Community Engagement Director 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 to date 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 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 is looking for a Community Engagement Director who will develop and implement local community education and capacity-building programs, develop and pilot community-driven projects, and engage local communities in the ongoing planning of regional economic activities and BEAM Initiative projects. As part of their work, the Community Engagement Director will develop and launch a grant-funded Community Benefits in the Circular Bioeconomy Program, which will build and deepen shared understanding of opportunities in the circular bioeconomy and bioindustrial manufacturing sector, and the sector’s potential implications for the environmental, public health, social, and economic wellbeing of local communities.

As a key member of the BEAM Circular leadership team, the Community Engagement Director will serve as an ambassador and liaison for the BEAM Initiative across diverse local community groups and stakeholders across the North San Joaquin Valley. The Director will be an integral part of facilitating collaboration, ensuring regional economic development effort center and benefit disinvested community members, and helping to scale the most promising innovations in the circular bioeconomy that benefit and advance the interests of local communities.

Essential Functions:

• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and community partners across the region, and lead outreach efforts to identify potential partners and community-based collaborators for BEAM Circular projects and initiatives
• Develop and implement community engagement and education strategies to build local capacity, inform local communities of opportunities in the circular bioeconomy, and create opportunities for public feedback, accountability, and participation in BEAM Circular projects
• Manage development of a portfolio of collaboratively-designed projects that advance community wealth-building opportunities in the circular bioeconomy sector
• Support CBIO Collaborative to engage community in regional innovation engine activities and to develop strategies for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access
• Work with BEAM Circular’s communications team to develop and distribute educational materials to diverse audiences
• Develop a toolkit and support services for local small businesses and entrepreneurs to participate in the bioindustry supply chain
• Represent BEAM Circular at local events and meetings, speaking to the organization's mission, goals, and progress and providing education on the circular bioeconomy

Requirements

• Excellent interpersonal skills and relationship development capabilities, with sophisticated ability to work with diverse stakeholders
• Candidate must be based in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, or Merced counties and able to travel for in-person meetings across the region
• Communications or marketing experience a plus
• Experience supporting cross-cultural communication and collaboration
• More important than the candidate’s personal educational background is a general willingness to learn, ability to absorb scientific and technical material, and a demonstrated ability to translate complex content into accessible information for a variety of audiences
• Spanish fluency required
• Community organizing or related community engagement and outreach experience a plus
• Educational or professional experience relevant in a science or technology driven field preferred but not required
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead new projects
• Demonstrated experience leading education activities and/or public speaking in a professional setting
• Exceptional communication and group facilitation skills

Benefits

Pay based on experience with competitive benefits package including:

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

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