Director of Data Science

About The Company

USAA is a leading financial services provider dedicated to serving military members and their families. Our mission is to empower our members to achieve financial security by offering highly competitive products, exceptional customer service, and trusted financial advice. With a deep-rooted commitment to integrity, loyalty, honesty, and service, USAA strives to be the preferred choice for the military community. Our organization values innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement, fostering a supportive environment where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact on the lives of our members.

About The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Director of Data Science to lead our advanced analytics team. In this pivotal role, you will oversee a team of skilled Data Scientists responsible for translating complex business challenges into innovative solutions using statistical analysis, machine learning, simulation, and optimization techniques. Your leadership will drive the development and deployment of scalable, automated analytical models that generate actionable insights, enhance operational efficiency, increase revenue, and reduce costs and risks. You will collaborate closely with business leaders to identify opportunities, scope projects, and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Additionally, you will manage the team’s model inventory, ensure compliance with USAA’s model risk policies and regulatory standards, and influence the future direction of data science within the organization by researching emerging technologies and promoting their adoption.

This role offers the flexibility of remote work within the continental U.S., with occasional travel requirements. Candidates residing within a 60-mile radius of a USAA office are expected to work on-site four days per week. We also provide relocation assistance to support the right candidate in joining our team.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a strong educational background in a quantitative discipline such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, or related fields. A bachelor’s degree is required, with a master’s or PhD preferred. Candidates should have at least eight years of experience in predictive modeling, machine learning, and large data analysis, with a minimum of three years in a managerial capacity. Proven expertise in developing, reviewing, and deploying advanced analytical solutions using languages and tools such as SQL, Python, R, Spark, and Hadoop is essential. Excellent communication skills are necessary to effectively translate complex technical concepts into clear insights for diverse audiences, including senior executives. Familiarity with model governance, regulatory expectations, and best practices in AI/ML deployment is also required. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of leading cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, and driving strategic data science initiatives that deliver measurable business value.

Additional qualifications include strong project management skills, the ability to influence stakeholders, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of model risk management and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an advanced analytics thought leader, advising business units on strategies that leverage data science to enhance competitiveness and differentiation.
• Influence and collaborate with data, technology, and business leaders to expand and sustain advanced analytical capabilities through strategic planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of Data Scientists, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and excellence.
• Identify, scope, and manage complex analytical projects by working closely with stakeholders, translating business needs into technical solutions, and presenting insights in an understandable manner to non-technical audiences.

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• Champion the delivery of scalable, automated solutions utilizing machine learning, simulation, and optimization techniques to generate actionable business insights.
• Ensure all modeling efforts adhere to industry standards, model risk policies, and regulatory requirements, maintaining the integrity and compliance of the model inventory.
• Partner with enterprise analytical and IT teams to build core capabilities, improve processes, and support technological advancements.
• Identify resource needs, including technology investments and additional staffing, to support ongoing projects and innovation initiatives.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, coaching, and performance management of the data science team to foster growth and retention.
• Monitor and mitigate risks associated with analytical activities, ensuring compliance with risk management policies and procedures.
  
  

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Benefits

USAA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the physical, financial, and emotional well-being of our employees. Benefits include extensive medical, dental, and vision plans, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, pension options, life insurance, parental leave, adoption assistance, paid time off, and paid holidays. Employees also have access to wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, and ongoing professional development through career path planning and continuing education initiatives. Our commitment is to create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Equal Opportunity

USAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We believe that diversity enhances our organization and helps us better serve our members, and we are dedicated to promoting fairness and equal access throughout our hiring process.