Incubator Program Director
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.
OIST Innovation is preparing to open a new 2,200㎡ incubator facility within the university campus that will serve as a hub where academic researchers, students, entrepreneurs, industry scientists, and government experts can collaborate to develop and commercialize cutting-edge technologies.
Position summary:
The incubator provides resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help turn innovative ideas into successful startups or commercial products. It is part of OIST’s broader efforts to support innovation and entrepreneurship within its academic community.
We are searching for a Program Director to oversee and manage the programs and services within the incubator aimed at supporting its members in their innovation and entrepreneurship endeavors. This role involves developing comprehensive support programs, building strategic partnerships, fostering a vibrant community, and ensuring effective program management and evaluation.
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. Program Development and Management:
- Design and implement comprehensive programs, resources, and services to support the growth and success of incubator members, including
- Mentoring and coaching from experienced advisors and industry experts
- Networking opportunities and facilitation of strategic partnerships
- Fundraising guidance and investor connections
- Training programs, workshops, and educational resources
- Legal, financial, and administrative support services
- Marketing and branding support
- Work closely with the Incubator Facility Coordinator to assist in managing the incubator facilities, providing access to OIST Core Facilities and common equipment, and ensuring a productive and well-maintained environment.
- Work closely with the Entrepreneurship Education Coordinator and relevant OIST teams to coordinate training, seminars, and events.
2. Partnership and Stakeholder Management:
- Identify and cultivate partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including industry partners, investors, accelerators, universities, government agencies, and other ecosystem players to support the incubator's initiatives and members.
- Work closely with the OIST Innovation team to secure external funding and resources from sponsors, donors, and government agencies to support the incubator’s programs and services.
3. Community Building and Networking:
- Foster a vibrant and collaborative community within the incubator, promoting knowledge sharing, networking, and synergies among the members, the OIST research community, and the broader innovation ecosystem.
- Facilitate connections between incubator members and potential investors, partners, and customers.
- Represent the incubator at relevant conferences, forums, and industry events to promote the incubator's programs and attract potential members and partners.
4. Performance Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Continuously assess member engagement and the effectiveness of programs and services through data anlysis, member feedback, and performance metrics
- Prepare regular reports and presentations for stakeholders, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
(Required)
- Bachelor’s degree in related field such as business, science, or technology management and 3+ years of experience in program management, preferably in a startup incubator, accelerator, or similar environment.Or advanced degree and 1+ years of experience in program management
- Excellent communication, networking, and relationship-building skills
- Passion for supporting and empowering entrepreneurs and innovators to succeed in their ventures and for growing the innovation ecosystem. Knowledge of the startup ecosystem in Japan, and industry landscape and emerging technologies is preferred.
- Highly self-directed with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks flexibly based on evolving requirements
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
fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 3 month probationary period (inclusive).
This contract may be renewed for up to 5 years from the date of initial appointment. However, the term of the contract may be subject to adjustment based on the amount of work remaining and progress of work assigned at the termination of this Agreement, performance evaluation, conduct, and behavior of the Employee, and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)