimentation and iteration
• Influence strategic company decisions through data insights while maintaining startup speed and agility
• Create frameworks for rapid hypothesis testing, learning from failures, and scaling successful experiments

Product Focus

• Partner closely with product teams to enhance our AI-powered matching algorithms that connect consumers with financial advisory firms
• Design and implement measurement frameworks for product experiments and A/B testing across our three-sided marketplace
• Develop sophisticated customer segmentation models and behavioral analytics to improve match quality and user satisfaction
• Build predictive models for user engagement, advisor-client matching success, and platform optimization
• Drive data-driven decision making for product development, ensuring insights align with business objectives across consumer and advisor experiences
• Team Leadership & Development
• Lead and mentor a team of 2 data analysts while building plans to scale the data science function
• Establish career development pathways and performance management processes in a fast-moving startup environment
• Encourage a "move fast and try things" mentality with disciplined measurement and learning
• Instill technical excellence and best practices for the data science discipline while maintaining startup agility

Technical Excellence

• Architect scalable ML platforms and data infrastructure supporting product analytics
• Oversee end-to-end ML lifecycle from research to production deployment
• Ensure model performance monitoring, maintenance, and continuous improvement
• Drive adoption of cutting-edge techniques in machine learning and generative AI as applicable

Required Qualifications
Education & Experience

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or related quantitative field; or MS/MBA with equivalent experience
• 10+ years of progressive data science experience with 5+ years in senior leadership roles (Amazon L7+ equivalent)
• Proven track record of operating at principal/staff level in technology companies with direct executive impact
• Experience building and scaling data science organizations in startup environments
• Demonstrated success in high-growth, high-impact roles with measurable business outcomes
• Entrepreneurial mindset with willingness to experiment, fail fast, and iterate quickly across diverse business areas
• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to make data-driven decisions with incomplete information
• Proven track record of moving quickly from hypothesis to implementation while maintaining rigor in measurement and learning

Technical Expertise

• Expert-level proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and distributed computing frameworks
• Deep understanding of machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling, and experimental design
• Experience with modern ML platforms (e.g. AWS/GCP/Azure ML, MLflow, Kubeflow)
• Proficiency in big data technologies (e.g. Spark, Dask, Kafka, Airflow) and cloud architectures
• Strong background in product analytics, recommendation systems, and personalization

Leadership & Product Skills

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex business problems into data science solutions with company-wide impact
• Experience working at the executive level with C-suite stakeholders and board members
• Proven track record of driving strategic company decisions through data insights and experimentation
• Strong track record of influencing product and business strategy through advanced analytics
• Excellent communication skills with ability to present complex analyses to executives, investors, and external partners
• Experience with product metrics frameworks (OKRs, KPIs) and growth analytics at scale
• Ability to operate effectively as a key member of senior leadership team

Industry Knowledge

• Deep understanding of product development lifecycle and user experience principles in marketplace environments
• Experience with customer analytics, cohort analysis, and funnel optimization for multi-sided platforms
• Knowledge of privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA) and ethical AI practices
• Familiarity with product management methodologies and customer research techniques
• Preferred: Experience in fintech, wealth management, or financial services

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in fintech, wealth management, or financial advisory services
• Track record of publications in top-tier conferences or journals
• Experience with real-time ML systems and matching algorithms
• Background in marketplace dynamics and multi-sided platform optimization
• Experience with data monetization and building data products
• Understanding of regulatory requirements in financial services

What We Offer

• A dynamic, team-centric and supportive environment in the heart of Kendall Square where your work has a direct impact on enhancing financial advisory services.
• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, and retirement savings plans
• Commuting is on us and we will pay for your monthly parking, T Pass or commuter rail pass. We also offer a corporate Bluebike membership.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a rapidly growing company.
• Weekly lunches catered to the office.
• Fully stocked kitchen covering all of coffee, tea and snack needs. 

Additional Information

• We are only accepting applications from candidates in the Greater Boston area, as this is a hybrid role with 4 days a week in office.