Head of Data Science

About Mission Lane

Mission Lane is combining the power of data, technology, and exceptional service to pave a clear way forward for millions of people on the path to financial success. By attracting top talent and leveraging cutting-edge technology, we’re enabling people to unlock real financial progress. Sound like a mission you can get behind?

Founded in December 2018, Mission Lane is a purpose-driven fintech company based in the U.S., with headquarters in Richmond, Virginia. It all started with a realization: nearly fifty percent of the adult population in the U.S. doesn’t have access to a clear line of credit. Most traditional credit card companies either overlook or overcharge this group because they have less-than-perfect credit scores or no scores at all. We decided this just wouldn’t do.

In partnership with our sponsor banks, we offer credit cards under the Mission Lane brand name, with better, clearer terms, and a more refined customer experience than the alternatives available to people working hard to improve their credit. To date, over four million consumers have chosen Mission Lane, earning high customer ratings on Credit Karma for its market segment and industry leading Net Promoter scores.

Mission Lane has cumulatively raised over $600 million of equity from leading investors, including Invus Opportunities, QED Investors, LL Funds, funds affiliated with Oaktree Capital Management, and other leading investors.

About The Role: Head of Data Science

As the Head of Data Science, you will lead the strategic direction of data science for the next phase of Mission Lane’s growth by innovating on the application of machine learning to underwriting and other practical problems. You will report directly to the COO and lead one of the most knowledgeable and effective data science teams in fintech.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive financial and customer outcomes through machine learning and cross-functional collaboration across marketing, acquisitions, fraud, portfolio management, and collections.
• Develop the data science team by adding new data sources, improving modeling methodology, and practicing sound risk management.

What We're Looking For

• Understands how to operate a data science team to reach strategic business goals through talent development, cross-functional partnerships, and technical innovation.
• Experience applying data science to credit risk management.
• Ability to make your team better every day by providing clear goals and purpose, executing through education, organization, and trust.
• Deep understanding of the field of data science, capable of communicating a vision for applying it to difficult, practical problems.
• Experience creating, deploying, and managing experiments and models in production systems, and discussing fundamental principles with practitioners.
• Knowledge and ability to teach solid fundamentals in software engineering (test-driven development, code review, refactoring) and the PyData stack (numpy, scikit-learn, polars, etc.).
• Ability to balance development speed with compliance standards and documentation in a regulated industry.

Bonus Points For

• Experience solving problems in consumer lending or fintech.
• Excellence in communication and collaboration with executives, Board members, and regulators.

Benefits & Perks

We’re committed to ensuring our team members have balance in their lives. Our comprehensive benefits package provides the support you need to thrive at work and at home.

• Work: An engaging culture with access to training programs and advancement opportunities.
• Life: Full health, dental, and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Account (for medical and childcare expenses), paid parental leave, and a 401k Company Match.
• Balance: Generous PTO, flexible schedules, a Calm App subscription, and more.

Mission Lane also offers a comprehensive benefits plan, which includes paid time off, 401(k) match, a monthly wellness stipend, health/dental/vision insurance options, disability coverage, paid parental leave, flexible spending account (for childcare and healthcare), life insurance, and a remote-friendly work environment.

Compensation

Target Base Range: $250,000 - $270,000 USD. Additional compensation in the form(s) of participation in our annual incentive program and equity are dependent on role. Pay is based on factors such as work experience, education, certification(s), training, skills, and competencies related to the role.

Our Culture & Values

Our commitment to a workplace built on respect and dignity is guided by our core value of Unity. We believe that everyone plays a vital role in our shared purpose, and we actively cultivate an environment where all individuals have the opportunity to do their best work. By fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration, we create a strong sense of belonging and support for every team member.

Mission Lane is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status.

Mission Lane provides reasonable accommodations to applicants who need them for medical or religious reasons, as required by law. Applicants can initiate an accommodation request by contacting peopleexperience@missionlane.com.

Mission Lane is not sponsoring new applicant employment authorization and please, no third-party recruiters.

Application Integrity

Our cardholders trust us with their financial well-being, and this trust starts with the integrity of the people on our team. We're looking for team members who share our dedication to transparency and truth. Please verify that the information in your application is accurate and complete.

Providing any information to Mission Lane that is not completely truthful at any point during the application or hiring process may result in removal from the hiring process, disqualification from future opportunities, withdrawal of an offer or other sanctions for candidates and, in addition for employees, disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Key skills/competency

• Machine Learning
• Credit Risk Management
• Data Science Leadership
• Team Development
• Underwriting Innovation
• Production Systems
• PyData Stack
• Software Engineering Fundamentals
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Fintech Domain Expertise