Chief Program Officer Jobs

About BEAM Circular:

BEAM Circular is unlocking the power of communities to transform waste into opportunity by building a vibrant regional ecosystem for the circular bioeconomy in California’s agricultural heartland. Anchored in the North San Joaquin Valley, we are facilitating collaboration through the BioEconomy, Agriculture, & Manufacturing (BEAM) Initiative to scale the most promising innovations in bioindustrial manufacturing. Our work includes public-private projects and programs in the areas of innovation, access to capital, infrastructure, talent development, and cross-cutting partnerships to advance economic and environmental value for local communities.

BEAM Circular was launched in January 2023, catalyzed by the Stanislaus 2030 inclusive economic development planning process, and has raised over $15.4 million since January 2023 to seed the BEAM Initiative. Together with local communities and a growing network of state and national collaborators, we are aligning resources and partnerships to make the North San Joaquin Valley a global hub for transformational solutions at the intersections of food and agriculture, climate, biotechnology, and economic inclusion.

We have a dynamic, mission-driven team and are looking for partners to join us who believe in rolling up their sleeves to contribute to a bold vision; who have a results-oriented, “get things done” mentality; who lead with curiosity, collaboration, and kindness; and who are dedicated to positive impact for people and the planet.

BEAM Circular is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourages individuals identifying with any race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, and abilities to apply.

Position Summary:

BEAM Circular seeks a seasoned organizational leader and project manager to serve as its founding Chief Program Officer. As a key member of BEAM Circular’s executive team and startup leadership, the Chief Program Officer will oversee the development and deployment of BEAM Circular’s diverse portfolio of projects and programs. As Chief Program Officer, you'll be at the forefront of creating and executing key BEAM Circular initiatives and leading a team toward a shared vision of ambitious environmental and social impact.

The ideal candidate brings insights and expertise from the biomanufacturing industry (or closely related sector) as well as experience developing, launching, and managing complex projects. The Chief Program Officer will serve as a key partner in BEAM Circular’s ongoing strategic planning efforts, and drive the deployment of diverse pilot projects, programs, and initiatives including:

• Industry and community engagement events and activities
• Community benefits working group
• Innovation voucher and knowledge partnership programs
• Startup competition and business accelerator
• Workforce development and talent solutions programming
• Technical assistance programs for firms across the bioindustry supply chain

This position will manage at minimum four direct reports, and work closely with the Chief Executive Officer to design short- and long-term staffing plans.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee program budgeting and monitoring for optimal use of resources
• Evaluate and report on program deliverables on an ongoing basis, recommending areas for improvement and growth
• Lead and motivate a team of program staff to achieve shared goals
• Collaborate closely with the senior leadership team on strategy development to maximize BEAM Circular’s impact across industry, environmental, and economic/social outcome goals
• Represent BEAM Circular at key industry events to stay informed, share knowledge, and develop relationships with industry partners
• Manage ongoing development and implementation of BEAM Circular programs and project portfolio, translating current strategic plans into operational plans, systems, policies, and structures in alignment with organizational mission and impact goals
• Collaborate on grant proposals and fundraising efforts to ensure program sustainability

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to foster and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Experience in economic development and/or nonprofit management preferred
• Primary location may be flexible for the right candidate, with a preference for candidates able to work out of the BEAM Circular Modesto, CA office on a weekly basis. Ability to travel for in-person meetings with partners across the North San Joaquin Valley (Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Merced Counties) is required
• Experience managing and coaching a team, with excellent ability to positively shape and support organizational culture
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required; master’s in business administration or a relevant scientific field preferred but not required
• 7+ years of professional experience preferred
• Spanish fluency a plus
• Educational or professional experience in a field relevant to the bioindustrial manufacturing industry preferred (e.g. biochemical engineering, microbiology, environmental sciences, advanced manufacturing), or demonstrated leadership experience in relevant economic/business development activities supporting firms and projects in a technology-driven industry
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high-priority projects with multiple fast-moving workstreams and organizational partners, including experience developing and executing on detailed work plans
• Resourceful, adaptive, and proactive work style, with experience building systems and teams either in a previous start-up organization or innovative project environment

Benefits

Pay based on experience with competitive benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, & Public Holidays)
• Retirement Plan
• Life Insurance
• Family Leave
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Hybrid work arrangements permitted

BEAM is incubated and fiscally sponsored by Opportunity Stanislaus, an organization that promotes regional economic growth and workforce development opportunities. The Chief Program Officer will be hired as an employee of Opportunity Stanislaus, but will be dedicated to BEAM Circular operations.