BioBAT works to support the advancement of the life science industry in New York City by providing facilities and resources for scientific research and advanced manufacturing at the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Brooklyn, NY. BioBAT is helping New York City to attract and retain promising research firms and develop a skilled 21st Century workforce.
BioBAT is a partnership created by the Research Foundation for SUNY, on behalf of Downstate Health Sciences University, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation.
BioBAT is part of the Brooklyn Biotech Initiative, which also includes the Downstate Biotech Incubator and Tech @710 for early stage companies. BioBAT is for more mature companies that need additional space for research and manufacturing.
BioBAT’s mission is to:
- Foster the growth of the life sciences industry and create jobs;
- Offer best-in-class research and manufacturing space to biotechnology and related companies;
- Provide opportunities to work with SUNY Downstate scientists, clinicians, and students; and
- Engage the broader community through entrepreneurship, workforce development, and educational programs.
BioBAT’s Facilities & Programs
BioBAT is an approximately 200,000 SF life sciences facility comprising both finished occupied space and raw vacant space. BioBAT’s space is ideal for research or manufacturing. Its spacious floor plates can be partitioned into affordable wet labs, dry labs, manufacturing space and offices. BioBAT offers flexible leasing options, and tenants have the opportunity to lease additional space to accommodate further growth.
BioBAT is expanding its wet lab space to include several new state-of-the-art lab spaces, to be leased to companies bringing research and development to South Brooklyn. BioBAT’s systems are capable of supporting a variety of wet lab, dry lab and manufacturing facilities, including cGMP and BSL 2 space.
BioBAT is also home to the BioBAT Art Space, an 18,000 SF gallery and exhibition space entirely dedicated to the intersection of Art and Science, and STEAM educational programming to encourage New York City students to pursue careers in science.
BioBAT, like SUNY’s Downstate Biotechnology Incubator and Tech @710, has access to university resources including research facilities and equipment and the opportunity to work with scientists, clinicians and students. These three locations compose the Brooklyn Biotech Initiative and have been designated a Certified NYS Business Incubator. Companies at these sites are qualified to apply for STARTUP NY, which provides both employee and business tax incentives. Together, the Brooklyn Biotech Initiative offers workforce development and entrepreneurship programs (e.g. The Next Milestone Program) for companies, students and the community. In addition, PhD students at SUNY Downstate can receive their PhD with a company at any of these sites.
LifeSci NYC
Via the LifeSci NYC initiative, the City of New York has committed $1 billion to create jobs and establish New York City as the global leader in life sciences. As part of this LifeSci NYC funding, in July 2021, BioBAT was awarded $50M for capital improvements to upgrade raw space to lab level biosciences grade facilities. The new Executive Director will work with NYCEDC and the President of BioBAT to implement this major capital project and expansion of the BioBAT facility.
The Brooklyn Army Terminal
BioBAT is situated at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, where Brooklyn’s history meets the future of innovation. From a military supply depot and embarkation point to a center of scientific research and commercialization, the Brooklyn Army Terminal has been a point of connection between Brooklyn and the rest of the globe.
BioBAT has been a part of this revitalization effort since 2006. Starting with its anchor tenant, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, the organization has been a magnet for science and technology firms from the New York region and beyond.
About the Executive Director Role
The Executive Director will oversee all operations of BioBAT, leading and providing vision to grow BioBAT’s impact in the community.
Management of BioBAT
- Oversee all BioBAT operations, including implementing overall vision & strategy, financial management, real estate development & capital projects, business development & public communications, lease administration, property management, and programming.
- Working with the President, report to the Board at least quarterly on all of BioBAT’s activities, including program development, fundraising activities, operations, performance, outlook, capital projects and strategy.
- Working with the President, recruit, manage, and develop staff, as required by the organization’s goals and afforded by the operating budget.
Vision & Strategy
- Manage the operation to meet BioBAT’s strategic goals and milestones.
- Working with the President and the Board, update BioBAT’s vision and strategy on an as-needed basis to stay aligned with the market and the state-of-the-industry.
- Drive environmental, social and governance (ESG) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives for BioBAT.
Financial Management
- Working with the Treasurer, develop and manage BioBAT’s operating budget, day-to-day financial operations and all related reporting.
- Working with the President, develop and execute fundraising strategies and campaigns, including the pursuit of grant opportunities and other funding sources.
- Working with the President, manage any existing grants and related obligations.
Real Estate Development & Capital Projects
- Working with the President and the Board, update and refine BioBAT’s real estate development plan on an as-needed basis to stay aligned with the market and the state-of-the-industry while meeting BioBAT construction and leasing milestones.
- Working with the President and Treasurer, develop and manage BioBAT’s capital plan, including budgets, finance strategies and funding streams.
- Working with NYCEDC and design and construction contractors, define scope and budget of BioBAT landlord work, aligned with market needs.
- Align marketing and business development efforts to ensure timely lease up of completed tenant spaces.
- Working with design, construction and related firms to oversee all construction projects
Business Development & Public Communications
- Lead marketing and external communications for BioBAT, e.g. issuance of press releases, promoting the asset, writing advertisements, arranging viewings, and attending networking functions.
- Working with NYCEDC and the President of BioBAT, refine tenant pipeline development strategy and market BioBAT to prospective tenants in the Life Science community.
- Lead site tours/showings to prospective tenants, and process applications of prospective tenants through scientific and financial committee screening and STARTUP NY.
- Be an ambassador for BioBAT to the New York City life sciences community.
- Raise the profile of BioBAT on the regional, national and international level through events, marketing, networking and relationships development.
Lease Administration
- Oversee existing BioBAT subtenant agreements, including billing, insurance administration and customer service.
- Ensure delivery of all BioBAT landlord obligations to subtenants and compliance by all subtenants with all lease obligations.
- Ensure compliance of BioBAT with all tenant lease obligations to the Brooklyn Army Terminal / NYCEDC.
Property Management
- Oversee BioBAT’s property management contractor for operation and maintenance of the BioBAT facility.
- Coordinate with the NYCEDC Property Operations team.
Programming
- Support the BioBAT Art Space and develop and run BioBAT STEAM camps and/or other new programming, as appropriate, to further BioBAT’s mission and business development.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- At least 10 years of relevant experience in life sciences, real estate development, asset management, economic development, law and/or related field.
- An independent and strategic thinker with ability to structure and “sell” a plan.
- Highly proficient in project management as well as financial analysis and other forms of quantitative decision-making.
- Energetic, creative, and detail-oriented project management skill set.
- Experience successfully managing a significant capital and operating budget.
- Experience in assessing and implementing contracts.
- Experience in working with architect, construction and related firms to develop biotech space.
- Strong interpersonal written, verbal, and analytical skills with an emphasis on strategic and persuasive communication.
- Proven track record of developing and closing real estate and/or non-real estate transactions.
- Ability to directly and indirectly manage and lead a diverse, professional staff.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced Degree in life sciences, real estate development, asset management, economic development, law and/or related field.
- NYC-based real estate and/or life science industry experience.
- Experience managing a multi-tenanted commercial or industrial facility.
- Experience with design and construction.
- Experience in assessing and implementing contracts.
- Experience working with property managers and direct interfacing with tenants.
- Demonstrated interest in mission-driven work.
- 5+ years of direct supervisory experience.
Salary & Benefits
The targeted salary for this role is between $150,000 and $200,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Here is the full position specification with further details.
Executive Director Applicants
BioBAT has exclusively retained Gardner Innovation Search Partners to manage this search. We are committed to presenting a diverse slate of candidates who possess the skills, expertise, and enthusiasm to thrive in this role.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter outlining your interest, qualifications, and vision for the role, along with your resume, to:
Lisa Rooney, Recruiter
lisa@gardnerisp.com
740-251-7390
Glen Gardner, Recruiter
Glen@gardnerisp.com
614-354-8400
Dave Winwood, Recruiter
David@gardnerisp.com
919-673-4080
Gardner Innovation Search Partners is committed to diversity in both people and ideas. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
About Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn is home to vibrant neighborhoods, world-renowned parks, and a pioneering arts scene. The neighborhood has over 700 arts and cultural institutions, 30 miles of shoreline, 200+ different languages spoken, and 15 million visitors each year.
Brooklyn has a number of competitive advantages that have helped bolster employment growth across the borough, including:
- Diversity – a large, skilled, and diverse labor force
- Dynamism – an established education and research infrastructure
- Density – a dense urban core with access to amenities and points of interest
- Direct Access to Manhattan – accessibility via public transportation networks to Manhattan and the rest of the city
All of these facts and figures are from https://edc.nyc/. Read more about Brooklyn here: https://edc.nyc/brooklyn.
