Executive Director, Data Scientist

The Executive Director, Data Science leads a team of Data Science professionals responsible for the full lifecycle of advanced AI/ML solutions. This includes the development, implementation, and ongoing optimization of solutions leveraging predictive analytics, machine learning, simulation, and related techniques. These AI/ML solutions generate actionable management and member insights and seamlessly integrate with customer-facing applications to enhance the member experience. A critical aspect of this role is developing and championing a compelling AI/ML vision and roadmap for the Bank, identifying strategic opportunities and driving innovation that delivers tangible business value.

This role drives continuous improvement in AI/ML processes and systems across IT and other key areas. This leader guides the development of data science solutions and long-term strategies, ensuring alignment with the Bank's overall objectives. Furthermore, this individual cultivates and maintains strong relationships with academic and industry thought leaders, keeping the Bank at the forefront of AI innovation and ensuring access to cutting-edge thinking and technologies.

We offer a flexible work environment that requires an individual to be in the office 4 days per week. This position can be based in one of the following locations: San Antonio, TX, Plano, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Colorado Springs, CO, Charlotte, NC, Chesapeake, VA or Tampa, FL. Relocation assistance is available for this position.

What you'll do:

• Responsible for defining and innovating machine learning capabilities that enable business to meet strategic goals

• Leverages state-of-the-art machine learning/AI tools and analytical methodologies to develop and implement various types of predictive models with the targeted goal of achieving business priorities

• Partners with key stakeholders from business units to gather, analyze, and determine data and information requirements in support of the data and analytics roadmap, and determine the feasibility of those requirements from a technical perspective

• Collaborates with other senior leaders to set the strategic direction of the business through data and information exploration, research of emerging technologies or analytical techniques and long-term defined/project specific strategic assignments.

• Agility to collaborate and influence peers and customers as the Data Science discipline continues to scale and mature

• Responsible for the exploration of promising new technologies, analytical methods, and data sources (internal to USAA & external) that have potential to add value to the enterprise.

• Accountable for solutions that influence decision makers and drive change by driving and helping to set the business direction, environment, and strategies.

• Accountable for the design and construction of large and complex data sets from large amounts of structured and unstructured data (internal and external) to enable analytical solutions.

• Builds and leads a high performing team of experts in advanced analytics; develops team reputation as highly skilled experts in the field of data science.

• Strengthens data stewardship, actively manages information risk, and collaborates in division and enterprise data and analytics leadership forums to further information governance and mitigate information and business risks.

• Ensures risks associated with business activities are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.

What you have:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Quantitative Economics, Statistics, or directly related field; OR 4 years of related experience (in addition to the minimum years of experience required) may be substituted in lieu of degree.

• 10 years of experience in predictive modeling, large data analysis and computer science.

• 4 years of people leadership experience in building, managing and/or developing high-performing applied analytics (data science, decision science, etc.) teams.

• Experience in stochastic modeling, machine learning, and other advanced mathematical techniques (e.g., neural nets, simulation, graph analysis).

• Extensive knowledge in at least one advanced analytics programming language (e.g., Python, R, etc.)

• A strong track record of communicating results, insights, and technical solutions to Senior Executive Management (or equivalent).

• Extensive experience in data mining and statistical analysis.

• Demonstrated pattern recognition and predictive modeling skills.

• Knowledge and application of Data Science principals and experience with data science methodologies.

• Experience with the following statistical and predictive modeling approaches: Gaussian Process; Markov Models; Hierarchical Clustering; K-Means; Linear Regression; Logistic Regression; Monte Carlo Simulation; Neural Networks.

• Extensive technical skills, consulting experience, and business savvy to interface with all levels and disciplines within our customers’ organization.

• Demonstrated experience leading business or product/portfolio transformation through use of advanced analytics

• Demonstrated ability to communicate ideas with team members and/or business leaders to convey and present very technical information to an audience that may have little or no understanding of technical concepts in data science.

What sets you apart

• This individual is a key partner with IT, ensuring the successful and efficient deployment of AI solutions, and effectively managing related IT investments to align with the overall AI/ML roadmap and maximize return on investment.

•  A proven ability to take ownership of and successfully deliver complex AI initiatives from conception to production is essential.

• Given the critical nature of AI, a strong model governance background is paramount.

• This leader provides expert leadership in collaborating with control partners and regulators on AI solution-related reviews and examinations, proactively addressing potential risks and ensuring full compliance.

• US military experience through military service or a military spouse/domestic partner

Salary: The salary range for this position is: $224,250-$403,650.