Head of Campus Development & Industry Innovation

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 are results-oriented and “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:  

The Head of Campus Development and Industry Development (HCD) will lead the development and deployment of the California Bioeconomy Innovation Campus, BEAM’s flagship facility for biomanufacturing scale-up, applied circular bioeconomy innovation, and startup support.

This senior executive role focuses on managing the project development and Phase 1 deployment of the Innovation Campus, including coordinating key contractors and partners needed to move from project design through construction and operational launch. This role serves as a key lead in BEAM Circular’s strategic efforts to translate scientific and engineering innovation into real-world impact. The HCD builds partnerships with startups, researchers, investors, and corporate partners to expand access to facilities, pilot and demonstration infrastructure, and technical resources that enable emerging bio-based technologies to scale and succeed in California’s Central Valley.

The HCD will work in close collaboration with the VP of Business & Economic Development, the Chief Program Officer, and the Director of Innovation Programs to bridge the full innovation continuum — from R&D and proof-of-concept to commercial manufacturing and regional job creation.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:

Innovation Campus Development and Operations

• Establish and own the campus charter, connecting technical, operational, and strategic priorities as a reference for stakeholders and a roadmap balancing immediate build requirements with future expansion.
• Direct campus design, equipment, and safety strategy, and user recruitment to ensure an effective launch.
• Shape infrastructure and equipment decisions to anticipate emerging science and market trends.
• Hold accountability for mission-critical dates and contingencies, while delegating detailed execution to project management and site partners.
• Mobilize consulting expertise where needed to fill capability gaps.

Campus Business Development

• Drive recruitment of campus users. 
• Build and manage a balanced pipeline spanning startups, corporates, local manufacturers, and research partners across technical and commercial readiness levels.
• Drive corporate and higher-TRL/commercial readiness user engagement 
• Design user fee and remuneration strategies.
• Define needs and lead hiring plans for campus operators and support staff.
• Build relationships with equipment manufacturers to secure access to specialized equipment and technical expertise.
• Cultivate and expand relationships with agriculture, bio, and climate tech investors, incubators, and funded venture studios.
• Develop strategic relationships with other scale-up and pilot facilities, R&D institutions, labs, and innovation parks.
• Develop and execute corporate and investor engagement strategies.

Startup and Applied Innovation

• Develop programs and resources that help startups and emerging companies access pilot-scale testing, technical assistance, and commercialization support.
• Partner with universities, national labs, accelerators, and investors to expand the region’s applied innovation ecosystem.
• Oversee applied R&D collaborations, technology demonstration initiatives, and pilot projects hosted on Campus or through partner facilities.

Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Building

• Drive integration between the Campus and BEAM’s innovation, industry, community, and workforce programs.
• Work with the VP of Business & Economic Development to align startup and innovation pipelines with future manufacturing opportunities in the region.
• Partner with the COO and CPO to ensure innovation programs are integrated into BEAM’s organizational systems and community partnerships.
• Provide scientific and commercial guidance to campus users and partners, supporting translation of research into applied demonstrations.
• Represent BEAM with regional, state, and global science and innovation leaders, serving on advisory boards and joint initiatives to strengthen alignment and visibility.

Leadership and Management

• Supervise staff, consultants, and contractors supporting the Innovation Campus project and applied innovation portfolio. (Team in development)
• Mentor and provide strategic guidance to the Director of Innovation Programs (matrixed role directly supervised by the Chief Program Officer).
• Contribute to BEAM’s leadership team, helping shape organizational priorities, metrics, long-term strategies, and culture.
• Work closely with the CEO to support fundraising and investor partnership development.

General BEAM Circular Team Collaboration

• May drive on company business. 
• Comply with all BEAM Circular policies and procedures, including but not limited to workplace safety, reporting work-related injuries, Infection Control, and preventing potential safety risks for staff, clients, and others.
• The list of job duties and requirements is not all-inclusive. Management, at its discretion, may assign additional duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven success managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects involving engineering, facilities, or technical infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of startup ecosystems, scale-up processes, innovation facilities, and partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and diverse partners.
• Excellent relationship management, communication, and project leadership skills.
• Experience in industrial biotechnology, bio-based manufacturing, or applied R&D facility management strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with the state, national, and global bioeconomy landscape.
• Strategic and systems-minded; able to connect innovation strategy with practical execution.
• Entrepreneurial and solutions-oriented; thrives in dynamic, multi-sector environments.
• Collaborative leader who values partnerships and shared success.
• Mission-driven and motivated by BEAM’s goals of inclusive regional growth and sustainable innovation.

Education/Experience

• Education:  Advanced degree in a scientific or engineering field relevant to bioeconomy innovation (e.g., chemical engineering, molecular biology, bioengineering, material science, or related field)
• Experience: 10+ years of leadership experience in applied innovation, technology commercialization, biomanufacturing, or related fields. A combination of technical and business development experience is preferred.

Environmental Conditions

• Indoors in a typical office environment, approximately ninety-five percent (95%) of the time.
• Frequent computer use at the workstation for up to eight hours. 
• Frequently work at a fast pace with unscheduled interruptions.
• Ability to frequently move (walk or drive) from one work location to another.

Physical Demands

• Ability to walk, reach, sit, stand, stoop, crouch, and climb stairs.
• Ability to move, carry, push, pull, and lift up to 20 pounds.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard. 
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). 
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in English so others will understand. 
• Must be able to exchange accurate information. 
• Regular and Consistent Attendance

What We Offer: 

• Pay based on experience. The salary range is $150,000 to $180,000, accompanied by a competitive benefits package.
• An opportunity to shape public policy at the intersection of innovation and sustainability.
• A collaborative and mission-driven work environment.
• Position based in Modesto, CA. Hybrid work arrangements may be permitted. 

• Professional development opportunities.