Director of Decision Science

We are seeking a Director of Decision Science to build and scale one of Workiva's most strategically important functions. This is not a role for someone who maintains the status quo-it's for a leader who sees around corners, raises the analytical bar, and fundamentally changes how Workiva uses data to compete and grow.

You will lead our Decision Science team, set a transformative vision, and drive initiatives that influence decisions at every level of the business. You will harness state-of-the-art technologies-including Snowflake Cortex, AI-powered analytics, and modern ML platforms-to build capabilities that didn't exist before. You will shape Workiva's Enterprise Data Strategy, influence how business functions operate through data-backed recommendations, and help build a company where data is a genuine competitive advantage. This role reports to the VP of Enterprise Data & Analytics.

What You'll Do

Build & Scale Analytics Capabilities Across Workiva

• Grow and scale a world-class decision science function-defining the capability roadmap, tooling standards, and operating model that compound in value over time

• Introduce and embed state-of-the-art analytical capabilities, including Snowflake Cortex, LLM-assisted analysis, AI-powered self-service insights, and modern MLOps practices, into the team's everyday workflow

• Oversee the full model lifecycle-from development and validation through deployment, monitoring, and optimization-ensuring analytical products stay accurate and impactful over time

• Establish a culture of analytical excellence, curiosity, and continuous learning-where the team is always pushing the boundaries of what's possible with data

• Recruit, develop, and retain exceptional talent across data science and BI disciplines, building a team that is both technically elite and business-savvy

• Define and lead the Data Science and BI strategy and roadmap, ensuring alignment with company priorities and measurable business outcomes

Drive Business Impact Through Insights

• Partner deeply with Sales, Product, Customer Success, Marketing, Finance and other business teams to influence functional strategies and operations through rigorous, data-backed recommendations

• Translate complex, ambiguous business problems into structured analytical approaches-guiding teams to deliver high-quality, decision-ready insights that move the needle

• Present data-driven recommendations to senior and executive leadership, shaping strategy through compelling narratives that connect analysis to outcomes

• Drive an agile, iterative delivery process, breaking complex initiatives into executable components and continuously improving based on stakeholder feedback

Accelerate Workiva's Enterprise Data Strategy

• Partner with leaders in Data Platform, Data Product Management, and Data Governance to co-develop and execute Workiva's Enterprise Data Strategy

• Champion the design and governance of a standardized, company-wide metrics framework-ensuring consistency, integrity, and alignment across all business functions

• Act as a thought leader and strategic advisor on AI/ML and advanced analytics, elevating data maturity across the organization and influencing how the company thinks about data as a strategic asset

• Collaborate with Data Engineering and Analytics Engineering to design scalable data assets, metrics, and features that meet evolving business and analytical needs

• Uphold data ethics, compliance, and responsible AI standards - promoting transparency, fairness, and trust in all analytical initiatives

Elevate Self-Serve and BI Capabilities

• Drive the evolution of Workiva's BI and self-service capabilities-moving from static reporting to AI-powered, decision-ready intelligence accessible to all business users

• Establish and maintain best practices in metrics design, model reproducibility, experimentation, and data governance

• Communicate clear, actionable insights to both technical and non-technical audiences, tailoring messages for maximum impact at every level of the organization

What You'll Need

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Decision Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or related analytical fields with an advanced degree or 10+ years of experience with a Bachelors, including 3+ years leading high-performing technical teams

• Proven experience in SaaS or B2B environments, specifically using data to drive Go-To-Market (GTM), customer success, or product strategy

• Sufficient hands-on background to evaluate methodology choices, conduct code-level dialogue, and guide analytical rigor across the modern data stack (e.g., Snowflake, SQL, or cloud data platforms)

• Demonstrated success in building, scaling, and inspiring technical talent across Data Science and BI disciplines

• Ability to influence functional strategies through compelling narratives presented to C-suite or senior leadership

• Demonstrated ability to translate ambiguous business problems into structured analytical frameworks and deliver measurable business outcomes

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with modern transformation tools (e.g., dbt, metrics layers) and enterprise BI platforms (e.g., Sigma, Looker)

• History of leading or co-leading enterprise-wide data or AI transformation initiatives, moving an organization from reactive reporting to predictive intelligence

• Hands-on experience or a strong strategic point of view on implementing Snowflake Cortex, LLM-based workflows, and AI-powered analytics for business impact

• Deep expertise in statistical modeling, causal inference, experimentation design, and applied analytics to drive business decisions

• Technically credible across data science, ML, and analytics-with enough hands-on background to guide analytical decisions, evaluate methodology choices, engage in code-level dialogue, and hold the team to a high bar, without needing to be the one building it

Working Conditions & Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel to meet with customers and/or key stakeholders, product teams in other Workiva locations (up to 25%)

• Reliable internet access for any period of time working remotely, not in a Workiva office

How You'll Be Rewarded

A discretionary bonus typically paid annually

Restricted Stock Units granted at time of hire

401(k) match and comprehensive employee benefits package

The salary range represents the low and high end of the salary range for this job in the US. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience and other relevant factors.

Workiva is the platform designed to bring confidence, control, and a competitive edge to the world's most complex organizations. Our AI-powered platform unifies finance, risk, and sustainability on a single, secure foundation-ensuring data is trusted, traceable, and ready to act on. With an unbroken path from source to output, leaders gain confidence in their numbers, visibility into current and emerging risks, and the ability to move with speed and precision in a constantly changing world.

At Workiva, you'll bring technology to market that executives, boards, and regulators depend on. The work you do here helps organizations navigate uncertainty, maintain trust, and make decisions that stand up to scrutiny. If you're energized by meaningful challenges, inspired by collaborative teams, and motivated to help organizations turn uncertainty into advantage, we'd love to meet you.

Employment decisions are made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other protected characteristic.

Workiva is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. To request assistance with the application process, please email talentacquisition@workiva.com.

Workiva employees are required to undergo comprehensive security and privacy training tailored to their roles, ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory standards.

Workiva supports employees in working where they work best - either from an office or remotely from any location within their country of employment.