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# VP, Data Science with a leading Media Group – Seattle, WA



Role Overview for VP, Data Science with a leading Media Group – Seattle, WA
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, globally recognized Media Group in their search for a transformative Vice President of Data Science. This is a rare opportunity to join the executive leadership team of a company at the absolute forefront of digital content, entertainment, and news. Our client is not just a media company; they are a technology-driven organization that leverages data to create compelling experiences, engage billions of users, and define the future of information consumption. Based in the vibrant tech hub of Seattle, WA, you will be at the epicenter of innovation, leading a world-class team dedicated to solving the most challenging problems in the media landscape through the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
As the VP of Data Science, you will be the chief architect of the company’s data-driven future. You will be responsible for crafting and executing a comprehensive data science vision and strategy that aligns with and accelerates core business objectives. This role is not just about managing a team; it’s about being a thought leader, a strategic partner to the C-suite, and a hands-on mentor who can inspire excellence.
You will oversee all aspects of data science, from foundational research and algorithm development to the deployment of scalable machine learning models that impact everything from content personalization and recommendation engines to advertising optimization and audience analytics. Your work will directly influence product development, strategic decision-making, and the overall trajectory of the company. We are seeking a visionary leader who can harness the vast potential of our client’s unique and extensive datasets to create unparalleled value for both the business and its global audience.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned data science executive with a proven track record of building and scaling high-performing teams, driving significant business impact through data, and leading with a blend of deep technical expertise and strategic business acumen. You are passionate about the intersection of media, technology, and data, and you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This role demands a leader who can think big, challenge the status quo, and translate complex data science concepts into clear, actionable strategies that resonate across the entire organization. If you are ready to take on a career-defining challenge and shape the next generation of media, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Data Science with a leading Media Group – Seattle, WA
Strategic Vision and Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a forward-thinking, company-wide data science and AI/ML roadmap. Partner closely with the CEO, CTO, CPO, and other executive leaders to ensure data initiatives are perfectly aligned with overarching business goals and drive competitive advantage.
Team Building and Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and expand a world-class, multi-disciplinary team of data scientists, machine learning engineers, research scientists, and data analysts. Foster an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative culture that attracts and retains top-tier talent.
Innovation and Research & Development
Champion a culture of continuous innovation. Spearhead research and development into cutting-edge techniques in areas such as deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, reinforcement learning, and causal inference to solve complex business problems.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Act as a key strategic partner to Product, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, and Content teams. Drive the integration of data intelligence and machine learning models into all facets of the user experience, including content recommendation, personalization, user segmentation, and search.
Technical and Architectural Oversight
Provide expert technical guidance on model development, validation, and deployment. Oversee the creation of a robust, scalable, and efficient MLOps framework and data science platform to accelerate the end-to-end machine learning lifecycle.
Drive Business Impact
Translate vast datasets and complex model outputs into actionable insights and measurable business outcomes. Quantify the value of data science initiatives and effectively communicate the ROI to executive stakeholders, demonstrating a clear impact on revenue, engagement, and user retention.
Data Governance and Ethical AI
Establish and champion best practices for data governance, data quality, and data privacy. Ensure the ethical, fair, and transparent application of AI and machine learning models across the organization, building trust with users and stakeholders.
Executive Communication
Serve as the company’s leading expert and evangelist for data science. Clearly and concisely communicate complex technical concepts, strategic roadmaps, and project outcomes to a diverse range of audiences, from the board of directors to individual engineers.
Budget and Resource Management
Own and manage the budget for the entire data science organization, including headcount, infrastructure costs, and tooling. Make strategic investments to ensure the team is equipped for success.
Requirements for the VP, Data Science with a leading Media Group – Seattle, WA
Educational Background
An advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline with a strong focus on machine learning or artificial intelligence.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 12-15 years of professional experience in the data science field, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (Director, Senior Director, or VP level) managing and scaling large data science teams.
Industry Expertise
Proven experience in a B2C technology-driven industry is essential. Experience within the media, entertainment, streaming, or digital content sectors is highly preferred and will be a significant advantage.
Technical Mastery
Deep, hands-on expertise across the full spectrum of machine learning, including supervised and unsupervised learning, recommendation systems, personalization algorithms, NLP, time-series analysis, and deep learning. A strong portfolio of deploying ML models into production environments at scale is required.
Technology Stack Proficiency
Fluency in programming languages such as Python or R, and extensive experience with core data science libraries (e.g., Scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy) and ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras). Strong understanding of big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop, Kafka) and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
Strategic Acumen
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, connecting data science work directly to business value and long-term goals. Experience developing multi-year roadmaps and securing executive buy-in for ambitious initiatives.
Leadership and Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership qualities with a proven ability to inspire, motivate, and develop talent. World-class communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus among both technical and non-technical senior executives.
Commitment to Innovation
A deep intellectual curiosity and a passion for staying at the forefront of the field. A commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field, such as those presented at top-tier conferences like the ACM SIGKDD Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining, is expected.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive compensation package to attract and retain the very best talent. The successful candidate will receive:

A highly competitive executive base salary.
A significant annual performance-based bonus.
A substantial long-term incentive plan with equity (RSUs/Stock Options).
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents with low premiums.
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, plus company holidays.
Paid parental and family leave programs.
A wellness stipend to support your physical and mental health.
An annual budget for professional development, including conferences, certifications, and continuing education.
Relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to the Seattle area.
Commuter benefits and other local perks.
The opportunity to work in a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative environment with a profound impact on a global scale.

How to Apply
If you are a visionary data science leader ready to make a significant and lasting impact on the global media landscape, we strongly encourage you to apply for this confidential search. JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this executive role.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your leadership experience and your vision for data science in the media industry. For more information about our expertise in recruiting top-tier technology executives, please visit our Technology & Data Analytics Practice page. We are committed to a confidential and respectful application process and look forward to reviewing your qualifications.