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Posted 1d ago

Head of Frontiers Planet Prize

@ Frontiers
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Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
OnsiteFull Time
Responsibilities:build nominations, oversee deployment, lead team
Requirements Summary:Advanced degree (PhD preferred); 5–7+ years in a senior role; track record leading international initiatives; experience engaging academic/scientific communities; collaboration with public affairs and communications.
Technical Tools Mentioned:AI automation tools, Event management software
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Job Description

About the Planet Prize

The Frontiers Planet Prize is the world’s largest prize in scientific solutions for planetary health. Founded on Earth Day 2022 by the Frontiers Research Foundation —  it awards three prizes of $1 million each year to the world’s most innovative sustainability scientists.

The prize identifies and promotes research with the greatest potential to keep our planet within the nine planetary boundaries. It brings together leading universities, national academies of science, and a prestigious Jury of 100, alongside partners including the International Science Council.

About the role

You’ll lead a dedicated team and act as the primary point of contact for a team spanning operations, communications, events, and strategic partnerships. Your mission: grow the prize’s global nomination network, amplify the impact of each annual edition, and represent the prize to academic, scientific, and VIP audiences worldwide.

What you’ll do

  • Build the nomination network. Onboard research institutions and national academies of sciences to secure a strong, engaged cohort of National Champions each year.
  • Strategically oversee the successful deployment of each annual edition. Ensure alignment across operations, implementation to deliver on the prize’s core mission
  • Provide high-level direction for the annual ceremony. Ensure its successful delivery in line with the prize’s ambition and global positioning.
  • Deepen strategic partnerships. Engage key partners — including the International Science Council, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, the Villars Institute, and the African Academy of Sciences - to raise visibility across the earth system science and planetary health communities.
  • Represent the prize. Act as official spokesperson alongside the Director, presenting the prize to VIPs, prospective partners, and the wider public.
  • Lead the team. Manage and develop direct reports
  • Champion AI-driven efficiency. Setting direction to embed AI automation and agentification tools across prize mechanics, outreach, communications, and ceremony delivery.

Success looks like

A growing roster of participating institutions and national academies, more nominations and National Champions year on year, expanding media reach, and a rising number of VIP initiatives that amplify the prize’s thought leadership.