The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center seeks a visionary, people-centered, and mission-driven scientific leader to serve as its next president.

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is a not-for-profit research institute, with a mission to improve the human condition through plant science. More than 400 scientists and community members from over 30 countries work in teams focused on research, education, and outreach aimed to have an impact at the nexus of food security and the environment and to position the St. Louis region as a world center for plant science. The Center's work is funded through competitive grants from many sources, including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Energy, US Agency for International Development, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and through the generosity of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center was founded in 1998 to apply the highest caliber of plant science to solving the critical challenges confronting humanity. Dr. William H. Danforth was the founding chairman, and the Center was named after Dr. Danforth's late father, Donald Danforth, former chief executive of Ralston Purina. The main building opened in 2001, and the William H. Danforth Wing was dedicated in 2016. Today, the Danforth Center is the largest independent nonprofit institute dedicated to plant science in the world.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the president is the management executive and scientific leader of the Danforth Center. The president is responsible for the scientific vision, competitive positioning, productivity, innovation, and overall excellence of the Center's programs including the formulation and implementation of strategic plans, budgets, and priorities. The president also serves as the fundraiser in chief for the Center, working with an experienced team of development professionals.

The next president will build on the transformative achievements of James C. Carrington, PhD who will step down from his role as president and CEO on July 1, 2025, after 14 years of service. Through his exceptional leadership, the Danforth Center is an organization of remarkable strength as evidenced by its mission-driven, cutting edge science with real impact on improving lives; values-based, people-centered community with a culture that is palpable; exceptional scientific and administrative talent; highly collaborative environment; supportive and engaged Board of Directors and Science Advisory Board; world-class facilities; and tremendous financial strength.

The next president will take the Danforth Center from strength to strength. They will play a pivotal role in shaping the Danforth Center's future by articulating an expansive, clear, and compelling vision for its next chapter and developing a strategic plan that translates this vision into a roadmap for action. At the center of this vision and plan—and the president's essential responsibility—must be continuously elevating scientific excellence and innovation to remain at the forefront of plant science. The president will enhance the Danforth Center's global visibility, reach, and reputation to compete effectively for top talent, engage new partners, and attract increased support. The new president will lead, empower, and support a talented, dedicated, and collaborative group of senior leaders, providing steady leadership through a period of transition. The president must also place a high priority on recruiting, retaining, and developing top scientific and administrative talent at all levels. Fundamental to the Center's continued success, the president will prioritize preserving and advancing the Center's people-centered and values-based culture.

The next president of the Danforth Center will be a scientist of prominence and vision. In a rare and extraordinary circumstance, an exception will be considered for a highly accomplished leader who would garner great respect from the scientific community. The ideal candidate will have a record of successful leadership of a sophisticated and complex scientific organization and possess the financial and operational acumen necessary to lead and operate an effective enterprise. Likewise, they will have exceptional interpersonal and communications skills and the ability and enthusiasm to make a compelling and persuasive case for the Center across the world, with donors, corporate and community leaders, funding agencies and university partners. A personal commitment in word and deed to equity, inclusion, and diversity in all its forms is essential as is an openness to and appreciation for diverse points of view.

Additional information about the opportunity can be found in the leadership profile.

The Danforth Plant Science Center invites applications, nominations, and inquiries. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the profile. WittKieffer is assisting the Danforth Center in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 4, 2024.

Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to Suzanne Teer, Jessica Herrington and Sarah Seavey at DanforthPresident@wittkieffer.com.

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