1

Chief Science Officer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required * Minimum of 10 years progressive healthcare leadership experience * Minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role (CNO, COO, VP, or equivalent)

Be Seen First

Fire Chief

Denver, CO · On-site

$96K/yr

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Public ... Indiana or IFSAC Fire Officer III * Indiana or IFSAC Fire Instructor II * Indiana or National ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Chief Science Officer information

See Colorado salary details

$26.8K

$175.1K

$290.7K

How much do chief science officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief science officer in Colorado is $175,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,800.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief science officer?

A Chief Science Officer (CSO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the scientific functions and research initiatives of an organization. They set the strategic direction for scientific research, ensure compliance with regulations, and often lead teams of scientists and researchers. CSOs play a key role in aligning scientific priorities with business goals, fostering innovation, and representing the organization in scientific communities. They typically report directly to the CEO or another top executive.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief science officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Science Officer, you need advanced scientific expertise, leadership experience, and typically a doctorate in a relevant field. Familiarity with research management software, data analytics tools, and compliance systems is important, along with knowledge of regulatory standards. Strategic vision, excellent communication, and the ability to inspire and lead multidisciplinary teams are standout soft skills for this role. These capabilities are essential to drive innovation, ensure scientific integrity, and align research goals with organizational objectives.

What are the typical challenges a chief science officer faces when balancing research innovation with business objectives?

A Chief Science Officer (CSO) often faces the challenge of aligning cutting-edge scientific research with the company's strategic business goals. This requires prioritizing projects that not only advance scientific understanding but also have clear commercial potential and meet regulatory requirements. CSOs must frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development, marketing, and executive leadership, to ensure scientific initiatives support overall company growth. Balancing long-term innovation with short-term deliverables, securing funding, and managing diverse talent within the research team are also common aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Chief Science Officer vs Chief Research Officer?

AspectChief Science OfficerChief Research Officer
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in science or related fields, leadership experienceSimilar credentials, often with a focus on research management
Work EnvironmentOversees scientific teams, R&D departments, innovation projectsLeads research initiatives, manages research teams, focuses on scientific discovery
Industry UsageCommon in biotech, pharmaceuticals, tech companiesUsed in research-intensive industries like biotech, pharmaceuticals, academia
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in science and R&DDistinguishing research leadership positions from broader scientific roles

The Chief Science Officer and Chief Research Officer roles both require advanced scientific credentials and leadership experience. The CSO typically oversees overall scientific strategy and innovation, while the CRO focuses more on managing research projects and scientific discovery. Both positions are prevalent in biotech, pharma, and research-driven industries, but the CSO often has a broader strategic scope.

What are popular job titles related to Chief Science Officer jobs in Colorado?

For Chief Science Officer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Chief Science Officer jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Chief Science Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Chief Science Officer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $175,089 per year, or $84.2 per hour.

Chief Financial & Advancement Officer

Denver, CO • On-site

Morris Animal Foundation
Scientific Research and Development Services • 11 - 50 employees

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

The Chief Financial & Advancement Officer (CFAO) is accountable for how Morris Animal Foundation generates, stewards, and optimizes the financial resources required to advance its scientific mission. This is an integrated enterprise leadership role - not a traditional CFO position with fundraising attached and not a traditional development role with finance added.

Reporting to the President/CEO and serving on the Executive Team, the CFAO leads four functions: Finance, Accounting, Mission-Aligned Giving, and Donor Experience. The role connects donor passion, scientific priorities, philanthropic investment, financial discipline, and measurable impact into one enterprise system.

Responsibilities of Position Enterprise Leadership & Strategy
  • Serve as a member of the Executive Team, helping establish organizational strategy, priorities, key performance indicators, budgets, and operating plans aligned with Morris Animal Foundation's scientific mission.
  • Align financial resources, philanthropic growth strategies, and operational investments with organizational priorities and long-term objectives.
  • Partner across Scientific Programs, Marketing, Operations, and other departments to translate scientific opportunities into compelling mission investments and coordinated execution plans.
  • Lead through influence and collaboration, building consensus among executives, trustees, donors, and stakeholders with varying priorities and perspectives.
  • Serve as a visible change leader who promotes accountability, transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the organization.
Financial Leadership & Stewardship
  • Provide strategic leadership for Finance and Accounting operations, including budgeting, forecasting, investments, financial planning, liquidity management, accounting operations, and financial reporting.
  • Oversee financial controls, risk management, audits, compliance activities, and fiduciary responsibilities to ensure organizational sustainability and accountability.
  • Develop board‑ready financial reports, forecasts, and analyses that support informed decision‑making and strategic planning.
  • Monitor organizational financial performance and ensure disciplined resource allocation consistent with Foundation priorities.
  • Protect and strengthen the Foundation's financial health through sound stewardship, effective controls, and long‑term planning.
Mission‑Aligned Giving & Philanthropic Growth
  • Lead the Mission‑Aligned Giving function, connecting donor interests and philanthropic investments with Morris Animal Foundation's scientific priorities.
  • Oversee major gifts, planned giving, legacy giving, campaign planning, donor proposals, stewardship strategies, and pipeline development.
  • Build and execute strategies that drive philanthropic revenue growth and increase investment in priority research initiatives.
  • Partner with donors, trustees, and organizational leaders to cultivate meaningful relationships and long‑term philanthropic support.
  • Ensure disciplined revenue forecasting, donor pipeline management, and fundraising performance measurement.
Donor Experience & Performance Optimization
  • Lead Donor Experience as a comprehensive donor growth and engagement function focused on acquisition, retention, stewardship, and lifetime value.
  • Oversee donor relations, tribute giving, digital and direct response fundraising, mid‑level donor programs, and engagement strategies.
  • Develop and manage performance systems that leverage CRM data, donor analytics, segmentation, testing, and reporting to improve donor outcomes and organizational performance.
  • Drive data‑informed decision making by establishing metrics, dashboards, forecasting models, and performance reporting practices.
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen donor retention, upgrade rates, donor lifetime value, and overall fundraising effectiveness.
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
  • Build, lead, and develop high‑performing teams across Finance, Accounting, Mission‑Aligned Giving, and Donor Experience.
  • Establish clear expectations, accountability measures, decision rights, and performance standards across departments.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous learning, and shared accountability.
  • Mentor and develop leaders while strengthening organizational capacity for future growth and success.
Experience & Qualifications
  • Significant executive leadership experience in finance, accounting, revenue growth, philanthropy, advancement, or a mission‑driven enterprise of comparable complexity.
  • Demonstrated financial and business judgment across planning, budgeting, forecasting, performance reporting, resource allocation, risk, and fiduciary oversight.
  • Proven ability to drive revenue growth and build disciplined performance systems around pipeline, forecasting, analytics, customer/donor economics, or comparable growth engines.
  • Demonstrated success leading significant change, building consensus, and influencing outcomes in a complex or matrixed organization where authority is shared.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and partnering effectively with CEOs, Boards, senior leaders, donors, advisors, auditors, and external stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical, communication, and listening skills, including the ability to turn complexity into clear decisions and compelling cases for mission investment.
  • Strong connection to Morris Animal Foundation's mission and credibility representing a science‑driven organization.
Strongly Preferred
  • Experience in nonprofit advancement, major giving, planned/legacy giving, donor experience, or mission‑aligned revenue generation.
  • Experience with nonprofit finance, investments, restricted funds/endowments, audit, compliance, and Board fiduciary responsibilities.
  • Experience using CRM, donor data, segmentation, testing, and analytics to improve revenue, retention, and lifetime value.
  • Experience in scientific research, health, animal health, veterinary medicine, or another evidence‑driven mission environment.
Position Specifications

Full‑time, exempt position. Job duties are performed in a general office environment and include sitting and operating a computer and other office machinery. Must be able to read, write, and communicate fluently in English. Proof of authorization to work in the United States required.

Work Location Requirements

Hybrid Work Model (some in‑office work required at MAF's central office in Denver; the specific schedule will vary based on position duties, current projects, and organizational needs). Colorado candidates preferred; remote work may be considered in certain circumstances. MAF is not currently hiring in CA, HI, NY, or NJ. Candidates are welcome to apply if willing to relocate prior to start date.

#J-18808-Ljbffr