Vice President & Chief Research Officer

Desert Botanical Garden • Phoenix, AZ

1d • $168,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Desert Botanical Garden is seeking a visionary scientific leader to help define the future of desert research. As Vice President & Chief Research Officer, you will set the strategic direction for a multidisciplinary team of more than 20 professionals and position the Garden as a global leader in understanding and protecting desert ecosystems. From climate adaptation and biodiversity to urban heat, water resilience, and threatened species, you will lead research with the power to shape policy, strengthen communities, and drive meaningful change. This is a rare opportunity to build an influential scientific legacy at one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to desert plants and environments.

The Vice President & Chief Research Officer (CRO) provides strategic leadership, vision and oversight for the Garden’s research, science and resilience portfolio and leads a multidisciplinary team of more than 20 staff.

Grounded in the Garden’s 2040 Compass, the CRO is responsible for advancing the Garden’s commitment to becoming a global leader in desert research and for generating knowledge that helps desert ecosystems and communities thrive in a changing world. The role leads high-impact, mission-aligned work addressing the most pressing challenges facing deserts, including climate adaptation, biodiversity, urban heat, water resilience and the protection of threatened plant species and habitats.

The CRO positions the Garden as a global center for desert research by establishing clear scientific priorities, strengthening the capabilities and impact of the research team, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and securing external funding. The role also ensures that the Garden’s science is translated into real-world applications that inform public policy, community resilience, education and public understanding.

As a member of the Garden’s senior management team, the CRO works closely with executive and departmental leadership to integrate research and science across institutional planning, partnerships, visitor experiences and the long-term implementation of the 2040 Compass. The position serves as a visible external representative of the Garden and builds relationships with universities, government agencies, funders, conservation organizations, community partners and other research institutions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, Environmental or Conservation Science, Botany, Horticulture or related field; an emphasis on work related to arid land plants and/or habitats preferred or related work experience.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• An emphasis on work related to arid land plants and/or habitats preferred
• Experience working within or alongside cultural, educational, or mission-driven institutions preferred.

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.

Benefits

• The Garden fosters and supports workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion to honor the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions of all, to celebrate successes, and to cultivate individual and institutional excellence.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree