Chief Scientific Officer

The W. M. Keck Foundation, one of the nation’s largest and most impactful philanthropic organizations, seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and strategic leader to serve as its inaugural Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). This is an extraordinary opportunity for a seasoned big-picture thinker with a broad interdisciplinary understanding of physical and life sciences and the research funding landscape, and experience in peer-reviewed grant-making, to join a highly collaborative team dedicated to supporting pioneering discoveries in scientific and medical research.

William Myron Keck, founder of The Superior Oil Company, established the W. M. Keck Foundation in 1954 with a vision to provide far-reaching benefits for humanity. Today, the Foundation supports medical and scientific research nationally and local institutions through its Southern California and undergraduate program. Keck Foundation grantees have gone on to receive other competitive funding and win the most prestigious awards. The Foundation prides itself on identifying talent early and making “risky” scientific bets that prove transformational. Nine Foundation grantees have won the Nobel Prize.

The CSO will be a vital partner in advancing the Foundation’s bold goals. The CSO will work closely with the Foundation’s President, Co-Chairs and Co-Chief Executive Officers, its Board of Directors, and scientific advisors. In recommending grants, the CSO must think broadly across scientific disciplines and take risks. The Foundation’s program staff work in a relatively flat structure, which enables individuals to significantly influence the future of the Foundation and its grant work. Through effective communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, the CSO will directly impact critical, groundbreaking research across fields—a unique opportunity in the world of philanthropy.

The CSO will address the following opportunities and challenges: 

• Support Leadership and the Board in defining the Keck Foundation’s scientific vision for the next decade and beyond.
• Communicate and translate complex scientific research clearly to a variety of Foundation stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire the team while streamlining operational processes.
• Serve as a compelling external ambassador of the Foundation.

The anticipated annual compensation range for this position is $400-450,000. This range takes into account the numerous factors considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Foundation offers a hybrid in-person/remote model for its employees and provides generous health and 401(k) match benefits. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, as well as application packets (CV and cover letter) should be sent electronically below. 

Courtney Wilk-Mandel is leading this search with Silvia Cheng and Cara Meyers.

The W. M. Keck Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit. Foundation policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, military service, legally protected medical condition, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.