Dakota BioWorx (DBX) is seeking a full-time Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership and drive organizational success at our headquarters in Brookings, South Dakota. This is a biotechnology opportunity to guide a promising technology startup at a crucial stage of growth within the bioproducts industry.
THE BASICS
Pay: The successful candidate will work on-site at the POET Bioproducts Center and will receive a competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
Schedule: This is a full-time CEO biotechnology position located in Brookings, SD. The Chief Executive Officer will maintain a regular, business-hour schedule, collaborating closely with staff, stakeholders, and industry partners to achieve organizational goals.
Benefits:
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Opportunity to lead a promising tech startup during an exciting phase of growth
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Dynamic and innovative work environment
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Competitive salary
YOUR DAY AS A CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
In this biotechnology CEO role, you will focus on developing and executing strategies to support business development in areas such as probiotics, seed microbials, and precision fermentation. You will represent Dakota BioWorx in meetings and negotiations, build and maintain key industry relationships, and lead efforts in contract development, partnerships, and fundraising. Each day, you will provide direction to the management team, oversee financial performance, ensure operational efficiency, and maintain regulatory compliance. You will also serve as the external face of the organization, engaging with policymakers, funders, and key stakeholders, while upholding the company's mission and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (business, engineering, microbiology, industrial microbiology, or related disciplines) (advanced degree preferred)
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Executive experience leading an organization, business unit, or comparable operation, preferably in bioproduct, chemical, or related industries
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Experience managing financial performance, including balance sheets and collaboration with accounting teams
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Proven track record in business development, sales, fundraising, or commercial leadership in a technical or bioscience-related field
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Excellent organizational and leadership skills with experience scaling tech startups
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Innovative thinker with a strong technical familiarity
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Strong strategic thinking and communication skills, able to translate complex technical concepts into business value
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Highly accountable, ethical, and proactive leader
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Comfortable operating in complex, hybrid environments spanning for-profit and non-profit sectors
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Visionary, entrepreneurial mindset with exceptional decision-making and problem-solving skills
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Passion for technology and innovation
A LITTLE ABOUT US:
Dakota BioWorx is a fast-growing force in biotechnology innovation and biomanufacturing, committed to making South Dakota a leader in the national bioeconomy. We believe in a collaborative, mission-focused culture where every team member's ideas and contributions are valued. Our employees work at the crossroads of research, industry, and economic development-building strong partnerships, helping new companies thrive, and turning breakthrough ideas into real-world products. At Dakota BioWorx, you'll benefit from state-of-the-art bioprocessing infrastructure, plenty of opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive atmosphere that encourages curiosity, creativity, and teamwork. Join us and help shape the future!
APPLY FOR THIS CEO POSITION:
Take the next step toward leading our team as our Chief Executive Officer - CEO and join us in shaping the future of bioproducts!
