The Wikimedia Foundation is hiring a Senior Data Scientist to join its Community Growth team. This is a remote-first role focused on building ethical, accessible, and impactful data systems that support Wikimedia’s global volunteer communities.
If you have strong experience in data science, analytics, and data engineering, and want your work to contribute to knowledge equity and global access to information, this opportunity is well worth exploring.
About the Wikimedia Foundation
The Wikimedia Foundation is the nonprofit organization behind Wikipedia and other Wikimedia free knowledge projects. Its mission is to ensure that every person can freely access and contribute to the sum of all human knowledge.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation is supported by millions of individual donors worldwide and works closely with volunteer communities, partners, and policymakers to sustain and grow free knowledge initiatives.
The Wikimedia Foundation is a remote-first organization, with staff and contractors based in over 40 countries.
About the Role
As a Senior Data Scientist, you’ll support the strategic work of the Community Growth team, which focuses on grantmaking, capacity development, and partnerships that empower Wikimedia’s global communities of volunteers.
Reporting to the Manager of Data, Learning & Evaluation, you’ll work within a complex data ecosystem to build resilient data pipelines, dashboards, and reporting tools that enable leaders and teams to make data-informed decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Build data systems for grant-funded activities and outcomes in partnership with the DL&E Manager
- Create and maintain internal dashboards to track program outcomes and impact
- Identify actionable insights from trends across multiple datasets
- Design and improve data processes, including data frames, pipelines, and ETL workflows
- Collaborate with technology and data teams to align metrics with Foundation-wide standards
- Proactively identify requirements to support an evolving data ecosystem
- Ensure data practices are ethical, accessible, and privacy-conscious
Required Skills & Experience
- Fluency in English
- Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of related experience, or a Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience, or equivalent advanced professional experience
- Strong experience with SQL and Python
- Experience working with APIs in Python (authentication, pagination, JSON handling)
- Experience with large-scale data tools such as Hadoop, Hive, Presto, and Spark
- Experience with data visualization and dashboarding tools (e.g., Apache Superset, Google Looker Studio, or similar)
- Proficiency with Google Workspace, including advanced use of Google Sheets or Excel
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
Qualities That Are Important to Us
- Ability to address complex problems using sound judgment and efficient methods
- Clear communication of insights to colleagues with diverse technical backgrounds
- Understanding of ethical data management and privacy practices
- Willingness to learn, adapt, and apply new tools and technologies
- Collaborative mindset with a desire to share knowledge
- Flexibility and openness to change
Nice-to-Have Experience
- Advanced statistical training
- Interest in Wikimedia projects, open knowledge, or global education
- Experience with open-source tools
- Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Fluency in languages other than English
- Experience in nonprofit, NGO, or international development environments
Compensation & Location
- Remote-first role with team members in 40+ countries
- For U.S.-based applicants: $106,227 – $167,858 USD annually
- Compensation for non-U.S. applicants is adjusted based on country of hire
- Pay is determined by skills, experience, and location (salary history is not considered)
- Hiring is currently available in select countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, India, Nigeria, South Africa, and many others
- Non-U.S. employees are hired through a local Employer of Record (EOR)
Who This Job Is Best For
This role is ideal for:
- Senior data scientists seeking mission-driven remote work
- Professionals interested in ethical data, open knowledge, and global impact
- Candidates experienced in large-scale data systems and analytics
- Data professionals who enjoy collaborating across technical and non-technical teams
How to Apply Safely
Apply through the Wikimedia Foundation’s official careers page. Avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial information outside verified hiring channels.
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