Director of Development
The Director of Development acts as the primary philanthropic fundraiser for OIST with global responsibility and manages the Development Office, which is part of the Office of the President.
Imagine spearheading philanthropic initiatives for a leading-edge research institution, situated within the captivating subtropical paradise of Okinawa, Japan. As the Director of Development at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), you will have the unique opportunity to drive global fundraising initiatives for a diverse, English-language graduate university at the forefront of scientific discovery.
At OIST, we are breaking boundaries in interdisciplinary research and education. Our mission is to become a world-leading science and technology university, catalyze an innovation ecosystem in Okinawa’s unique diversities, support OIST as a benchmark in the Japanese academic landscape, and enable partnerships for transformation in the global world. As our Director of Development, you will play a pivotal role in securing the resources needed to fuel our ambitious vision.
This position offers:
- Direct reporting to the President and CEO
- Global fundraising responsibility
- Leadership of the Development Office
- Contact point for OIST US Foundation
- Opportunity to establish and implement organizational fundraising frameworks
- Collaboration with top-tier scientists and executives
- Potential to make a lasting impact on scientific progress
We are seeking a seasoned professional with at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in advancement or development, including supervisory roles. Your demonstrated success in fundraising and fluency in English and Japanese will be essential for this role.
Immerse yourself in the convergence of pioneering scientific advancement and the stunning natural beauty of Okinawa. Contribute to shaping the future of research and innovation, all the while experiencing an unparalleled quality of life on this dynamic island. Are you prepared to elevate your career in development to unprecedented levels? Join our community at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) and be an integral part of an extraordinary endeavor.
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.
- Establish, implement, and oversee organizational framework (process, procedures, roles, and responsibilities, etc.) for philanthropic fundraising operations at OIST.
- Establish partnerships with the members of the OIST senior management team and responsible for alumni relations.
- Compile and maintain a “catalog of gift opportunities in dialogue with OIST faculty, executives, and managers to be approved by the Upper Management Team on a yearly basis.
- Develop, maintain, and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy, fundraising goals, and annual operational plans.
- Prospect/Donor Management:
- Compile and maintain a pipeline list of fundraising prospects. Coordinate with the Executive Vice President of Innovation and the Provost for the corporate donor prospects.
- Manage gift policies, solicitations, stewardship, donor recognition, support groups, and administration.
- Plan events and processes through leading by example, and encourage collaborative efforts.
- Manage relationships with fundraising prospects to bring major gift solicitations to closure.
- As the fundraising operations grow, introduce a portfolio approach to prospect and donor management to delegate and distribute donor management responsibilities amongst fundraising team members.
- Establish and maintain a productive working relationship with the OIST Foundation (US).
- Explore establishing fundraising infrastructure to pursue prospects in the Asia region outside of Japan.
- Coordinate with the Vice President for Communication and Public Relations to develop, implement, and maintain branding and communication strategies related to the development operations.
- Develop a balanced scorecard including key performance indicators to track progress and achievements to be reported to the OIST Upper Management Team, Executive Team, Board of Governors, and Board of Councilors.
- Any other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the President and CEO.
- Bachelor's degree or higher.
- At least ten years of experience in progressively responsible positions in advancement and/or development, of which 4 years in supervisory/managerial roles, preferably at higher education or scientific research institutions.
- Experience in all phases of fundraising with proven record of success.
- Native-level proficiency in written and oral English and Japanese. Business-level proficiency in Mandarin is preferred.
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)
- Cover letter in English required.
- 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.
Full-time, Non-fixed term appointment with 6 month probationary period.
Scheduled Working hours: 9:00 – 17:30
Rest period: 12:00 – 13:00
As this is a managerial role, the working days, working hours, and break time do not apply to general employees' prescribed working hours.
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