Chief Research & Strategy Officer

Botanical Society of America; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 151,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Desert Botanical Garden seeks a visionary Vice President & Chief Research Officer to set the strategic direction for a multidisciplinary team of 20+ professionals and position the Garden as a global leader in desert research. You will lead climate adaptation, biodiversity, urban heat, water resilience, and threatened species research, shaping policy and communities.

As a senior leader, you will secure external funding, translate science for public understanding, and collaborate across

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology or related field; focus on arid land plants/habitats preferred.
• Minimum ten years’ experience managing scientists and staff.
• Demonstrated leadership with applied, real-world impact.

Responsibilities

• Set and lead the Garden’s research strategy with measurable impact.
• Oversee research and collections programs from concept to dissemination.
• Identify and steward collaborative research opportunities with partners.
• Lead strategy for external funding and manage sponsored projects.
• Translate research for policy, practice, education and public understanding.
• Collaborate with Education/Engagement teams to integrate research into programs.
• Supervise and develop research staff and affiliated scientists.

Skills

Ph.D. in Biology

Ecology

Conservation Science

Leadership of research programs

Grant writing

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Partnership development

Cross-disciplinary credibility

Field experience outdoors

Education

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

Job description

Desert Botanical Garden seeks a visionary Vice President & Chief Research Officer to set the strategic direction for a multidisciplinary team of 20+ professionals and position the Garden as a global leader in desert research. You will lead climate adaptation, biodiversity, urban heat, water resilience, and threatened species research, shaping policy and communities.

As a senior leader, you will secure external funding, translate science for public understanding, and collaborate across