Chief Executive Officer - CEO

Dakota BioWorx•Brookings, SD

40d•Onsite

About The Position

Step into a pivotal leadership role at Dakota BioWorx (DBX) as our next full-time Chief Executive Officer - CEO in Brookings, South Dakota. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - CEO REQUIREMENTS: This is a full-time, on-site biotechnology position based in Brookings, SD. You will be immersed in the vibrant biotech community at the POET Bioproducts Center, working regular business hours to drive company growth, engage with stakeholders, and lead your team to success. WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AS OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - CEO? As Chief Executive Officer - CEO, you will shape the company's strategic direction each day, balancing high-level vision with hands-on leadership. You will spend your time developing and executing strategies to expand our customer base in sectors like probiotics, seed microbials, and precision fermentation, while cultivating industry relationships and representing DBX at key meetings and events. You will lead business development activities, oversee contract negotiations, and drive fundraising efforts, all while ensuring the organization's mission and client needs remain front and center. Your day will involve engaging with policymakers, funders, and stakeholders to advance DBX's influence, working closely with your management team to set priorities, and overseeing financial health, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Your expertise in contract manufacturing and bioscience will guide decisions, and your leadership will foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT US Dakota BioWorx is an emerging leader in biotechnology innovation and biomanufacturing, dedicated to transforming South Dakota into a powerhouse within the national bioeconomy. We foster a collaborative and mission-driven employee culture where every team member's ideas and contributions matter. Our people work at the intersection of research, industry, and economic development-driving high-impact partnerships, supporting the growth of cutting-edge companies, and accelerating the journey from breakthrough concepts to market-ready products. Here, you'll have access to state-of-the-art bioprocessing infrastructure, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive environment that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and teamwork. Join us!

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (business, engineering, microbiology, industrial microbiology, or related disciplines) (advanced degree preferred)
Executive experience leading an organization, business unit, or comparable operation, preferably in bioproduct, chemical, or related industries
Experience managing financial performance, including balance sheets and collaboration with accounting teams
Proven track record in business development, sales, fundraising, or commercial leadership in a technical or bioscience-related field
Excellent organizational and leadership skills with experience scaling tech startups
Innovative thinker with a strong technical familiarity
Strong strategic thinking and communication skills, able to translate complex technical concepts into business value
Highly accountable, ethical, and proactive leader
Comfortable operating in complex, hybrid environments spanning for-profit and non-profit sectors
Visionary, entrepreneurial mindset with exceptional decision-making and problem-solving skills
Passion for technology and innovation

Responsibilities

Shape the company's strategic direction
Develop and execute strategies to expand customer base in sectors like probiotics, seed microbials, and precision fermentation
Cultivate industry relationships and representing DBX at key meetings and events
Lead business development activities
Oversee contract negotiations
Drive fundraising efforts
Engage with policymakers, funders, and stakeholders to advance DBX's influence
Work closely with management team to set priorities
Oversee financial health, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.