Chief Research & Solutions Officer — Desert Living Lab

Botanical Society of America; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 167,000 - 204,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement contribution matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Desert Botanical Garden seeks an visionary leader to define and deliver desert research and solution initiatives. The Chief Research and Solutions Officer will drive a multidisciplinary enterprise across science, horticulture, and community partnerships to protect and improve desert landscapes.

The role emphasizes translating knowledge into actionable guidance, scaling demonstrations, and securing resources for impactful programs with measurable outcomes for the Sonoran Desert communities.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in environmental science, conservation, climate resilience, urban ecology, or related field.
• Proven ability to translate scientific knowledge into applied outcomes.
• Experience building partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary team of 20+ professionals across science, data and partnerships.
• Develop and advance a portfolio of desert research and solutions initiatives.
• Translate findings into practical plant and landscape guidance for communities and policymakers.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Partnership development

Communication

Systems thinking

Education

Advanced degree in a relevant field

Job description

Desert Botanical Garden seeks an visionary leader to define and deliver desert research and solution initiatives. The Chief Research and Solutions Officer will drive a multidisciplinary enterprise across science, horticulture, and community partnerships to protect and improve desert landscapes.

The role emphasizes translating knowledge into actionable guidance, scaling demonstrations, and securing resources for impactful programs with measurable outcomes for the Sonoran Desert communities.