Vice President, Data Science

More about the role:

Burson is seeking a Vice President, Data Science to join our Insights & Intelligence (I&I) team. This highly strategic and hands-on role will drive advanced analytics, data science, dashboarding, predictive modeling, and AI-powered initiatives that help clients solve complex business, communications, reputation, and stakeholder challenges.

This is an opportunity to operate at the intersection of data, technology, AI, and communications, leading high-impact programs that transform complex datasets into actionable insights, predictive intelligence, and measurable business outcomes. You will serve as a senior advisor to clients and internal stakeholders, delivering scalable analytics solutions that influence decision-making, communications strategy, audience targeting, impact measurement, and broader business objectives.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong consulting and client leadership skills. They are equally comfortable architecting sophisticated data solutions, guiding executive-level conversations, mentoring technical teams, and identifying opportunities to expand Burson's analytics and AI capabilities.

What you'll do:

• Lead end-to-end delivery of advanced data science, predictive analytics, and data engineering engagements, overseeing scope, timelines, budgets, and client expectations.
• Serve as a senior client counselor and strategic advisor, translating complex technical findings into clear, actionable business recommendations for executive stakeholders.
• Design, develop, and deploy predictive models, including forecasting, time-series analysis, marketing mix modeling (MMM), machine learning, and AI-driven solutions.
• Architect scalable data pipelines, cloud-based data environments, AI-enabled infrastructure, and production-ready analytics solutions.
• Develop analytics frameworks that connect communications, marketing, reputation, and business performance data to measurable outcomes.
• Integrate predictive outputs, machine learning capabilities, and advanced analytics into client-facing dashboards, reporting environments, and decision-support tools.
• Lead the development of innovative AI and analytics applications that improve efficiency, uncover new insights, and create competitive advantages for clients.
• Ensure analytical rigor, data governance, quality assurance, security, and compliance across all projects and deliverables.
• Oversee and mentor data scientists, engineers, analysts, and technical specialists while promoting best practices in coding, modeling, and solution architecture.
• Guide the development of executive-level presentations, strategic recommendations, dashboards, and data-driven storytelling initiatives.
• Contribute to the growth of the practice by identifying new opportunities, strengthening client relationships, supporting business development efforts, and expanding Burson's data science and AI capabilities.
• Champion the responsible, ethical, and effective use of AI across analytics workflows and client engagements.

Experience that contributes to success:

• 8+ years of experience in data science, analytics, data engineering, machine learning, predictive modeling, or a related field, with experience leading teams and complex client engagements.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale analytics, AI, and data science initiatives in agency, consulting, communications, marketing, technology, or related client-service environments.
• Proven ability to manage senior client relationships and communicate complex technical concepts to executive and non-technical audiences.
• Deep expertise in predictive modeling, statistical analysis, machine learning, forecasting, and advanced analytics methodologies.
• Strong experience designing and managing cloud-based data platforms, scalable ETL/ELT processes, and modern data architectures.
• Advanced proficiency in Python, SQL, R, and other relevant analytics and data science technologies.
• Experience developing and deploying production-ready analytics solutions, AI applications, and predictive models.
• Dashboarding and data visualization expertise using platforms such as Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or similar technologies.
• Experience integrating data from multiple sources to create holistic measurement frameworks and business intelligence solutions.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex datasets into compelling insights and strategic recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and quality.
• Experience mentoring and developing technical talent while fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Familiarity with emerging AI, generative AI, and large language model (LLM) technologies and their practical business applications.
• Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience applying advanced analytics and AI solutions within communications, public relations, marketing, media, customer intelligence, or reputation management environments.
• Expertise in cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
• Experience with MLOps, model deployment, data governance, and enterprise-scale analytics infrastructure.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled research tools, generative AI applications, and emerging technologies shaping the future of analytics and insights.
• Experience contributing to business development, solution innovation, thought leadership, and practice growth initiatives.

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Burson is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.