Customer Engagement Sr Data Scientist-Hybrid Des Moines, Iowa

Wellabe is looking for a Senior Data Scientist for Customer Engagement and Innovation to join our team. This role leads advanced analytics and AI-driven initiatives to elevate customer experiences. This role combines deep expertise in data science with strategic insight into customer engagement and innovation, delivering predictive models, actionable insights, and scalable solutions that drive personalization, loyalty, and satisfaction.

Working as part of a unified Customer Engagement and Innovation team, this role collaborates closely with colleagues focused on customer product development, engineering, communications, and experience. Additionally, the Senior Data Scientist partners with enterprise IT, data and actuarial teams as needed to ensure robust, integrated solutions that support business objectives.

Essential functions

• Customer Engagement Analytics

• Develop predictive and prescriptive models to optimize customer journeys, retention, and lifetime value.

• Apply NLP, sentiment analysis, and behavioral modeling to understand customer feedback and interactions.

• Design metrics and dashboards to measure engagement and innovation impact.

• Innovation & AI Solutions

• Lead the development of GenAI, machine learning, and recommendation systems for personalized customer experiences.

• Prototype and deploy algorithms for real-time personalization, conversational assistants, and engagement scoring.

• Explore emerging technologies (LLMs, agentic AI) to enhance customer experience.

• Data Strategy & Governance

• Define and implement data strategies for structured and unstructured customer data.

• Ensure compliance with data privacy and ethical AI standards with our enterprise data teams.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with communication, and engineering teams to integrate models into production systems.

• Translate complex analytics into clear business recommendations for senior leadership.

• Thought Leadership

• Mentor data scientists and associates.

• Drive best practices in experimentation, model validation, and performance monitoring.

Success Profile

• Familiarity with big data tools (Spark, Hadoop) and cloud-based environments.
• Knowledge of customer engagement platforms, loyalty ecosystems, and VoC programs.
• Ability to solve complex problems and translate complex analytics into actionable business strategies.
• Innovate and prototype solutions that enhance personalization and engagement.
• Drive continuous improvement through experimentation and performance monitoring.
• Advanced understanding of machine learning, NLP, and recommendation systems.
• Expertise in customer engagement analytics, personalization strategies, and VoC data interpretation.
• Familiarity with GenAI, LLMs, and emerging AI technologies for customer experience.
• Strong grasp of data governance, privacy, and ethical AI principles.
• Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Strong data visualization skills using Power BI for dashboards and storytelling.
• Ability to design and deploy predictive and prescriptive models for customer engagement.
• Strong data visualization and storytelling skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities for guiding junior team members.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or related field.
• Proven track record in customer engagement analytics or CX-focused innovation.
• 3+ years in data science roles, with at least 1 year in a senior or lead capacity.
• Experience with machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Hands-on experience with Snowflake, Databricks, and Power BI.
• Industry experience in healthcare, insurance, or customer-centric sectors.
• Experience integrating models with Snowflake and Databricks environments.

Benefits

• Hybrid availability
• 401(k) with generous, full vested company match
• Health insurance
• Paid time off, holidays
• Volunteer time off
• Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA)
• Paternal leave
• Legal insurance
• EAP
• Travel accident insurance

Growth opportunities

We believe each of us has potential to grow and adapt with our business. We take your career as seriously as you do. Helping you develop your skills and talents leads to opportunities - not only for you, but also for our company. That's why we provide:

• LinkedIn Learning Premium access
• CliftonStrengths assessment and coaching
• On-site and virtual workshops and cohorts featuring world-class content from FranklinCovey, Crucial Learning, Gallup, and more
• Free world-class insurance acumen courses through AHIP and LOMA
• Reimbursement and bonus opportunities for professional designations and certifications, including a tuition reimbursement program
• Opportunities to take part in Wellabe's mentorship programs

About Wellabe

Since 1929, Wellabe has been finding solutions to help our customers protect their health and financial well-being. And we're committed to fostering an internal culture of inclusivity, well-being, and development so each of our team members can succeed. Learn more about Wellabe's culture of betterment by visiting wellabe.com/culture.

Wellabe is full of smart, caring, hard-working people with a broad range of talents who understand collaboration is key. We bring our best selves every day, to connect with others to solve problems, spark innovation, and bring ideas to life. Meet the team and learn what makes Wellabe a great place to work by visiting wellabe.com/news/employee-spotlights.

Our core values:

• Be dedicated: Show unwavering commitment by proactively taking initiative, setting clear goals, and managing time effectively.
• Be trustworthy: Take accountability for actions, navigate difficult conversations with integrity, and build strong relationships through consistent, honest behavior.
• Be determined: Demonstrate enthusiasm and a relentless drive to overcome obstacles and achieve goals.
• Be collaborative: Foster teamwork by being self-aware, actively listening, and effectively communicating across all levels.
• Be open: Embrace diversity and new ideas to create an inclusive environment.
• Be generous: Embody generosity and compassion by serving a greater purpose and helping others.
• Be better: Commit to continuous improvement and adapt effectively to change.
• Be well: Prioritize physical and mental health, manage stress, and demonstrate emotional intelligence.

Be well - thrive in an environment that fosters inclusivity, well-being, and development. #LI-Hybrid