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.
沖縄科学技術大学院大学は、世界の科学技術の発展に貢献し、沖縄でのイノベーションの拠点となるために2011年に設立されました。5年一貫制の博士課程教育を提供し、国を超えて、分野を超えて、優れた研究者が共同で、最先端の科学研究を行っています。
85 ヘクタールの敷地に広がる大自然の中に設立され、美しい海岸とサンゴ礁を見下ろす場所に位置します。キャンパスは建築学的観点から見ても印象的なこだわりが施され、その自然の中にある大学施設を際立たせています。学部の壁を作らないことで、学際的な研究成果を生み出せる環境を提供し、また学内の誰もが、最高水準のリソースへのアクセスと研究機器の利用が可能で、共同研究に生かせるような仕組みを整えています。
学内では英語を公用語とし、50 ヵ国以上から集まる研究者コミュニティは真の国際性を保持しています。OISTは科学技術の革新、そして沖縄の経済発展の原動力となるイノベーション創出に取り組んでいます。
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)