Director of Data Science

Gainor Staffing; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-friendly

Hybrid option NYC preferred

Annual performance bonus

Unlimited PTO

401k with match

Medical benefits

Parental leave

Job summary

Gainor Staffing is assisting a premier data-driven media firm in finding a Director of Data Science. This senior IC role demands hands-on leadership with production-grade Python, ML, and optimization work to guide media planning and strategy.

You’ll translate complex business problems into scalable solutions, mentor scientists, and collaborate with engineering and strategy teams to embed models into the tech ecosystem.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of quantitative modeling, statistics, and production-grade Python development.
• 5+ years building and deploying data science software.
• Master’s or PhD in a STEM discipline preferred.
• Fluency in SQL and familiarity with cloud technologies, Git, and modern data pipelines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Build production ML models and optimization tools for media planning.
• Translate business challenges into scalable quantitative solutions.
• Mentor data scientists and guide production-level systems.
• Work with engineering, media strategy, and channel teams to integrate models.
• Contribute to a culture that values rigor, creativity, and collaboration.

Skills

Production-grade Python

Quantitative modeling

Statistics

SQL proficiency

Cloud technologies

Stakeholder communication

Education

Master’s or PhD in a STEM discipline

Tools

Git

Cloud platforms (AWS/GCP)

Data pipelines

Job description

We're Hiring: Director of Data Science | $180K–$200K + Bonus | Remote or Hybrid (NYC Preferred)

Our client—a highly awarded, data-driven media firm—is seeking a Director of Data Science to join their team. Recognized by Ad Age and Adweek for multiple consecutive years for excellence in data and insights, this independent agency is built on more than two decades of applied data science, advanced analytics, and creative innovation. They combine a transparent, tech-first operating model with proprietary tools like their Media Opportunity Analysis (MOA) platform, which has generated tens of millions in savings and measurable revenue uplift for leading global brands. With every initiative grounded in rigorous analytics and powered by modern engineering, this is a high-impact environment for data scientists looking to drive real business outcomes. We’re looking for a senior-level data science leader who thrives in a hands-on, highly technical role—someone with deep production-grade Python experience who’s excited to shape the future of media strategy through machine learning, optimization, and cross-functional collaboration. This is a senior individual contributor (IC) role with no direct reports—but one that offers significant influence, ownership, and mentorship opportunities across the organization.

Top Priorities for the Role

• Senior-Level IC: A hands-on role for someone who thrives in building, optimizing, and deploying data-driven tools and models.


• Production-Quality Python: 7+ years of experience writing and deploying production-grade Python code, ideally in fast-paced or client-facing environments.


• Machine Learning Expertise: Strong experience in predictive modeling, optimization algorithms, and ingesting/cleaning large datasets.


• AdTech/Media Familiarity (Nice to Have): Media mix modeling, reach/frequency optimization, or TV viewership prediction is a plus—but not required.


• Location: Remote-friendly, but NYC-based or hybrid candidates are preferred to support collaboration and team synergy.

What You’ll Do

• Build proprietary ML models and optimization tools used to guide media planning and drive measurable outcomes.


• Translate complex business challenges into scalable quantitative solutions.


• Mentor data scientists and guide development of production-level systems.


• Work closely with engineering, media strategy, and channel teams to integrate models into the broader tech ecosystem.


• Contribute to a culture that values rigor, creativity, and collaboration.

What You Bring

• 7+ years of quantitative modeling, statistics, and production-grade Python development.


• 5+ years of experience building and deploying data science software.


• Master’s or PhD in a STEM discipline preferred.


• Fluency in SQL and familiarity with cloud technologies, version control (Git), and modern data pipelines.


• Excellent communication and stakeholder-facing skills.

Why Join Us

• Base Salary: $180K–$200K + annual performance bonus


• Unlimited PTO, 401k with match (no vesting), comprehensive medical, and paid parental leave


• Work with one of the most decorated data/creative agencies in the industry, where innovation is core to everything we do


• Help shape the next generation of data tools that drive real-world media performance

Gainor is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Gainor are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, national origin, immigration status, marital or familial status, citizenship status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, reproductive health decision making, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic or status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.