Tokyo Office - Director
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University seeks an energetic, innovative, and self-motivated Director for its Tokyo Office.
OIST is a dynamic graduate university of science and technology located in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan that operates in English and is global at every level. The Tokyo Office Director reports directly to the President of OIST and serves as an “ambassador” for the University in order to expand and deepen ties with leaders in government, industry, philanthropy, journalism, and academia in Tokyo. The Director will collaborate with multiple stakeholders within OIST to help them maintain and grow Tokyo-based networks as well as provide critical information that can assist OIST fulfill its bold mission. The Director will also assist in developing and conducting events in Tokyo in partnership with OIST executives.
The ideal candidate will possess an understanding of Japanese government, industry, and fundraising, be an excellent bilingual communicator, have a flexible mindset and eagerness to work across boundaries, with knowledge and passion about the future of education and Okinawa.
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.
- As instructed by the President, the Director works as an “OIST ambassador”, representing the President in Tokyo and other parts of Japan, including accompanying the President as and when required.
- Participate actively in Tokyo-based events, receptions, and meetings that can expand OIST’s network.
- Work with the President and other senior executives at OIST to develop strategies for deepening relations with government, industry, and other stakeholders.
- Promote the interests and policy development of OIST in Tokyo through contact with public officials, tracking pertinent legislation and opportunities, and advocating on behalf of the university on a wide range of issues from policy and regulations to funding for education, science, technology, and innovation.
- Represent OIST and the President on national-level committees and boards focused on higher education, science, technology, and innovation.
- Cooperate and maintain regular information flows with the President and other key OIST constituents including but not limited to the Secretary General, Provost, Executive Vice President, Vice Presidents, Deans, and the Institutional Development team.
- Assist OIST Innovation to deepen and expand OIST’s relationships with industry.
- Assist with OIST’s Institutional Development team to expand and cultivate philanthropic donors in Tokyo.
- Support the Provost and Deans with their efforts to deepen academic ties with institutions in Japan.
- Contribute to the fulfillment of OIST’s mission through seeking out opportunities that can benefit OIST.
- Assist with executing Tokyo Based events.
- Provide information about OIST to constituents in Tokyo. Promote understanding among academia, government, industry, the public, and OIST.
- Facilitate interactions between OIST experts and those in the Cabinet Office, government ministries, and national agencies seeking expertise.
- Reinforce the efforts of the President, faculty, and administrators in their contacts with the national government, corporate Japan, and higher education associations.
- Provide guidance to OIST faculty and staff on organizing meetings and events in Tokyo and help connect to event management resources.
- Lead the operations of the OIST Tokyo Office.
(Required)
- 10+ years of experience in government and/or industry relations in Japan
- Tokyo-based networks of leaders in government, industry, philanthropy, or academia
- Fully bilingual in Japanese and English
- Superior oral and written communication skills
- An innovative thinker eager and willing to partner with multiple stakeholders to accomplish tasks for the overall benefit of OIST
- Possess an interest in Okinawa promotion and the mission of OIST
- Experience in working independently and being self-motivated
- Fundraising and / or business development experience
- Be proactive in seeking out and attending networking events and meetings that can raise OIST’s profile in Tokyo
- A track record of operating collaboratively with team members
- Excellent problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills
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)
- Remote Work System
- Resume ideally in both Japanese and English
* 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, Non-fixed term appointment.
Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive).
Scheduled Working hours: 9:00 - 17:30
Break: 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
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.