Business Development Coordinator
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 Coordinator will develop and maintain industry partnerships at OIST. The role will involve partnership development, project management, and coordination and implementation of industry partnerships. The work includes business development activities related to OIST Innovation and the OIST's COI-NEXT Center of Excellence (Global Bioconvergence Center of Innovation).
This position is funded by the J-PEAKS Grant, which was approved by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
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.
- Partnership Identification and Market Analysis:
• Identifying potential industry partners that align with OIST's mission, goals, and values.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive databases and profiles of prospective partners.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations summarizing partnership opportunity research findings.
- Relationship Building and Coordination:
• Cultivate and sustain open and trusted relationships with the OIST research and innovation community.
• Build strong relationships with existing and potential industry partners, including OIST Innovation Network (INO) members and other local, national, and international networks.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for partner inquiries, requests, and communications.
• Work closely with internal teams and stakeholders and execute partnership-related events, meetings, and activities.
- Project Management and Implementation:
• Develop institutional, multilevel, and individual collaborations that align with OIST's strategy.
• Prepare and negotiate various agreements (e.g., Framework Agreements, Collaborative Research Agreements, Partnership Agreements).
• Facilitatethe implementation of partnership activities and projects, coordinating with relevant teams and stakeholders.
- Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:
• Collect and analyze partnership performance data, contributing to the monitoring of KPIs.
• Assist in preparing regular reports and updates.
• Prepare materials on collaborative activities for internal and external stakeholders.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in business, marketing, science, or related field and a minimum of three years' experience in client management or business development in a company. Experience working in the life sciences field is highly desirable.
- Proven track record in negotiation, data analysis, communication, and project management.
- Ability to relate effectively to faculty and manage relationships with senior executives in a large corporate environment.
- Highly self-directed with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks flexibly based on evolving requirements.
- High proficiency in Japanese and English (reading, writing, speaking)
- Proficient in project management tools and CRM software.
Expected Annual Salary: 3,900,000 - 7,300,000 yen
*This amount represents the expected annual salary range 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. The University strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
- 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.
- Please view OIST policy for rules on external professional activities
- Further details about the University can be viewed on the OIST website www.oist.jp.
Fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 6 month probationary period (inclusive).
This contract may be renewed for up to 5 years from the date of initial appointment, taking into consideration the performance evaluation, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
Working hours:
- Flextime (core time 10:00-15:00) 7.5 hrs per day (Multiplied by prescribed working days per month)