Director of Education and Workforce Strategies

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 Director of Education and Workforce Strategies to lead the development of a robust talent pipeline for high-demand jobs in the bioeconomy. The Director will collaborate with employers, workforce development organizations, and education providers to align resources and programs with industry needs. This role focuses on expanding training opportunities, internships, on-the-job development programs, early career exposure pathways, stackable certifications, and other workforce development initiatives. A strong emphasis will be placed on advancing social economic mobility within the bioindustry workforce.

The Director will provide technical assistance to education and workforce providers to ensure training programs align with industry needs. Additionally, the role will involve building strategic partnerships, securing funding, and managing programs to enhance workforce readiness and create sustainable career pathways in the region.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Program Development

• Develop and refine strategic work plans for BEAM Circular's workforce development initiatives and programs.
• Conduct research to analyze employer workforce needs and build an understanding of diverse career pathways in the bioeconomy.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive map of regional workforce and education systems, including relevant training programs, certifications, and resources.

Partnerships and Collaboration

• Build and sustain partnerships with education, labor, and workforce organizations to promote bioeconomy-focused initiatives.
• Support and collaborate with related regional workforce and education initiativesTalent-to-Industry Exchange.
• Identify and align with regional and national workforce development policies, initiatives, and partnerships.

Grants and Funding Management

• Develop, implement, and manage grants and funding opportunities for educational institutions to establish biotechnology programs, procure equipment, upgrade facilities, obtain certifications, and facilitate internships.
• Secure additional funding through grants to expand workforce development programs and initiatives in the region.

Curriculum and Training Development

• Provide technical assistance to education institutions in developing, adopting, or implementing bioeconomy-related training and education programs, including guidance on pursuing funding and resources.
• Coordinate the development and deployment of toolkits for educators to encourage bioeconomy engagement and support curriculum development.
• Coordinate a network of guest lecturers, speakers, consultants, and advisors to enhance local programming and coursework.

Community Engagement and Support

• Collaborate with the Community Engagement team to identify student and worker needs and address barriers to participation.
• Develop and implement community education activities in partnership with education and workforce providers.

The list of job duties and requirements is not all-inclusive. Additional projects and activities may be developed and assigned as needed to advance BEAM Circular's mission.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Education - Bachelor's degree or above in education or a related field.
• Experience - 6+ years of professional experience required in workforce development or related field. Candidate must demonstrate a strong understanding of California's education and workforce systems, including community colleges, career/technical education programs, and workforce development agencies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven ability to build partnerships across industry, government, and education sectors.
• Experience with industry-led training, human resources, or workforce recruitment in manufacturing or similar sectors is preferred.
• Strong project management skills, with attention to detail and minimal supervision required.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Adept at managing multiple priorities and fostering collaboration across teams.
• May drive on company business.
• The candidate must be able to attend in-person meetings across the North San Joaquin Valley region.
• Spanish language skills are a plus.

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 occasionally 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.

Benefits

Compensation:

• Pay based on experience. Salary range is $110,000 - $120,000, with a competitive benefits package.
• Position based in Modesto, CA. Hybrid work arrangements may be permitted.