DataKind is looking for a Data Scientist Consultant (Remote)!

Objective 

Nonprofit organization DataKind is requesting proposals from junior and mid-level data scientists. 

Context 

DataKind is a global nonprofit dedicated to harnessing the power of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in the service of humanity. DataKind matches skilled volunteers from academia and industry with visionary changemakers, collaboratively designing innovative solutions to tough social challenges. 

People are at the center of our process: DataKind follows human-centered design principles that focus on questions such as “why?”, “for whom?” and “should we?” before we get going on the “what?”. We’ll continue our work until all people and all communities can use digital technology for the outcomes they want to see, with an emphasis on including those who have historically been excluded from the technology sector or will be impacted by the intervention. 

Engagement Description 

DataKind’s success ultimately comes down to the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of our volunteer data science projects. Our Data Scientist Consultant will support a portfolio of internal and volunteer-led projects using cutting-edge technology to help high-performing organizations nation-wide make an even greater impact. In this highly visible and high impact role, you’ll assist teams with any challenges they might face in building sustainable solutions.

The Data Scientist Consultant will report to the Vice President, Technology and will work closely with other staff and pro bono data scientists.

This is a remote consultant role for an estimated 40 hours/week from mid July through end of September 2024 with a possibility of an extension. Due to the collaborative nature of the role, we require that the majority of working hours each day fall between 8am and 6pm Eastern Standard Time.  

What You’ll Do 

The Data Scientist Consultant will be responsible for the following in addition to any other projects assigned by their manager:

• Help manage data science and business intelligence products hosted by DataKind
• Advance data science solutions beyond prototype phase
• Carry out feasibility studies and exploratory analyses for proposed projects and areas of opportunity
• Provide data science support for the portfolio of volunteer data science projects at DataKind
• Advance internal analytics reporting and automation capabilities

The consultant should be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet on some nights or weekends with volunteer teams or to help run DataKind events.

Qualifications 

• Alignment with DataKind mission and values, including our commitment to anti-racism
• At least 3 years of work experience, preferably including experience in a nonprofit or start-up context.
• Fluency in data science technology stack including R/Python, SQL, Postgres, AWS, and related technologies.
• Deep experience in machine learning/AI with confidence in applying, tuning and evaluating a wide variety of AI algorithms, from logistic regression and random forests to deep learning.
• Comfort and skill in communicating highly technical information to semi- and non-technical audiences.
• Proven track record of successfully managing full lifecycle tech/AI projects.
• Experience managing technical teams and deliverables in the volunteer, non-profit or tech spaces (or perhaps all three.)
• Ability to motivate people to collaborate towards a shared goal, to keep them engaged throughout the process, and to intervene as needed to make sure balls don’t get dropped.
• Demonstrated customer service orientation that will allow you to represent DataKind well to our volunteers and partners alike.

Compensation

$75 - $115/hour 

Based on the candidate’s level of experience.

Proposal 

By 12pm ET on Friday, July 12, 2024, interested parties are requested to provide the following:

• A resume describing relevant professional experience
• A cover letter that includes a short description of why you are interested in the position and outlines how your qualifications align with the role
• If possible, a relevant work sample that demonstrates your ability to break down complex concepts in a compelling, approachable way. This could be any medium - github profile, thesis, blog post, etc. - and could have redacted information as needed. 
• Two references (name, phone number, and email address) from similar work, including a brief description of each project scope

Selection 

Strong proposals will be contacted for further discussion. These will be selected based on relevance of past experience and alignment with DataKind’s goals and budget. 

DataKind is an Equal Opportunity Employer

 DataKind is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups in tech to apply. DataKind does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected category. 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.