Director, Data Science

First Tech Federal Credit Union; Marlborough (MA); On-site; USD 184,000 - 221,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

First Tech Federal Credit Union in Hillsboro, OR and Marlborough, MA seeks a senior leader to drive advanced analytics, ML, and AI to business outcomes.

You will guide data science initiatives, set governance standards, and translate complex insights into actionable strategy for cross-functional partners. Excellent communication and leadership are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 4 extra years of relevant experience.
• 8+ years of relevant experience, 4+ years as a People Leader.
• Experience in regulated industries (financial services, healthcare or insurance).
• Deep expertise in statistical analysis, predictive modeling and advanced analytics.
• Experience with modern ML frameworks, AI platforms, and cloud analytics (AWS/Azure/GCP).
• Knowledge of data architecture, governance, data quality, and large-scale data environments.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with business storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Leads data science strategy and programs aligned to business goals.
• Directs design and implementation of advanced analytical models and ML solutions.
• Oversees data collection, preparation, analysis and interpretation of large datasets.
• Establishes governance and scalable analytics frameworks for consistency.
• Partners with senior leaders to translate objectives into data-driven solutions.
• Evaluates new data science technologies and drives innovation.
• Leads development of data visualization, reporting and communication strategies.
• Manages multiple initiatives with budgets, timelines and priorities.
• Builds and mentors high-performing data science teams.

Education

Bachelor's degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree)

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

Job Summary:

The role provides strategic leadership for the application of advanced analytics, statistical modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to drive business outcomes and support organizational objectives. This role leads the development and execution of data science initiatives, establishes analytical frameworks and methodologies, and guides teams in transforming complex data into actionable insights that inform enterprise decision-making.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Leads the development and execution of data science strategies, programs, and priorities that support business objectives and contribute to organizational performance.
• Directs the design, development, and implementation of advanced analytical models, predictive algorithms, machine learning solutions, and AI-driven capabilities to address complex business challenges and opportunities.
• Oversees the collection, preparation, analysis, and interpretation of large and complex datasets to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and actionable insights.
• Establishes and maintains data science methodologies, modeling standards, governance practices, and analytical frameworks that promote consistency, accuracy, scalability, and business value.
• Partners with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to translate strategic objectives into data-driven solutions, influencing decisions and prioritization across multiple business areas.
• Evaluates existing and emerging data science technologies, techniques, and industry practices, recommending innovations that enhance analytical capabilities and organizational effectiveness.
• Provides leadership for the development of data visualization, reporting, and communication strategies that effectively convey complex findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Oversees multiple data science initiatives, processes, or programs, ensuring delivery against objectives, timelines, budgets, and organizational priorities.
• Develops and manages departmental plans, resource allocation, budgets, and performance metrics to ensure effective execution of operational and strategic goals.
• Builds, leads, and develops high-performing teams by establishing clear expectations, fostering professional growth, and creating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Typical Scope:

• Works on issues requiring conceptual thinking and deep understanding of organizational objectives. Routinely exercises significant judgment on moderate to complex business problems. Influences timelines, expectations, and negotiates across departments and functional management. Interacts with executive leadership on strategic matters. Responsible for strategy execution and operational direction of a business function or sub function. Supports strategy development and ensures alignment with organizational goals. Oversees the creation and implementation of functional strategies and objectives, ensuring execution within budget and policy frameworks.
• Possesses expert level understanding of their functional area and competent knowledge of the broader organization and competitive environment. Has broad knowledge across multiple disciplines. Accountable for multiple processes or programs and contributes to the development of budgets, policies, and procedures that support the functional infrastructure.
• Manages a small department or large team, typically through subordinate Senior Managers and Managers. Develops staff for both current and long-term departmental needs. Manages costs, planning, and staffing. Builds tactical and strategic relationships across the organization.
• 4 - 7 Senior Managers, Managers, Assistant Managers and/or Staff Professionals and below reporting to them.

Education & Experience:

• Required Education:Bachelor's degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree), advanced degree preferred.
• Required Experience: 8+ years of relevant experience, 4+ years as a People Leader.
• Experience operating in highly regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare, or insurance, with an understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management requirements.
• Deep expertise in statistical analysis, predictive modeling, optimization, experimentation, causal inference, and advanced analytical techniques.
• Experience with modern machine learning frameworks, AI platforms, and cloud-native analytics technologies (AWS, Azure, and/or GCP).
• Deep expertise in statistical analysis, predictive modeling, machine learning techniques, data mining, and advanced analytical methodologies.

• Strong understanding of data architecture, data governance, data quality practices, and large-scale data environments.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders, build cross-functional partnerships, and align analytical initiatives with business strategy.
• Experience managing complex projects, programs, budgets, and resources across multiple priorities and stakeholder groups.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into meaningful business insights and recommendations.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational leadership capabilities.
• Knowledge of industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving practices related to data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Location: Hillsboro, OR

Marlborough/Chelmsford, MA

Target Compensation: $184,000 - $220,500 annually + annual bonus

Schedule:

Monday- Friday : 8am - 5pm

Who We Are:

What makes First Tech different?

Every great journey begins with a bold idea-and ours is no different. First Tech and DCU were founded on the belief that financial solutions should put people first. That belief has fueled decades of innovation and service, rooted in the tech sector and expanding to support members from all walks of life.

Employees are eligible for:

• Traditional medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous 401(k) match
• Paid Time Off: You'll accrue up to 15 days in your first year. In addition, you'll receive 40 hours of sick time and 3 personal days, which refresh annually
• Paid federal holidays
• Special employee pricing on lending products such as mortgage, auto, and personal loans (eligibility subject to standard account requirements and underwriting criteria)

Employment Statements:

First Tech is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity, inclusion, and equity at our company. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you're applying for a job and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

First Tech is not currently offering Visa transfer/sponsorship for this position.