Lead Data Scientist

Have you worked on lots of data science projects where you tried, failed, learned, and tried again? Are you the kind of person that your colleagues reach out to for help when they get stuck, because even if you don't know the answer, you always help them find it? Are you ready to lead a team of like-minded data scientists and analysts in delivering services that improve the lives of Ontarians? If you answered yes, then we have an opportunity for you on the Integrated Systems Analytics Unit - Exploring, analysing, and deriving new insights from our data assets; - Building, deploying, and maintaining statistical and machine learning models; - Automating data preparation and analysis processes; - and much, much more If you're ready to help us build and operationalize this vision, then we encourage you to apply **OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism**: We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace. Visit the **OPS Anti-Racism Policy** and the **OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint** pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service. We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's **Human Rights Code**. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation. **What can I expect to do in this role?**: As a Lead Data Scientist, you will: - Manage foundational, cross-cutting data science projects, including projects focused on enablement, operationalization, and capacity-building; - Provide strategic advice, guidance, and supports to ministry leadership to build and maintain data science functions; - Serve as a ministry-wide expert to directly support your colleagues in their data science work and in growing data science knowledge, capacities, and culture. **How do I qualify?**: **Analytical Knowledge and Expertise**: You have: - knowledge of mathematical foundations of common data science modelling approaches. - the ability to synthesize the big picture from disparate data sources while demonstrating strong attention to detail skills. - the ability to learn public sector policy and program research, development, and analysis principles, practices and methods. **Project Management Skills**: You have: - experience working on projects with diverse project teams and stakeholder groups as well as competing priorities. - knowledge of structured project management approaches such as PMBOK, Agile, etc. - the ability to learn project portfolio management to guide and ensure completion of multiple concurrent projects. **Technical Knowledge and Expertise**: You have: - expert-level knowledge and experience with tools and technologies associated with data science, such as deployment platforms, version control systems, and business intelligence/dashboarding tools. - expert-level knowledge and experience working with at least one data science programming language (e.g. Python, R, Scala) to explore, understand, and build analytic models from data assets of varying size, type, and quality. - knowledge of data management principles, technologies, and best practices for working with high-volume of structured and unstructured data. **Leadership Skills**: You have: - experience providing advice, guidance, and coaching to colleagues working on analytics or data science projects. - experience providing advice and guidance to senior management on capacity-building, project portfolio management, and strategic planning. - the ability to supervise and mentor a team of Data Scientists and Data Analytics Specialists in a technical capacity and promote collaborative learning and information sharing across the division. **Communication, Consultation and Negotiation Skills**: You have: - expert-level knowledge and experience in data storytelling and communication through different mediums - for example, dashboards, oral and written briefings, reports, and slide decks. - experience communicating complex technical concepts with clarity to non-technical colleagues, particularly to support training and growth. - consultation, consensus-building and networking skills to maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. - persuasion and influencing skills to convince stakeholders of project relevance and necessity. - negotiation, conflict management and consensus-building skills to resolve contentious issues, maximize team/stakeholder contribution, achieve consensus, and produce required deliverables. **Problem Solving and Strategic Thinking Skills**: You have: - the ability to investigate complex problems, challenge assumptions, and make sense of information. - the ability to think creatively and propose innovative ways to look a