Director, Data Science

The Director, Data Science at RAPP Chicago leads a team of data scientists who focus on turning complex data into actionable insights. This position requires proficiency in machine learning, AI, and various statistical methods to optimize client marketing efforts. You'll work on creating customer segmentation models, media mix approaches, and forecasting tools that are directly applicable in real-world scenarios, driving value for our clients.

Candidates for the Director, Data Science role at RAPP Chicago should hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, or Applied Mathematics, alongside 8+ years of relevant experience. Proven skills in popular data science languages, particularly Python, R, and SQL, are essential, along with a strong background in statistical analysis, model building, and machine learning for effective results.

RAPP Chicago's hybrid work model is designed to enhance collaboration while offering flexibility. Employees can enjoy the best of both worlds: engaging with their teams in-person and working from home for two days a week. This balance supports individual needs and fosters a culture of connection and collaboration, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance.

As the Director, Data Science, you will manage a talented team, focusing on leveraging customer and campaign data to address marketing challenges. Your responsibilities include developing machine learning algorithms, conducting data engineering tasks, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that insights are effectively translated into value-driven actions for our clients.

The Director, Data Science at RAPP will work on a diverse portfolio of projects focusing on customer journey optimization, marketing attribution models, and predictive analytics. You will address real-world marketing scenarios using dynamic data approaches that foster authentic connections, ensuring our clients achieve exceptional results in their marketing campaigns.

Essential skills for the Director, Data Science role at RAPP include advanced proficiency in data science programming languages like Python, R, and SQL, expertise in statistical methods, model building, and machine learning. Strong communication abilities and experience in mentoring other data scientists are also crucial for effectively leading the team and working collaboratively across departments.

The expected salary range for the Director, Data Science role at RAPP Chicago is between $140,000 to $160,000. This range is determined by various factors including experience, skill set, and educational background. We encourage applicants with varying experiences to apply, as RAPP values individuality and diverse perspectives.

In addressing this question, highlight specific machine learning projects you have led or participated in, detailing the objectives, methodologies utilized, and outcomes achieved. Be sure to mention tools you used, any challenges faced, and lessons learned to demonstrate your hands-on experience in delivering impactful data solutions.

When answering this question, outline the steps you take in developing customer segmentation models, such as defining objectives, gathering data, selecting features, and choosing appropriate algorithms. Discuss any tools you leverage and real-world examples of how segmentation helped clients achieve targeted marketing efforts.

Discuss your time management and prioritization techniques, emphasizing your ability to balance multiple projects and navigate tight deadlines. Share examples of past experiences where you effectively communicated with stakeholders and ensured project milestones were met while maintaining quality.

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to describe a specific challenge you faced, detailing how you approached the problem, the innovative solutions you devised, and the overall impact your work had on the organization or client. This showcases your problem-solving abilities and resilience.

Showcase your commitment to continuous learning by discussing professional development activities, such as attending conferences, completing relevant courses, or engaging with data science communities. Provide examples of how you’ve integrated new tools or methodologies into your previous work to enhance strategies.

Describe a specific project where collaboration was essential. Explain your role in facilitating communication among teams, and how you ensured everyone was aligned toward achieving common goals. Illustrate the significance of team collaboration in delivering positive results for clients.

List specific tools you prefer for data visualization (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or Matplotlib). Explain why you find them effective, discussing how you have used these tools in past roles to convey complex data insights clearly and engagingly, thus driving strategic decisions.

Demonstrate your openness to feedback by sharing instances where you've received constructive criticism. Discuss how you actively seek input and use it to enhance your analyses or approaches, showcasing your growth mindset and dedication to continuous improvement.

Discuss various metrics you consider for measuring success, such as return on investment (ROI), conversion rates, and customer engagement. Provide insights into how you interpret this data to inform strategy adjustments and improve campaign effectiveness.

Detail your experience with statistical software such as R or Python libraries (Pandas, NumPy) for data manipulation and analysis. Share specific examples of how these tools have been used to derive insights and improve client outcomes through your data-centered methods.