Director of Community Outreach and Science Education
The Director of Community Outreach & Science Education will oversee OIST's extensive portfolio of science education and public engagement programs while developing strategic recommendations for enhanced programs and structures to maximize outreach effectiveness and impact. Reporting to the Executive Vice President for Technology Development, Innovation, and Outreach, the Director will play a key role in advancing one of OIST's seven strategic mission areas as outlined in the University's 2024-2029 Strategic Plan (https://www.oist.jp/oist-publications-reports). This position requires both operational excellence in managing current programs and strategic vision in evaluating and recommending enhancements to strengthen OIST's outreach capabilities and community impact.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.
The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration.
English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.
(1) Strategic Leadership
• Provide strategic leadership for OIST’s comprehensive community outreach and science education portfolio, ensuring alignment with the University’s mission and strategic priorities
• Serve as a key member of the division’s management team, contributing to strategy and decision-making on matters related to outreach
• Build a culture of outreach excellence that integrates community engagement with research and education missions
(2) Organizational Development
• Manage and develop current outreach teams, fostering professional growth and operational excellence
• Establish effective collaborations between outreach teams and other OIST teams to leverage expertise from research, graduate school, communications, and innovation divisions
(3) Program Development & Management
• Provide operational leadership and oversight for OIST's portfolio of established outreach programs, including: K-12 informal science education programs; public engagement activities such as lectures, exhibitions, festivals, and campus tours; community partnerships and collaborative programs; and K-12 teacher professional development and science enrichment resources
• Develop and implement evaluation frameworks to measure program outcomes and demonstrate impact
• Initiate new ideas for program development, in physical, digital and hybrid environments.
(4) Facilities & Infrastructure
• Provide operational leadership of current and future outreach facilities including on-campus venues and spaces and OIST Science Studio in Yomitan
• Coordinate with facilities, events, and operations teams to optimize use of existing spaces for outreach activities
(5) Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with:
- Okinawa Prefecture Government, municipal governments, and education authorities
- Schools, teachers, and educational organizations throughout Okinawa
- Community organizations, cultural institutions, and libraries
- Partners, sponsors, and donors from various sectors (academic, government, industry)
- National and international outreach and education networks
• Engage diverse stakeholders inside and outside OIST in program co-design and implementation, communications and public relations, fundraising, etc.
• Represent OIST in education and outreach contexts locally, nationally, and internationally
(6) Resource Development & Management
• Develop and manage outreach budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation
• Ensure financial sustainability of programs by identifying and pursuing external funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships, and philanthropic partnerships
(7) Impact & Assessment
• Establish comprehensive evaluation frameworks measuring program outcomes and community impact
• Develop metrics aligned with OIST goals and stakeholder expectations
• Conduct ongoing assessment to support continuous program improvement
• Document and communicate impact to internal and external audiences
(Required)
- Advanced degree (Master's required, Ph.D. advantageous) in STEM field, STEM-field education, or related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in education, university outreach, or related fields
- Proven track record in both operational management of complex program portfolios and strategic organizational planning
- Strategic planning and organizational development expertise, including experience building multidisciplinary teams and programs
- Understanding and proven experience in science education pedagogy, informal learning, and public engagement best practices
- Proven ability to build partnerships with diverse stakeholders including schools, government, community organizations
- Budget management and resource development experience, including grant writing and fundraising
- Excellent communication skills in English, including writing, presenting, and interpersonal communication
- Cultural competency and ability to work effectively in diverse, international environments
(Preferred)
- Japanese language proficiency (business level) for effective community engagement in Okinawa/Japan
- Experience working in Japan or deep familiarity with Japanese educational and cultural contexts
- Background in research or higher education, understanding university environments and academic culture
- Experience with program evaluation and impact assessment, including data-driven decision-making
- Track record of innovation in program design and delivery, including virtual/hybrid approaches
- Network in science education or outreach communities nationally and internationally
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations.
Benefits:
- Relocation, housing and commuting allowances
- Annual paid leave and summer holidays
- Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid)
- Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
- Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
- Access to Child Development Center
- Access to Schooling Options
- Language Education
- Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
- Remote Work System
- Curriculum Vitae in English
- Cover Letter in English
* Up to 3 references may be requested during the final interview stage.
* Please click APPLY HERE to be redirected to our application platform (Interfolio) and follow the instructions there to upload the required documents.
- OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff.
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential in accordance to the OIST Privacy Policy; documents will not be returned.
- Recruiting Organization: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology School Corporation
- Prevention of Passive Smoking: No smoking indoors
- Please view our policy for rules on external professional activities: Rules for Concurrent Appointment.
- Further details about the University can be viewed on our website.
Full-time, Non-fixed term appointment.
Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive)
Working hours: 9:00-17:30 (Managerial)
Thank you for your application. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.