Data Science Manager — Lead ML Strategy (Equity)

National Geographic; United States; Remote; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

DraftKings is seeking a senior leader to drive data science and ML initiatives, delivering personalized customer experiences and scalable ML systems. You will guide a team of data scientists and ML engineers across product, engineering, marketing, and revenue to align priorities and deliver measurable impact.

Responsibilities include setting strategic direction, advancing SDLC rigor, and promoting DevOps/MLOps practices while staying ahead of trends in gaming and personalization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in data science or machine learning engineering, including 2 or more years in a formal leadership or management role.
• Proven expertise in Python and SQL, with experience working across modern data platforms and cloud environments.
• Strong understanding of the Software Development Lifecycle and experience leading teams through delivery cycles.
• Hands-on experience with machine learning systems, statistical modeling, and experimentation frameworks.
• Deep familiarity with DevOps and MLOps concepts, including containerization, automation, and production monitoring.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and executives.
• Experience in the gaming industry or a related domain is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategy and execution to power personalized experiences for millions of customers.
• Lead a team of data scientists and ml engineers, guiding projects from concept through production.
• Work with Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Revenue to align priorities and drive impact.
• Set strategic direction, foster innovation, and raise technical standards across the org.
• Guide the team through the Model Development Lifecycle (SDLC) with rigor.
• Partner with Product, Engineering, and business stakeholders to scope projects and deliver data-driven solutions.
• Foster collaboration, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and identify growth opportunities.
• Align team roadmap with larger business goals and outcomes.
• Promote software engineering and MLOps best practices including automation, containerization, monitoring, and testing.
• Stay current on trends in ML, personalization, and gaming to evolve capabilities.

Skills

Python

SQL

ML frameworks

Experimentation

Data platforms

Cloud environments

DevOps/MLOps

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/DS/ML

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Cloud platforms

Containerization

Production monitoring

Job description

DraftKings is seeking a senior leader to drive data science and ML initiatives, delivering personalized customer experiences and scalable ML systems. You will guide a team of data scientists and ML engineers across product, engineering, marketing, and revenue to align priorities and deliver measurable impact.

Responsibilities include setting strategic direction, advancing SDLC rigor, and promoting DevOps/MLOps practices while staying ahead of trends in gaming and personalization.