Business Development Section Manager
About OIST Innovation:
OIST Innovation is the technology commercialization hub at OIST. We work closely with OIST faculty, students, and staff to promote the development of new technologies, embrace collaborations with industry, support innovators, and launch startups. We provide a full-service suite of programs, networks, and resources designed to facilitate the transition of innovative technologies from the lab to the market, generating a meaningful societal impact. OIST Innovation is a key part of the University’s strategy to seed an innovation ecosystem in Okinawa linked to technology transfer, industry partnerships, and startups.
Position summary:
The Business Development Section Manager will lead an international team of specialists to foster strategic relationships between OIST and industry partners. The role involves overseeing the team's efforts in identifying, cultivating, and nurturing partnerships that align with the university’s objectives. This position requires business development, project management, relationship building, and strategic planning skills to drive innovation and collaboration at 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.
1. Strategy and Operations:
- Work closely with the Executive Vice President's Office to formulate a strategic partnership roadmap, identifying key focus areas, priority industries, and potential partners aligned with OIST’s strategy.
- Provide strategic guidance and manage the team handling communications, negotiations, and implementation for a wide range of industry partnerships (bi-lateral, framework, consortia, etc.).
- Represent OIST at relevant industry events, conferences, and forums to promote partnership opportunities and strengthen relationships.
2. Business Development and Relationship Building:
- Lead the development of institutional, multi-level, and individual academic-industry collaborations aligned with OIST's strategy.
- Conduct in-depth research on industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities to identify partnership prospects around the world.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with OIST's research and innovation community, existing and potential industry partners, OIST Innovation Network members, and local/national/international networks to proactively generate new leads.
- Thoroughly vet and conduct due diligience on potential collaborators.
3. Performance Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of partnerships.
- Conduct regular evaluations of partnership initiatives and provide data-driven recommendations for optimization and enhancement.
- Prepare comprehensive reports and updates on partnership activities, progress, and outcomes.
- Bachelor's degree in science, business, marketing, or related field, and 5+ years of experience in strategic partnership management or business development.
- Or advanced degree and 1+ years of experience in strategic partnership management or business development.
- Proven track record in developing and executing strategic partnerships, preferably in a leading role.
- Ability to relate effectively to academic researchers and manage relationships with senior industry executives.
- Strong strategic planning, analytical, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to understand, communicate, and present complex business and technical information in a sales context.
- Deep understanding of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities.
- Familiarity with key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance evaluation techniques.
- Knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks governing partnerships.
- Understanding and appreciation of science and technology.
Expected Annual Salary: 8,800,000 yen
*This amount represents the median annual salary for this position, which will be determined based on your experience and 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)
- Access to Child Development Center
- Access to Schooling Options
- Language Education
- Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
- 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, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications. OIST Privacy Policy
- 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
(Information Disclosure – 10. Others – 6. OIST Rules for Concurrent Appointment). - Further details about the University can be viewed on our website
Full-time, Managerial role, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed.
9:00-17:30 (Managerial)