Senior Program Associate (Full- Or Part-Time)

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 looking for a Full- or Part-Time Senior Program Associate who will provide cross-cutting support for BEAM Circular projects and programs that directly support businesses in the circular bioeconomy sector, including programs that advance access to innovation resources, that accelerate commercialization and scale-up, and that strengthen access to capital. This role is a great fit for current graduate students or recent MBA graduates who would like a senior-level internship experience with meaningful impact. Candidates with full- and part-time availability will be considered for a minimum commitment of three months, with potential to extend or transition into a full-time staff position.

The position will focus on supporting the launch of key programs including a startup accelerator program, a technical assistant program for local businesses, an innovation voucher program to support access to R&D resources, and a research & commercialization matching grants program. Each program is designed to support the scale-up innovations in the circular bioeconomy that benefit local communities and accelerate climate solutions. 

Essential Functions:  

• Program Development & Management: Create detailed project plans and KPIs. Coordinate with internal stakeholders, staff, supplier organizations, and external partners to ensure smooth execution of project plans.

• Strategy and research: Engage with senior management to develop and refine program strategies. Conduct landscape research as requested to inform ongoing strategy refinement and execution.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate with external partners, such as accelerator program providers, technical assistance providers, and research institutions. Work with local firms and industry stakeholders to understand needs and support program utilization / participation.

• Communication: Prepare and present reports to senior management and other stakeholders on program activities, outcomes, and impact. Facilitate communication between different teams and departments involved in the initiatives. Maintain documentation required for grant compliance and audits.
• Evaluation: Conduct assessments of program effectiveness and impact. Collect feedback from stakeholders and participants to identify opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Business Development: Conduct research and outreach to support program participation and strategic engagement of startups and firms in the circular bioeconomy. 

The Senior Program Associate may also engage in cross-functional activities to support additional BEAM Circular programs and projects as needs arise, with a focus on direct programming and project coordination in the areas of business services and economic development.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in program or project management, with demonstrated ability to develop and manage detailed cross-functional plans while communicating with a wide range of stakeholders
• Experience in management consulting, economic development, and/or startup incubator/accelerator program management preferred
• Ability to be proactive and immediately effective in a startup organization,  with demonstrated ability to develop and manage projects with minimal supervision and strong attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Bachelor’s Degree and 2+ years professional experience required
• Preferred candidates are currently enrolled in (or will soon graduate from) a relevant Master’s Degree Program, e.g. MBA, with interest in pursuing future full-time employment.
• Educational or professional experience related to environmental sustainability, climate technology, biotechnology, agriculture, and/or biomanufacturing a plus.
• Open to remote / hybrid candidates, with a strong preference for candidates from or located in the North San Joaquin Valley (San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced Counties of CA) and/or candidates who intend to locate in the North San Joaquin Valley after graduation.

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.
• May occasionally move (walk or drive) from one work location to another.

Physical Demands

• Ability to walk, sit, stand, stoop, crouch, and climb stairs.
• Ability to move and lift up to 20 pounds.
• Visual Acuity (Far/Near).
• Regular and Consistent Attendance.

Benefits

Compensation: 

• Pay based on experience. Annualized full-time salary range is $65,000-80,000.
• Position based in Modesto, CA. Hybrid and remote work arrangements permitted.
• BEAM is incubated and fiscally sponsored by Opportunity Stanislaus, an organization that promotes regional economic growth and workforce development opportunities. The Program Associate will be hired as an employee of Opportunity Stanislaus, but will be dedicated to BEAM Circular operations. 

Changes: This job description will be updated if duties and responsibilities change significantly.  Job functions are subject to modification based on business necessity.

ADA/FEHA: BEAM Circular and Opportunity Stanislaus will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO: BEAM Circular and Opportunity Stanislaus is an equal-opportunity employer.  All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.