Chief Operations Officer

The Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation Center (BBIC) in the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) of the University of Minnesota is hiring a Chief Operations Officer (COO) who will implement and drive the vision and goals of this new Center. As a member of the BBIC's leadership team, the COO will work closely with the BBIC Director and will be charged with implementing BBIC strategic plans and programs, overseeing daily operations and budgets, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders and partners of the BBIC and the public. The COO will also manage additional program-based and administrative staff members as they will be hired by the BBIC for tasks related to e.g. project/proposal development, communications, engagement and outreach, and event planning. This position is an outstanding opportunity for an individual with a background and experience in a biotechnology and biomanufacturing related field and with strong leadership and communication skills to help drive a future-oriented biotechnology and biomanufacturing ecosystem at the University and in Minnesota that is aligned with the "Bold Goals for US Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing" federal executive order.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategy, Vision, and Leadership
  • Advise the BBIC Director on strategy and vision, programming, investments, and budgeting as well as new opportunities for the Center.
  • Oversee and implement BBIC programs and initiatives, including seed grant planning and research grant management, and proposal and program development by BBIC members.
  • Contribute to the identification and development of new initiatives and programs (e.g. related to research, workforce and education development or entrepreneurship and industry partnerships) that will advance the strategic goals and mission of the BBIC
  • Represent the BBIC externally and internally by engaging with various stakeholders and partners within and outside the University including e.g. from other educational and research organizations, companies, business associations, foundations or federal/state government entities.
    
• Operation and Management
  • Manage daily operations of the BBIC, including supervision, training, development and evaluation of BBIC staff members.
  • Plan and manage budgets and finances of the BBIC.
  • Oversee and manage BBIC programs and activities to ensure they adhere to BBIC objectives and goals and deliver status reports.
  • Assist the BBIC director with providing reports and information to BBIC stakeholders and board members.
  • Assist with the planning and development of BBIC events, activities and programs, including proposal planning and grant submission of BBIC faculty.
  • Assist with the management of BBIC communications and promotion (web site, social media, news releases etc.).

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in a relevant field to Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing, plus at least eight years of relevant experience
• Proven track-record of working with stakeholders outside of academia, such as for example BBIC relevant work experience in industry/business administration or government agencies
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with BBIC senior management, board members, faculty members, partners and stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership skills involving being proactive, collaborative and team oriented
• Self-reliant, good problem solver, result oriented, forward looking and strategic
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with a PhD in a relevant field to field to Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing with at least one year of relevant experience will be given strong preference

The Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation Center (BBIC) advances biotechnology and biomanufacturing at the university and in Minnesota by leveraging our state's resources and talents for forward looking workforce development and economic growth. The BBIC is a catalyst for cross-disciplinary research, innovation, entrepreneurship, education, workforce development, public engagement, and partnerships between stakeholders.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applicants must submit a letter of interest and a resume.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).