Assistant Director for Faculty Programs
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) is a model for change in higher education and research with the highest calibre international graduate students working side by side with world‐class faculty in highly advanced and well-equipped laboratories. Beautifully situated on the island of Okinawa, OIST thrives on a cross‐disciplinary culture with an emphasis on creativity, innovation, and exchange. OIST is a university with no departments, eliminating artificial barriers between people working in different fields. Students, faculty, postdoctoral scholars, researchers, and administrative staff come from all over the world. OIST has attracted a diverse, highly talented community from across the world to Okinawa to transform the way science and education can be reimagined in the global academic world.
The Center for Professional Development and Inclusive Excellence (C-Hub) was founded in 2022 to serve the academic, research, and non-academic professional development needs of the entire university. C-Hub provides programs and consultations in leadership, mentorship, teaching support, course design, career development, communication, and the promotion and active integration of diversity, equity & inclusion throughout the research, academic, and innovation mission of the university. We serve faculty, students, postdoctoral scholars, researchers, administrative staff, and administrative leadership through the application of evidence-based practices and research.
The Assistant Director for Faculty Programs (AD-FP) provides programs and consultations for faculty and members of the Science and Technology Group. Topics include mentorship; inclusive leadership; teaching; course design; communication and presentation; diversity, equity and inclusion; and other support for their ongoing needs. The AD-FP applies international best practices to design programs, provide consultations, and create career development resources. She/he/they will work closely with the Executive Director and other colleagues in the Office of the Dean of Faculty Affairs to serve the ongoing needs of OIST faculty and STG members. The AD-FP will have the opportunity to contribute toward the ongoing cultivation of a vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative community of faculty and researchers in alignment with the evolving needs of these groups. The AD-FP reports to the Executive Director for Professional Development and Inclusive Excellence, in the Office of the Dean of Faculty Affairs.
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.
- Review the professional development and inclusive mentoring needs of faculty and STG members.
- Develop workshops and programs in leadership (including, but not limited to academic and entrepreneurial leadership), mentorship, teaching, and other areas as needed to promote the creation of inclusive and equitable research and teaching climates.
- Create and develop professional development resources and contribute to the monthly C-Hub newsletter.
- Provide in person and/or remote consultations with faculty and STG members.
- Working closely with the Executive Director, design and facilitate the New Faculty Orientation Programs and the Annual Faculty Retreat.
- Collaborate with C-Hub staff on planning and executing major C-Hub events and programs including the Annual Symposium, Leadership Retreats, and other events as needed.
- Other administrative duties as assigned.
(Required)
- A Ph.D. in an academic discipline.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Excellent presentation skills, including comfort as a public speaker, including demonstrated experience creating and conducting workshops.
- Demonstrable knowledge of the research and current issues in higher education professional development, pedagogy, mentorship, academic research climates, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Ability to take direction and to give and receive feedback.
- Ability to design and develop web-based services and resources.
- Excellent time management, organizational, analytical, and collaboration skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Resilience, agility and willingness to learn productively from mistakes.
- Demonstrated highest standards of personal integrity, tact, and discretion.
(Preferred)
- Experience of working productively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.
- Two years of experience in professional development.
- Prior work experience (teaching and/or research) in an academic environment is preferred.
- Experience in developing programs that catalyze and enhance interdisciplinarity.
- Evidence of strategic planning and evaluation skills.
- Being able to self-reflect and acknowledge one’s own biases.
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)
- Remote Work system
- 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.
- 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, Non-fixed term appointment.
Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive)
Scheduled Working hours: 9:00 – 17:30
Rest period: 12:00 – 13:00
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
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
Overtime work hours:
In the discretionary labor system for specialized work, the employee shall be deemed to have worked 7 hours 30 minutes per day.