Data Scientist 3

JOB SUMMARY:

Choice Hotels, one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, has an opportunity for a Data Scientist 3, Applied AI, on the Data Science team. You will play an integral role in developing predictive analytics and applied AI capabilities in support of key corporate initiatives. Our cross-functional team of data scientists and engineers develops and deploys statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and AI solutions that drive business decisions and interactions with our customers. The team partners with leaders across the enterprise to deliver end-to-end data science solutions for Marketing, Loyalty, Global Sales, Finance, Franchise Development, eCommerce, and Brands. Examples include customer lifetime value, hotel performance forecasting, site selection, and generative AI applications. In addition to building models, the Data Scientist will contribute to upskilling the team, provide guidance on data sources for ingestion to improve modeling effectiveness, and collaborate with the Data Delivery and IT teams to ensure Choice's AWS analytics platform can meet future state needs for machine learning, generative AI, and predictive analytics.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead modeling initiatives that drive enterprise decisions, working with stakeholders to solve strategic and operational needs with statistical models and AI. Deliver timely ad hoc analyses and product presentations, including geospatial analyses, that communicate insights to stakeholders. Work with IT and the Data Delivery teams to enhance infrastructure needed to support real-time, machine learning, and generative AI modeling capabilities Deploy solutions using AWS services such as Redshift, Athena, S3, SageMaker AI, Bedrock, and AgentCore. Research cutting-edge methodologies and contribute to upskilling the overall team's capabilities, including the use of AI-assisted development tools such as Claude Code, which are core to how the team prototypes, codes, and performs analysis day to day.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Employment Experience 5+ years of analytical experience, with a background in predictive modeling and statistical techniques such as regression, segmentation and clustering, and time series analysis Hands-on experience building with large language models (LLMs) Technical Skills Experience with Machine Learning approaches and techniques such as decision trees, gradient boosted models, and neural networks, including standard data preparation and model evaluation practices Familiarity with LLMs, prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and agentic workflows Comfort with (or strong enthusiasm to adopt) AI-assisted development tools such as Claude Code; agentic coding workflows are a major part of our day-to-day work Working knowledge of Python/R and SQL, along with Git version control and code review practices Familiarity with the ML and AI model development lifecycle from prototyping through deployment and monitoring in production Comfortable with lightweight data engineering, data quality monitoring, data profiling, and preparing datasets Knowledge of AWS services such as Redshift, Athena, S3, Lambda, SageMaker AI, Bedrock, and AgentCore; AWS certification is a plus Experience with geospatial analytics and tools (e.g., ArcGIS, GeoPandas, PostGIS) is a plus Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Word Additional Skills & Competencies Must be an energized self-starter who can work independently and who drives for results Ability to evaluate business trends and develop successful solutions that enhance business performance Effectively partner with business stakeholders to ensure integrated and timely insights to the enterprise Has strong intellectual curiosity and is an active learner, able to enhance personal, professional, and business growth through new knowledge and experiences. Results oriented; delivers results under difficult conditions and demonstrates balanced judgment under pressure Writes clean, clear, and well-documented code that others can read, maintain, and build on Good communication skills, including oral (one on one and presentations to large audiences) and written Education Requirements Master's Degree in Data Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research or other quantitative field

COMPENSATION & SALARY RANGE:

The salary range for this position is $114,907-135,000. Pay ranges listed are what Choice Hotels reasonably expects to pay. Actual pay may be higher or lower and ranges may be adjusted in the future. Pay positioning within the range is influenced by factors including-but not limited to-education, experience, skills, certifications, performance, geographic location, business needs, seniority, and travel requirements.

LOCATION & WORK SCHEDULE:

This role is based at our corporate headquarters in North Bethesda, Maryland, and follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring regular in-office collaboration alongside remote work flexibility. Choice prioritizes our associate wellbeing by offering a comprehensive benefits program that is both competitive and flexible to help you achieve your wellbeing goals - here are just a few: Competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage Leave and paid time-off for holidays, vacation, personal, family, volunteer, sick, jury duty, bereavement, military, and religious observance Financial benefits for retirement and health savings Employee recognition programs Discounts at Choice hotels worldwide About Choice Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. With 7,500 hotels in 45+ countries and territories, we offer a range of high-quality lodging options in the upper upscale, upper midscale, midscale, extended stay, and economy segments. We're the hotel company for those who choose to bet on themselves - the striver, the dreamer, the entrepreneur - because that's who we are, too. At Choice, we are united by the simple belief that tomorrow will be even better than today - for associates, our company, and our franchisees. At our worldwide corporate headquarters in North Bethesda, Maryland, at our technology center in Scottsdale, Arizona, and through our associates around the globe, every voice is heard and every idea is listened to, no matter what area of the company they come from. We are united in supporting the entrepreneurial dreams of our thousands of franchise owners, which propels us forward - giving our work at Choice a purpose larger than our business. Our corporate office locations: North Bethesda, MD - Located at Pike & Rose, our worldwide headquarters is less than 15 miles from Washington, D.C., one block away from the North Bethesda Metro station, with easy access to I-495, complimentary parking, electronic charging stations, restaurants and retail. Scottsdale, AZ - Located at the northwest corner of Loop 101, the Scottsdale office is home to our technology, eCommerce and customer service organizations, with easy access to complimentary parking, electronic charging stations, restaurants and retail. Minneapolis, MN - Select roles are based in our Minneapolis office on Highway 394, near the intersection with Highway 100, only five minutes from downtown. Field/Remote - Select roles designated as field/remote will require associates to work from a home office, connecting virtually with Choice team members and leadership on Zoom, with possible required travel depending on the role. Choice's Cultural Values Welcome and Respect Everyone | Be Bold | Be Quick | Listen | Be Curious | Show Integrity Choice's Leadership Principles Act with Intention | Lead with Authenticity | Grow & Deliver Choice Hotels