Research and Development Director jobs in Modesto, CA

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.

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 seeking a creative and enthusiastic Director of Business and Economic Development to lead efforts in attracting bioindustrial manufacturing companies to the North San Joaquin Valley (NSJV) and fostering a vibrant regional ecosystem for the circular bioeconomy. As a key member of the BEAM Circular leadership team, the ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset, strong business acumen, and a passion for driving economic and environmental impact. Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, the Director of Business Development will play a pivotal role in identifying, engaging, and nurturing partnerships with anchor bioindustrial manufacturing firms, facilitating access to capital and infrastructure, supporting bioeconomy startups to help them navigate and accessing resources, and promoting innovation and collaboration within the circular bioeconomy sector.

Essential Functions:  

• Business Attraction: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to attract bioindustrial manufacturing companies to the NSJV, focusing on quality job creation, connecting firms with local feedstock suppliers, bioproduct customer base expansion, and site readiness and marketing.
• Anchor Firm Engagement: Cultivate relationships with anchor firms through targeted financial and process incentives, facilitating business relationships with suppliers and customers in the region, showcasing the region's competitive advantages, and fostering cluster effects to enhance connectivity within the industry.
• Incentive Program Management: Design and coordinate with local and state public agencies to direct flexible, firm-specific incentives aligned with regulatory reforms and financial incentives to support anchor employer siting and expansion in the NSJV.
• Program Management: Oversee multiple organizational services and programs that directly support and accelerate bioeconomy firms in the NSJV, including a startup accelerator, technical assistance programs, and commercialization matching grants program. The Director will supervise a team of one-to-two program staff to implement these programs.
• Infrastructure Assessment: Assess site requirements and readiness to support bioindustrial manufacturing activities, support marketing of priority sites in the region for biomanufacturing, and facilitate connections between firms, brokers, relevant economic development agencies, and sites.
• Partnership Development: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including technical assistance providers, government agencies, consultants, and economic development organizations, to leverage resources, collaborate to market the region, and accelerate bioindustrial manufacturer activities.