Chief Innovation & Advancement Officer at monell chemical senses center – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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About This Position
Chief Innovation & Advancement Officer (CIAO)
MONELL CHEMICAL SENSES CENTER
The Monell Chemical Senses Center is a world-renowned non-profit research institute, and a global leader dedicated to advancing knowledge about the senses of taste, smell, and related senses and translating its discoveries into real-world advances in policy, practice, and behavior. Monell is located in the heart of the vibrant educational and life sciences hub of Philadelphia.
At Monell, science begins with the senses—the fundamental signals that shape how people and animals interact with the world, make choices, and maintain health. For more than half a century, Monell has been a global leader in sensory science, advancing understanding of smell, taste, and related sensory systems to improve health, safety, and well-being across people, animals, and the environment.
Today, Monell stands at a moment of opportunity. Breakthroughs in biology, data science, and translational research are opening new pathways to impact—while global challenges demand deeper collaboration between science, industry, philanthropy, and the public. The Chief Innovation & Advancement Officer (CIAO) will play a pivotal role in shaping this next chapter.
This is a rare opportunity for a strategic, entrepreneurial leader to partner with world-class scientists and visionary leadership to amplify Monell’s impact, secure its long-term sustainability, and translate discovery into real-world benefit. The CIAO will connect science to supporters, ideas to investment, and discovery to application—ensuring Monell’s work continues to shape the future of health and sensory science worldwide.
The CIAO serves as a key member of Monell’s executive leadership team. Reporting directly to the Executive Director and President, and leads an integrated portfolio encompassing Philanthropy, Marketing & Communications, IP & Innovation, and Monell Insiders (Monell’s corporate membership program). This role works closely with scientific leadership, the Board of Trustees, advisory leaders, and a broad network of external partners.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Advancement
Contribute to institutional strategy, long-range planning, and organizational growth as a member of the executive leadership team. Develop and implement an integrated innovation and advancement strategy aligned with Monell’s scientific priorities. Advise the Executive Director and Board on advancement trends, funding opportunities, innovation pathways, and strategic partnerships.
Philanthropy & Fundraising
Provide executive leadership for Monell’s philanthropic program, including individual, major, planned, foundation, and corporate giving. Lead fundraising efforts generating approximately $3–5 million annually, with an emphasis on diversified and sustainable revenue. Cultivate and steward relationships with impact donors and partners in collaboration with Board and advisory leaders, ensuring strong stewardship, impact reporting, and alignment with scientific outcomes.
Marketing & Communications
Oversee marketing and communications to ensure Monell’s brand, messaging, and storytelling reflect scientific excellence and institutional impact. Elevate Monell’s visibility and thought leadership across local, national, and global audiences, and align external communications with advancement and engagement priorities.
Corporate Partnerships & Business Development
Lead Monell Insiders program and related efforts in corporate partnerships and business development. Refine and grow the Center’s corporate membership program (by 50% in the first 2 years with focus on new sectors e.g. healthcare; shift of at least 3 long-term members to leader level in first 2 years), promote a culture shift to more translational and applied science collaborations and develop core capabilities to support both basic research and service-based projects, assess industry trends and cultivate mission-aligned relationships with industry.
IP & Innovation
Advance innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration by building partnerships with academia, industry, government, foundations, and nonprofits. Support the translation of scientific discoveries into applied solutions, collaborations, and funding opportunities. Work collaboratively with scientific leadership and legal counsel to support responsible IP protection, commercialization, licensing, and research translation.
Team & Organizational Leadership
Lead and mentor high-performing teams across Philanthropy, Marketing & Communications, IP & Innovation, and Monell Insiders (Corporate Partnerships), as well as external consultants and align the group mission and goals with the Centers’ goals and revenue strategy. Establish clear goals, metrics, and accountability for team members while fostering collaboration and operational excellence.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred
- Experience in science or a science-adjacent field, with the ability to engage credibly with researchers
- Senior leadership experience in relevant advancement areas such as philanthropy, innovation and business development and/or marketing
- Demonstrated success leading advancement efforts of $3–5 million annually
- Strong strategic planning, execution, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to translate complex scientific work into compelling narratives
- Experience leading cross-functional teams
- High integrity, sound judgment, and professionalism
Preferred
- Advanced degree in a relevant discipline
- Experience in a research institute, academic medical center, or science-based nonprofit
- Familiarity with intellectual property strategy, technology transfer, and/or commercialization
- Experience working with Boards of Directors, foundations, or advisory councils
- Knowledge of federal, foundation, and corporate funding landscapes
- Experience leading enterprise-level innovation or organizational growth initiatives
Work Environment
This role is primarily on-site, with flexibility for external engagement. Evening and occasional weekend commitments are expected for donor, Board, and partner activities. Travel is required for fundraising, partnership development, and external representation.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Monell provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Application Instructions
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Job Location
Job Location
This job is located in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States region.