Senior Director of Data Science

At Jack Henry, we deliver technology solutions that are digitally transforming and empowering community banks and credit unions to provide enhanced and streamlined user experiences to their customers and members. Serving 20% of the banks and credit unions in the United States, our reach and view into the entire economy of the country is almost unparalleled, and we want to use that data to empower our clients to succeed even more. We hope you'll join us. We can't do it without you.

We’re seeking a visionary Senior Director of Data Science to drive innovation and strategic impact through advanced analytics and big data solutions. In this high-impact leadership role, you will build and guide a talented team of data scientists in designing and developing cutting-edge systems and methodologies that turn complex, unstructured data into powerful insights.

You’ll champion the creation of data-driven strategies across the organization, identifying high-value use cases and ensuring robust model governance, risk management, and ethical AI practices. Your expertise will shape the future of data science at the enterprise level—empowering smarter decisions, fostering innovation, and unlocking new opportunities.

This position may be worked remotely within the United States. 

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Oversees the design, development, and implementation of innovative predictive models, establishing best practices for model selection, validation, and deployment.
• Serves as a recognized thought leader and subject matter expert in algorithm development and machine learning, to lead in the creation and implementation of highly innovative and impactful solutions and to drive the evolution of algorithmic frameworks to improve computational performance and accuracy.
• Leverages deep expertise in advanced analytics to guide the extraction of insights from complex, high-dimensional datasets used to shape business outcomes, accelerate product innovation, and inform strategic decisions. 
• Directs the evaluation and deployment of state-of-the-art capabilities to address domain-specific challenges such as fraud detection, customer engagement, or operational optimization.
• Provides guidance and leadership on algorithmic approaches, model design, and advanced analytical techniques, influencing technical strategy and driving innovation.
• Provides strategic direction for product development, guiding the translation of prototypes into scalable, production-ready solutions that align with long-term business objectives.
• Proactively identifies and champions key problems and opportunities, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and maximizing business impact.
• Communicates complex technical concepts with exceptional clarity and influence, effectively building consensus and driving organizational change across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Leads and orchestrates complex, cross-functional initiatives, fostering collaboration, alignment, and shared vision across multiple teams and departments.
• Anticipates emerging trends and their potential impact on the business, proactively developing innovative solutions and strategies to address future challenges and opportunities.
• Leads complex data exploration and analysis initiatives, uncovering deep insights and providing strategic recommendations that drive significant business outcomes.
• Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel ensuring the efficient operation of the function.
• May perform other job duties as assigned. 

What you’ll need to have:

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in data science or software engineering.
• Experience with generative AI, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures, within a large organization.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in a leadership role leading cross-functional teams. 

What would be nice for you to have:   

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required. Ph.D. in statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or Applied mathematics preferred.
• AWS certifications highly preferred.
• Ability to direct the development of data analysis and reporting standards. Champions data-driven decision making.
• Recognized authority in statistical modeling and algorithms. Determines research and development of innovative techniques.
• Drives the standard for customer communication and engagement. Champions a customer-centric culture.
• Recognized for deep business acumen and strategic thinking. Proven ability to align data science initiatives with business objectives.
• Directs the development of design frameworks and methodologies. Ensures alignment between technology and business strategy.
• Determines the adoption of new software and tools and drives innovation in technology utilization.
• Ability to set the direction for programming language adoption and utilization. Ensures code quality and innovation.
• Proven ability to set standards which define system and functional requirements. Ensures alignment with industry best practices.
• Ability to set clear expectations and deadlines. Directs efficient project execution.
• Ability to champion a problem-solving culture. 
• Recognized expert in payments business domains. Provides thought leadership and strategic guidance.
• Ability to set the direction for ML product development. Champions the adoption of AI/ML across the organization.
• Sets the standards for data processing and management and drives the adoption of best practices for handling large datasets at Jack Henry.
• Oversees the use of business analytics to optimize product development and user adoption.

If you got this far, we hope you're feeling excited about this opportunity. Even if you don't feel you meet every single requirement on this posting, we still encourage you to apply. We're eager to meet motivated people who align with Jack Henry's mission and can contribute to our company in a variety of ways.

Why Jack Henry?

At Jack Henry, we pride ourselves through our motto of, "Do the right thing, do whatever it takes, and have fun." We recognize the value of our associates and believe much of our company's strength and success depends on their well-being.

We demonstrate our commitment by offering outstanding benefit programs to ensure the physical, mental & financial well-being of our people is always met.

Culture of Commitment

Ask our associates why they love Jack Henry, and many will tell you it is because our culture is exceptional. We do great things together. Rising to meet challenges and seeking opportunities is part of who we are as an organization. Our culture has helped us stay strong through challenging times and we credit our dedicated associates for our success. Visit our Corporate Responsibility site to learn more about our culture and commitment to our people, customers, community, environment, and shareholders.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Jack Henry, we know we are better together. We value, respect, and protect the uniqueness each of us brings. Innovation flourishes by including all voices and makes our business - and our society - stronger. Jack Henry is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, performance management, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, education, training, social, and recreational activities to all persons regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, and military and veteran status, or any other protected status protected by local, state or federal law.

No one will be subject to, and Jack Henry prohibits, any form of discipline, reprisal, intimidation, or retaliation for good faith reports or complaints of discrimination of any kind, pursuing any discrimination claim, or cooperating in related investigations.

Requests for full corporate job descriptions may be requested through the interview process at any time.