Chief Desert Research Officer & Strategy Leader

Socket.dev; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 151,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Desert Botanical Garden seeks a visionary Chief Research Officer to lead a 20+ member multidisciplinary research team, setting strategic direction and elevating desert science on a global stage. You will drive climate adaptation, biodiversity, water resilience, and policy impact, translating science into public understanding and practice.

As a senior leader, you will secure external funding, partner with universities and agencies, mentor researchers, and shape institutional strategy through the

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental or Conservation Science; Botany, Horticulture or related field preferred.
• Minimum ten years’ experience in relevant science field and management of scientists and support staff.
• Demonstrated leadership of research programs with applied, real-world impact.
• Proven ability to build and sustain effective partnerships across academic, public, and private sectors.
• Strong track record of securing competitive research funding.
• Strategic thinker able to connect science to policy, practice, education, and public engagement.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including translating complex science for diverse audiences.
• Collaborative leadership style with high emotional intelligence and cross-disciplinary credibility.
• Experience working within or alongside cultural, educational, or mission-driven institutions preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in grant writing, research design, and peer-reviewed publication.
• Working knowledge of conservation policy, regulatory frameworks, and plant-related permitting requirements.
• Field experience with the ability to work outdoors across varied terrain and environmental conditions.

Responsibilities

• Set and lead the Garden’s research strategy, ensuring scientific rigor, relevance, and measurable real-world impact.
• Oversee all research and collections programs and initiatives, from concept through execution, evaluation, and dissemination.
• Position the Garden as a leading center for desert research through high-value partnerships with universities, public agencies, and peer institutions.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward collaborative research opportunities that expand capacity, reach, and influence.
• Lead the strategy for securing external research funding, including grants, sponsored research, and philanthropic support, in collaboration with Development.
• Ensure compliance, reporting, and stewardship for all research funding and sponsored projects.
• Translate scientific research into accessible insights that inform policy, practice, education, and public understanding.
• Collaborate with Education, Engagement, and Experience teams to integrate research into programs, exhibits, and learning initiatives.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate research staff and affiliated scientists, fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and accountability.
• Establish clear goals, metrics, and evaluation frameworks to assess research outcomes and impact.
• Contribute as a member of the senior leadership team to institution-wide strategy, board partnerships, planning, and long-term vision.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Grant writing

Partnership development

Communication

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental or Conservation Science

Job description

Desert Botanical Garden seeks a visionary Chief Research Officer to lead a 20+ member multidisciplinary research team, setting strategic direction and elevating desert science on a global stage. You will drive climate adaptation, biodiversity, water resilience, and policy impact, translating science into public understanding and practice.

As a senior leader, you will secure external funding, partner with universities and agencies, mentor researchers, and shape institutional strategy through the