Spark Foundry was built during the most transformative time in the history of advertising and marketing. We deliver everything a traditional media agency has to offer and have grown into one of the world’s most successful agencies by helping brands evolve their marketing by leveraging identity, commerce, artificial intelligence, and more to connect with people. Transformation is part of our DNA. Spark Foundry’s start-up spirit delivers high-touch approaches and a never-ending desire to challenge the status quo. Combined with Publicis Media’s powerhouse soul leveraging connected data assets, advanced AI applications, and investment clout, we “Bring HEAT to Brands.” No other agency possesses the expertise that we do to address today’s most pressing challenges to drive business transformation through media.

The EVP, Data Science will lead Spark Foundry’s audience-first data science vision and strategy, driving innovation in advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI-powered solutions. This role will oversee the development of scalable data products and predictive models that enhance media planning, audience targeting, and campaign optimization. The role requires a forward-thinking leader who can bridge business objectives with technical expertise, fostering a culture of experimentation and continuous optimization.

• Strategic Leadership:
• Define and execute Spark Foundry’s data science roadmap aligned with agency and client growth objectives.
• Champion the integration of AI/ML into media planning, measurement, and optimization processes.
• Innovation & Product Development:
• Lead the creation of proprietary data science tools and platforms to deliver automation, business impact, and competitive advantage.
• Identify emerging technologies and trends to keep Spark Foundry at the forefront of data-driven marketing.
• Client Solutions & Consulting:
• Partner with senior client stakeholders to translate complex data insights into actionable strategies.
• Develop advanced analytics solutions for attribution, forecasting, and ROI measurement.
• Team Leadership & Development:
• Build and mentor an innovative data science team, fostering collaboration across analytics, engineering, and data strategy.
• Promote diversity of thought and continuous learning within the organization.
• Collaboration:
• Work closely with Publicis Groupe data and technology leadership to ensure alignment and scalability.
• Collaborate with Strategy, Planning, Investment, and Analytics teams to embed data science into every stage of the agency process.

• Education: Advanced degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or related field.
• Experience:
• 15+ years in data science leadership roles, preferably within media, advertising, or technology sectors.
• Proven record of building and scaling data science capabilities in a matrixed organization.
• Experience using predictive analytics on large consumer-level data assets (e.g., Epsilon, Merkle, Acxiom) and marketer first-party data to drive marketing outcomes.
• Technical Expertise:
• Advanced knowledge of machine learning, AI, predictive modeling, and big data technologies.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and modern data engineering practices.
• Firsthand experience working with advanced statistical modeling and other forms of quantitative analysis, as well as knowledge of database structure and functionality.
• Hands-on experience with data manipulation and statistical/analytical software packages (e.g., R, MATLAB, S-Plus, Stata, SAS, SPSS, SQL), coding / programming languages (e.g., SQL, Python, JAVA, C++), data clean room platforms (e.g., LiveRamp SafeHaven, Epsilon PeopleCloud, Amazon Marketing Cloud).
• Leadership Skills:
• Exceptional ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex concepts clearly.
• Strong business acumen with a passion for innovation and measurable impact.

Metrics of Success

• Data Science Adoption:
• Percentage of media planning and optimization processes leveraging AI/ML models.
• Innovation Impact:
• Number of proprietary data science tools launched and adopted by client teams.
• Client Value Creation:
• Improvement in campaign ROI and attribution accuracy driven by data science solutions.
• Revenue Contribution:
• Incremental revenue generated from data science-driven products and services.
• Operational Efficiency:
• Reduction in time-to-insight and automation of manual analytics processes.
• Talent Development:
• Retention rate and growth of data science team; number of advanced certifications achieved.
• Thought Leadership:
• Industry recognition through awards, publications, and speaking engagements.

Our Publicis Groupe motto “Viva La Différence” means we’re better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent. 

Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive.  Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K,  as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off.  If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMSTACompliance@publicis.com.

Compensation Range: $241,000- $325,500 annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 02/02/2026.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

#LI-DR1

25-14633