Position Summary:

NAR team is seeking a highly motivated leader to drive our data science and analytics initiatives. We are looking for a strategic leader with over 15 years of experience in building and scaling data science solutions, specializing in domain-specific use cases within complex, compliance-driven environments. This role focuses on leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning models to derive actionable insights and improve decision-making processes. The Director will lead end-to-end data science projects, from solution architecture and evaluation frameworks to deployment and continuous iteration, while embedding governance, explainability, and safety into model development lifecycles to ensure adoption within regulated sectors. A delivery-focused approach to data science innovation is essential, combining technical depth with infrastructure readiness and alignment to legal, ethical, and security standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic development and deployment of advanced analytics initiatives to support a large-scale membership base, spearheading collaborations and innovating products and services.
• Direct the implementation of advanced machine learning technologies to enhance analytics capabilities, enabling predictive service matching, boosting marketing precision, and improving member satisfaction.
• Develop sophisticated machine learning models to predict and identify at-risk members for proactive membership management and targeted intervention strategies.
• Advance the organization's data governance framework by implementing robust data stewardship programs, ensuring ongoing compliance with evolving regulations and maintaining data integrity.
• Develop and implement comprehensive data literacy training programs to improve digital proficiency across staff and members, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Orchestrate large-scale data quality initiatives to ensure the integrity of critical member data.
• Drive organizational innovation by championing the adoption of design thinking across departments, leading to systematic enhancements in project execution and product development processes.
• Proficient in designing and implementing scalable data pipelines, ensuring efficient data flow and integration across various platforms, while maintaining data quality and governance standards.
• Develop and manage cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative environment for data science innovation and deployment.
• Lead and mentor a small team of data science professionals, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. Focus on team development through regular feedback, training, and career growth opportunities, while promoting a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Expertise in managing Data Engineering teams, including overseeing personnel, ensuring project timelines are met, and fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• While the primary focus is on data science and analytics, leverage AI technologies where applicable to enhance analytics capabilities and drive innovation.
• Other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications:

Technical Expertise

• Proven proficiency in Python and SQL for data analysis, modeling, and visualization.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure, including Azure Data Lake, Azure Data Factory, and Azure SQL.
• Experience with Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, and Copilot for Microsoft 365 to support analytics, reporting, and productivity.
• Experience with cloud-native data infrastructure and AI/ML tools, including predictive modeling, supervised and unsupervised learning, and model deployment pipelines.
• Proven expertise in translating data models into enterprise-ready applications through custom pipelines and structured engineering systems

Leadership & Strategy

• Demonstrated success in leading end-to-end data science productization efforts, including solution architecture, evaluation frameworks, deployment, and continuous iteration.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams and mentoring data scientists and engineers.
• Proven ability to translate complex data models into enterprise-ready applications aligned with business goals.

Governance & Compliance

• Deep understanding of data governance, privacy regulations, and ethical AI practices.
• Practical experience embedding governance, explainability, and safety into model development lifecycles, especially within regulated sectors.
• Extensive knowledge of regulated industry deployment and legal & policy alignment.

Communication & Enablement

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in developing and delivering data literacy programs and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and customer enablement capabilities.

Experience & Education:

• 15+ years of experience in building and scaling data science solutions, with a focus on domain-specific use cases in complex, compliance-driven environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.

Compensation: $180,000 -$215,000, depending on office location. 
NAR provides comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance. 
NAR is on a hybrid schedule and in the office 3 days a week.  

Organizational Overview:

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is a team of professionals dedicated to providing world-class service to approximately 1.5 million REALTORS® working in the United States and around the world. The real estate industry is fast-paced and fast-changing--each year, our members participate in the sale, lease, and management of real estate. As in every industry, our members’ value proposition is constantly being challenged by innovation.

It is our mission to empower REALTORS® as they preserve, protect and advance the right to real property for all. We cannot do that without the ideas, passion, and commitment from our talented employees. As our greatest assets, employees are offered their pick of competitive benefits/perks and flexible work options.