Director of Data Science

We’re determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies. Working here means having every opportunity to achieve your goals – and to help others accomplish theirs, too. Join our team as we help shape the future.   

The Hartford is seeking a Director of Data Science to lead the Workers’ Compensation Pricing Models within the Actuarial Strategic Modeling (ASM) department. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to drive innovation in predictive modeling, machine learning, and actuarial analytics for our largest line of business, covering over $3B in annual premium.

You will manage a high-performing team of data scientists and actuaries, collaborating with cross-functional partners in product, data engineering, underwriting and actuarial to deliver modeling solutions that directly impacts pricing, segmentation, and underwriting strategies. The ASM group is committed to advancing model workflows through scalable systems, and continuous model delivery—and is searching for a leader to guide and shape this innovative direction.

Responsibilities:

• Lead WC Modeling: Serve as the model owner for Workers’ Compensation predictive models, ensuring alignment with pricing and business priorities. Partner on strategic vision while managing team capacity and driving timely model deliverables.

• Model Development & Deployment: Lead design, maintenance, and deployment of predictive models for frequency, severity, and loss cost estimates, ensuring production readiness and effective integration into pricing workflows.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Actuarial, Data Engineering, Underwriting, and Product teams to connect modeling initiatives with pricing strategies and organizational goals, promoting shared problem-solving.

• Innovation: Drive modernization through advanced modeling techniques, machine learning, and AI to enhance efficiency and decision-making. Lead experimentation with new data sources, features, and methodologies to uncover insights and advance strategic objectives.

• Operational Excellence: Ensure robust documentation, validation, and governance, along with scalable processes to monitor model performance and maintain reliability.

• Talent Development: Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of curiosity, ownership, and continuous learning. Support hiring and onboarding, including intern and actuarial student rotations.

• Strategic Influence: Participate in enterprise initiatives to ensure Workers' Compensation predictive models are efficiently integrated into core data and system platforms.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of relevant analytical experience recommended.

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Quantitative Economics, Actuarial Science, Data Science, Computer Science, or a similar analytical field, or a relevant professional designation (e.g. FCAS, FSA, CSPA, ACAS, ASA)" 

• Expertise in statistical modeling, inference, and building machine learning algorithms in Python and/or R.

• Prior Management Experience

• Expertise in the end-to-end modeling lifecycle, from requirements gathering to monitoring and validation.

• Experience in SQL and familiarity with cloud-native environments (e.g., Snowflake, Sagemaker).

• Able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences. 

• Able to translate complex technical topics into business solutions and strategies as well as turn business requirements into a technical solution.

This role will have a Hybrid work schedule, with the expectation of working in an office (Columbus, OH, Chicago, IL, Hartford, CT or Charlotte, NC) 3 days a week (Tuesday through Thursday).

Candidates must be authorized to work in the US without company sponsorship. The company will not support the STEM OPT I-983 Training Plan endorsement for this position.

Compensation

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:

Equal Opportunity Employer/Sex/Race/Color/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age