Educational Coordinator

The position

The Educational Coordinator in the University Community Services (UCS) Division at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) plays a key role in improving the educational environment for OIST children as a member of Educational Support Services. Supporting the Director, this position actively engages with stakeholders by visiting sites and coordinating with relevant institutions.

The Educational Coordinator collaborates with local schools, educational institutions, boards of education, prefectural and municipal governments, parents, and related divisions within OIST. The responsibilities include gathering information on education, facilitating coordination and negotiations, and managing educational events and projects. The goal of this role is to enhance the overall educational environment within the OIST community.

About OIST

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.

Responsibilities
  1. Information Gathering and Appointment Coordination
    Under the direction of the Educational Support Services Director, the Educational Coordinator collects and organizes information on local schools, educational programs, and international curricula to ensure the best possible educational environment for OIST children. This includes not only online research but also in-person visits to schools to obtain more accurate and detailed information directly from relevant personnel. As needed, the Educational Coordinator will also collaborate with boards of education, prefectural and municipal officials, and explore potential new educational options. Additionally, this role involves scheduling meetings and events with school representatives, government agencies, parents, and relevant OIST divisions to facilitate smooth coordination among stakeholders.
     
  2. Preparation and Management of Documents
    The Educational Coordinator supports the preparation of educational materials and reports, organizing and analyzing the collected information to enable swift decision-making by relevant stakeholders. Additionally, this role is responsible for updating the internal website to ensure parents can easily access the latest education-related information.
     
  3. Support for Educational Events and Workshops
    The Educational Coordinator is responsible for planning and managing seminars for parents and workshops for students, providing valuable educational information to the OIST community. Leveraging networks with local schools and educational institutions, this role ensures that parents have access to practical insights gained through direct interactions with these institutions, helping them make informed decisions about their children’s education.
     
  4. Handling Inquiries
    The Educational Coordinator responds to education-related inquiries and consultations from OIST community parents and incoming families, providing appropriate information and coordinating with schools and educational institutions as needed. Close communication with members of the Resource Center, which offers living support, is also essential to ensure that families requiring educational assistance receive the necessary support.
     
  5. Conducting Surveys, Interviews, and Data Analysis
    The Educational Coordinator conducts interviews and surveys with parents to understand the educational needs of OIST staff and their children. The collected data is analyzed and presented to the Educational Support Services Director, allowing for strategic, data-driven proposals to enhance the effectiveness of education support initiatives.
     
  6. Other Support Duties
    Under the Director’s guidance, the Educational Coordinator undertakes various education-related coordination tasks to enhance the educational environment at OIST. Additionally, this role provides backup support for Educational Support Services team members in their absence, ensuring smooth operations across the section.
Qualifications

(Required)

  1. Strong coordination skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities.
  2. Proactive attitude with a commitment to contributing to team success.
  3. Interest in education and international environments with a willingness to continue learning.
  4. Flexibility in responding to requests from parents and local government authorities.
  5. At least two years of post-graduate experience in education.
  6. Bilingual proficiency in both Japanese and English.
  7. Possession of a valid driver's license.

(Preferred)

  1. Experience Working in Educational Settings.
  2. In-depth knowledge of the current situation of private and public high schools, as well as international schools in Okinawa.
Compensation and Benefits

In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations

Benefits:

Application Documents
  • Curriculum vitae in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.

* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.

Declaration
  • 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.
Job Type
General Administration
Starting Date
As early as possible
Employment Term

Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed by taking into consideration the performance evaluation, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.

Working Hours

Scheduled Working hours: 9:00 – 17:30
Rest period: 12:00 – 13:00
Flextime (core time 10:00-15:00) 7.5hrs per day (Multiplied by prescribed working days per month)


Holidays
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)


Leave
Annual Paid Holidays, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave
 

Overtime work hours
Almost None, maximum Monthly average: less than 5-10 hours

Report to
Educational Support Services Assitant Manager
Job Location
Main Campus: 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
*Application will be closed once the position is filled.

We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

If you have any questions, please contact us at