Educational Support Services Assistant Manager
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) has a highly diverse academic community, with approximately 70% of its faculty and research staff coming from over 50 countries. As the Assistant Manager of the University Community Services (UCS) Educational Support Team, this role is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive educational support strategy and system across all school types and educational levels, including IB-accredited institutions. The primary objective is to enhance quality educational opportunities for the children of OIST faculty and staff, ranging from early childhood to high school levels.
Key responsibilities include close collaboration with local schools and educational stakeholders, providing appropriate guidance and counseling for students and parents, organizing and leading educational workshops, conducting career and academic counseling, and researching future educational options to meet the needs of the OIST community. The Assistant Manager will also oversee the management of Educational Support Services.
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.
- Research and Provision of Educational Options for OIST Children
・Conduct in-depth research on international schools in Okinawa and schools offering internationally recognized educational programs.
・Collect up-to-date information on the educational system and entrance examinations for public elementary, junior high, and high schools in Okinawa.
・Provide individual consultations, briefings, and guidance sessions to assist OIST employees, including prospective and incoming faculty and staff, in making informed decisions about their children’s education. - Effective Delivery of Educational Options for OIST Children
・Share information with parents through consultations, briefings, and workshops.
・Provide information via the university’s website.
・Organize orientation sessions by inviting schools to OIST.
・Arrange school visits and bus tours for parents to observe schools in person. - Assessment of Internal Needs and Development of Support Strategies
・Conduct surveys and individual interviews to understand the educational needs of OIST employees and their children.
・Collaborate with relevant OIST divisions and local educational institutions to develop necessary educational options and support measures. - Collaboration with Local Schools and Government Agencies
・Strengthen partnerships with local education boards, government agencies, and international schools.
・Plan and facilitate regular information exchange meetings with local educational stakeholders.
・Maintain and enhance relationships with local schools and government authorities. - Management of Educational Support Services and Internal Coordination
・Supervise the Educational Support Services team, which consists of an Educational Coordinator, language support staff at local elementary schools, and instructors providing English classes for OIST children.
・Ensure efficient operations by actively sharing information with relevant departments within OIST and sections within UCS. - Exploration of International School Models for Okinawa and Outreach to Potential Partners
・Conduct research and evaluation on sustainable business models for establishing high-quality international high schools in Okinawa (e.g., IB-accredited schools). Based on the developed models, proactively approach interested third parties such as educational institutions, companies, and education professionals both in Japan and overseas.
・This initiative includes activities such as interviewing organizations and individuals with proven experience in school management, gathering information through educational networks, and researching the current situation, educational needs, and regional characteristics of Okinawa. - Other Responsibilities as Directed by the UCS Director Related to Educational Support for the OIST Community
(Required)
1. Proven track record of at least five years in developing and executing educational strategies.
2. In-depth knowledge of both Japanese and international education systems and curricula, particularly internationally recognized programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge Accreditation.
3. Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
4. High level of leadership and project management skills.
5. Bilingual proficiency in Japanese and English.
6. Possession of a valid driver’s license.
(Preferred)
1. A degree in education, social sciences, or a related field.
2. Experience in managing diverse teams within an educational setting.
3. Familiarity with international curricula and educational environments.
4. Possess experience in projects to establish a school.
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 required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
- 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, 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.
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
Minimal (5-10 hours per month at most)
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.