Director, Data Science

This job will lead the development of complex data science models and algorithms to solve business problems. You will work with stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver solutions. Your role involves driving innovation in data science practices, ensuring data quality, and mentoring junior scientists. We are seeking a Director of Data Science – CRM and Media to lead analytical strategy and execution supporting customer relationship management, paid media, and marketing effectiveness across the consumer lifecycle. This leader will collaborate closely with Marketing, Media, Product, and Data Engineering teams to design data-driven strategies that optimize engagement, retention, and ROI on marketing investments.

Must Have

• Develop and implement overall data science strategy.
• Lead design and execution of advanced data science projects.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on data-driven opportunities.
• Oversee data infrastructure development and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy and security regulations.
• Drive innovation in data science practices and tools.
• Partner with Marketing, Media, Product, and Data Engineering for CRM and media strategies.
• Lead team of data scientists and analysts for audience segmentation, personalization, marketing performance.
• Build frameworks for multi-touch attribution, media mix modeling, incrementality testing.
• Design and deliver predictive models for customer targeting, churn prevention, cross-sell/upsell.
• Partner with media agencies and mar-tech/ad-tech partners.
• Create dashboards and executive-ready storytelling for strategic recommendations.
• Collaborate with engineering and data platform teams for data pipelines.
• Balance long-term innovation with rapid response to business needs.

Perks & Benefits

• Flexible work environment
• Employee shares options
• Health and life insurance
• Medical, dental, vision, and other benefits

The Company

PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy.

We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers.

We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards. Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade.

Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day. We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do – and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities.

Job Summary:

This job will lead the development of complex data science models and algorithms to solve business problems. You will work with stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver solutions. Your role involves driving innovation in data science practices, ensuring data quality, and mentoring junior scientists.

Job Description:

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the overall data science strategy, aligning with corporate goals and objectives.
• Lead the design and execution of advanced data science projects to support strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to identify and prioritize data-driven opportunities.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of data infrastructure, ensuring scalability and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy and security regulations.
• Drive innovation in data science practices and tools, staying ahead of industry trends.

Expected Qualifications:

• 10+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 years of experience leading others

Additional Responsibilities & Preferred Qualifications:

The Role

We are seeking a Director of Data Science – CRM and Media to lead analytical strategy and execution supporting customer relationship management, paid media, and marketing effectiveness across the consumer lifecycle. This leader will collaborate closely with Marketing, Media, Product, and Data Engineering teams to design data-driven strategies that optimize engagement, retention, and ROI on marketing investments.

In this role, you will:

• Build and scale data science capabilities that inform CRM, audience targeting, and media optimization decisions across paid, owned, and earned channels.
• Develop models and insights to measure marketing effectiveness, customer lifetime value (CLV), and attribution across the consumer journey.
• Translate complex data into actionable insights that guide creative, channel, and investment decisions.
• Partner with mar-tech and ad-tech teams to evolve our measurement and personalization capabilities.
• Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making across Marketing and Media.

This is a high-impact, cross-functional leadership role that requires strong analytical rigor, a deep understanding of consumer lifecycle marketing, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

• Partner with Marketing, Media, Product, and Data Engineering to inform and execute CRM and media strategies that drive acquisition, engagement, and retention.
• Lead a team of data scientists and analysts focused on audience segmentation, personalization, and marketing performance measurement.
• Build frameworks for multi-touch attribution, media mix modeling, and incrementality testing to quantify marketing impact.
• Design and deliver predictive models for customer targeting, churn prevention, and cross-sell/upsell opportunities.
• Partner with media agencies and mar-tech/ad-tech partners to enhance data quality, measurement, and targeting capabilities.
• Create dashboards and executive-ready storytelling that translate complex analyses into clear, strategic recommendations.
• Collaborate with engineering and data platform teams to ensure high-quality data pipelines, governance, and accessibility.
• Balance long-term innovation with rapid response to business needs in a dynamic marketing environment.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a quantitative discipline such as Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering, Mathematics, or Economics.
• 12+ years of experience in analytics, data science, or marketing science, including 6+ years of people leadership.
• Proven expertise in CRM analytics, marketing effectiveness, audience targeting, or media measurement within financial services, e-commerce, or technology sectors.
• Strong hands-on proficiency with SQL, Python or R, and visualization tools such as Tableau or Looker.
• Experience applying statistical modeling, machine learning, or experimentation to marketing and media problems.
• Familiarity with mar-tech and ad-tech ecosystems (e.g., CDPs, DSPs, DMPs, MMPs, clean rooms, identity resolution).
• Strong understanding of consumer lifecycle marketing, including segmentation, retention, and personalization strategies.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinker with intellectual curiosity, decisiveness, and comfort navigating ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Us

This role offers the opportunity to directly shape how PayPal connects with hundreds of millions of customers through data-driven marketing, leveraging advanced analytics to drive meaningful engagement and sustainable growth.

Compensation and Benefits

PayPal is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Actual Compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to work location, and relevant skills and experience. The total compensation for this practice may include an annual performance bonus (or other incentive compensation, as applicable), equity, and medical, dental, vision, and other benefits. For more information, visit https://www.paypalbenefits.com.

The US national annual pay range for this role is $188,000 to $323,950.

PayPal does not charge candidates any fees for courses, applications, resume reviews, interviews, background checks, or onboarding. Any such request is a red flag and likely part of a scam. To learn more about how to identify and avoid recruitment fraud please visit https://careers.pypl.com/contact-us.

For the majority of employees, PayPal's balanced hybrid work model offers 3 days in the office for effective in-person collaboration and 2 days at your choice of either the PayPal office or your home workspace, ensuring that you equally have the benefits and conveniences of both locations.

Our Benefits:

At PayPal, we’re committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can’t do this without our most important asset—you. That’s why we offer benefits to help you thrive in every stage of life. We champion your financial, physical, and mental health by offering valuable benefits and resources to help you care for the whole you.

We have great benefits including a flexible work environment, employee shares options, health and life insurance and more. To learn more about our benefits please visit https://www.paypalbenefits.com.

Who We Are:

Click Here to learn more about our culture and community.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

PayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at paypalglobaltalentacquisition@paypal.com.

Belonging at PayPal:

Our employees are central to advancing our mission, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can do their best work with a sense of purpose and belonging. Belonging at PayPal means creating a workplace with a sense of acceptance and security where all employees feel included and valued. We are proud to have a diverse workforce reflective of the merchants, consumers, and communities that we serve, and we continue to take tangible actions to cultivate inclusivity and belonging at PayPal.

Any general requests for consideration of your skills, please Join our Talent Community.

We know the confidence gap and imposter syndrome can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates. Please don’t hesitate to apply.

Notice to Applicants and Employees who reside within New York City. Click here to view the notice.