Philanthropic Advisor
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced fundraising professional to support the activities of the Advancement Division. Working under the guidance of the Vice President for Advancement, this role provides critical philanthropic support and helps build and maintain strong relationships with donors. The ideal candidate will be mission-driven, people-centric, proactive, and comfortable working in a bilingual, multicultural environment.
Advancement Division:
The Advancement Division at OIST is responsible for building philanthropic partnerships that advance the university’s mission of scientific excellence and innovation. The team engages individuals, corporations, and foundations in Japan and around the world, securing critical support for research, education, community outreach, and institutional priorities. By fostering strong relationships with donors and aligning philanthropic interests with OIST’s strategic goals, the division plays a key role in expanding the university’s global impact and financial sustainability.
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.
- Under the direction of the Vice President for Advancement, the Philanthropic Advisor is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing philanthropic gifts from individuals, organizations, private foundations, and businesses/corporations in support of OIST.
- Visiting, calling, sending letters, and building relationships with donors and prospective donors, including qualification visits.
- Develop and manage a portfolio of prospects covering key strategic markets within Japan, defined by geography, specific business and industry, as well as philanthropic culture, which should potentially provide opportunities for the University to build and advance philanthropic relationships.
- Craft and execute strategic donor cultivation and solicitation plans.
- Lead prospect research focusing on the identified key markets as mentioned above.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with prospects, donors, and internal partners.
- Develop and maintain database of constituents to support long-term need of institutional development operations.
- Branding and improve the donation website.
- Several domestic business trip per year.
- The role may involve a hybrid arrangement, with time split between Okinawa and Tokyo offices.
(Required)
- 7+ years experience in fundraising, preferably in higher education, or advanced knowledge of sales and marketing
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to collaboration
- Energy, self-motivation, flexibility, and adaptability
- Native level of Japanese, fluency in English
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 both in English and 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
Thank you for your application. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.