Director of Data Science

About Kiva

Kiva (www.kiva.org) is an innovative non-profit focused on connecting people through lending to alleviate poverty and create opportunity. We run a global marketplace platform for crowdfunded microloans that serves the financially excluded. Our organization combines the culture and technological passion of an internet start-up with the compassion and empathy of a non-profit to address poverty at global scale. We aim to drive social impact and enable opportunity while providing a borrower-to-lender connection: “Loans that change lives.” In just 13 years, we have raised more than $1.1 billion in loan capital for 2.7 million borrowers in 83 countries. Our lenders fund over $10 million in loans every month. With offices in San Francisco, Portland, New York, Nairobi, and Bangkok, Kiva's team includes 100+ employees and 400+ volunteers worldwide.

About the Role 

The Director of Data Science will be the founding leader of the brand new data science team at Kiva. As an energetic driver of team, you will grow the organization with an emphasis on results and know how to motivate and inspire their team members, identify and draw out their strengths, and help them to level up in areas where growth is needed. You will embody our mission and values, consistently reinforcing them with the team through everyday actions. You are passionate about data and are capable of speaking to both technical and non-technical folks about its power and purpose. You are a data nerd and proud of it!

The Director of Data Science will report to the VP of Engineering.

At this time, we can only consider applicants with authorization to work in the United States on a permanent, full-time basis; unfortunately we cannot provide visa sponsorship.

You will:

• Own data science and platform vision, roadmap and oversee major initiatives around data modeling, engineering and analysis
• Direct data science team, including hiring, mentoring, and providing technical guidance and advice
• Bring thought leadership around data across the organization and externally to continue to develop our engineering brand
• Partner with stakeholders across the organization to translate business problems into analytical frameworks
• In collaboration with the VP of Engineering, drive the vision for our data science platform and architecture

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree in a related field (Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics or other quantitative fields)
• 7+ years work experience in data science (data engineering, statistics, machine learning) with increasing levels of responsibility
• 3+ years leading a data science team (data engineers, analysts, & scientists)
• Expert understanding of statistical analysis, model development, and data science techniques
• Familiarity with data visualizations and usage of visualizations to articulate findings

Preferred:

• Ph.D in a related field
• Background in physical sciences
• Working experience in smaller organizations and/or start-ups strongly desired

What We Offer

• An amazing mission: Kiva’s mission is to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty across the globe.
• An opportunity to improve real lives, solve hard problems, and change the world.
• Friendly, supportive, and adventurous environment with a team of engaged colleagues.
• Casual, comfortable work environment, located in a beautiful office in downtown San Francisco.
• A comprehensive, industry-leading benefits package.
• Opportunities to connect with and learn from colleagues and partners around the world.

A diverse and inclusive workplace where we learn from each other is an integral part of Kiva's culture.  We actively welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. We are an equal opportunity employer and a great place to work. Join us and help us achieve our mission!

We will only accept applications directly from candidates. Kiva will not be responsible for any recruiting agency fees, absent a formal agreement.