CIC’s mission is to make the world better by helping create powerful innovation ecosystems, and we believe a way to do this is by building connections between innovation ecosystems of different nations. CIC has chosen to focus on the particularly high-potential opportunity of deepening relations between Japanese and American innovators, given the size of both countries' economies as well as the significant cultural and language barriers that exist between them.

Accordingly, in 2016, CIC inaugurated the Japan Desk. The Japan Desk is CIC’s Boston-based touchpoint for Japanese and Japan-adjacent companies. In partnership with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Consulate General of Japan to Boston, among others, we support the work of Japanese CIC clients in the Greater Boston Area. This support includes making introductions to key players in the Boston innovation ecosystem, giving Japanese-language tours, providing briefing services for companies seeking to establish a presence in Massachusetts, and encouraging Boston-based startups to explore the Japan market.

The Director of CIC’s Japan Desk is responsible for the vision and execution of the Japan Desk’s mission to support the growth of the Japan/US innovation exchange. You will be responsible for implementing new projects, including acceleration programs sponsored by various Japanese government agencies, events, delegation tours, and more, in order to build the Japan Desk’s portfolio of contracts in Massachusetts and around the world. You will be responsible for sourcing and developing new programs and strategic directions, as well as building key partnerships to grow the impact of the Japan Desk. You will manage several direct reports and report to CIC’s Partner, Innovation Advisory Services.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Oversee development and delivery of Japan Desk’s key projects and partnerships. Develop the scope of projects by leading the planning of programs from start to finish, including preparing proposals, identifying milestones, as well as working alongside the team members to implement programs (e.g., sourcing key experts, building key partnerships).

• Oversee established partner relationships to ensure both recurring program opportunities and the development of new ones. Maintain and develop highest-level partnerships, especially with external government partners (e.g. JETRO, METI, local regional governments, etc.) with support of the team. Serve as the ultimate point of escalation for any client and partner issues.

• Act as the ambassador for the Japan Desk - represent the Desk and CIC at off site programs, events, tours and speaking opportunities in the US and Japan

• Create new business opportunities for the Japan Desk and work together with the CIC Institute and other Innovation Entrepreneurship Services (IES) teams to develop business relations and partnerships for Japan Desk in Japan, the US and other geographies.

• Develop a network of startup and innovation related professionals in the Cambridge area who can be supporters or mentors of Japan Desk’s programs.

• Support the CIC Institute and other IES teams by providing network and resources from the Cambridge area. 

• As the head of your team, provide professional guidance and maintain a positive team culture. 

• Advocate for Japan Desk needs and collaborate internally with other CIC departments and across CIC locations. For example, you may be working with the Legal team at CIC on Japan Desk contracting processes and with Finance to track and report Japan Desk finances, ensuring a healthy relationship between all departments, overall function of the site, and cross-site functionality.

• Report on Japan Desk to Senior Leadership - using data to support strategic direction for Desk activities and build consensus across CIC departments. 

• For opportunities outside of CIC MA campus, act as a consultant in developing relationships and proposals to get these to the MOU stage of development and to the hiring phase on the CIC staffing side.

• Manage relationships with CIC office space clients, alongside the Assistant Director. Provide strategic guidance for the planning and creation of events aimed at CIC office space clientele and the larger Japan-connected community in Cambridge/Boston. Provide strategic guidance for the creation of marketing materials. 

CIC seeks highly capable, self-directed individuals who employ a high level of autonomy in their work. If you are the kind of person who thinks creatively and critically about problems and enjoys a fast-paced environment, you would probably enjoy working here. The ideal candidate will:

• Possess strong accounting, finance, quantitative, and business writing skills

• Have a proven track record in a fast-paced, international multi-company, multi-currency environment with a high volume of intercompany transactions

• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of the organization

• Be adaptable and work well under pressure

• Be able to identify and help drive opportunities that improve internal control, process and efficiency

• Be highly detail oriented and organized with solid time management skills

• Be interested in learning business and technology (including in the deeptech industry) and supporting companies in such fields.

• At least 10 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years of corporate experience working with Japanese companies and at least 3 years of management experience.

• Strong preference of a bachelor’s degree or significant relevant experience; advanced degrees welcome.

• Willingness to travel as needed.

• Native-level Japanese and English fluency. Must be able to produce professional, high-quality business communications in both languages.

• Ability to interact with and build productive working relationships at all levels

• Because this role is based in Cambridge, MA, this role will require regularly (i.e. 3-5 days per week) working outside of normal working hours (e.g. early morning and late evening) to accommodate Japanese partners.

If you don't meet all the requirements or qualifications but bring some other unique skills and experience that would be valuable in this role, please apply and highlight those attributes for us in your cover letter.

• 100% company-paid premium healthcare and dental benefits for employee and children

• 100% company-paid long- and short-term disability, and life insurance.

• Paid parental leave for all parents.

• Long and short-term disability 

• Life insurance

• 401k (must be 21+)

• 28 days of PTO accrued annually (more with seniority), plus thirteen paid holidays.

 

• Driven, creative people in a dynamic space.

• This is an opportunity to develop skills at a growing, global company.

• Discounts on services such as gym memberships, hotel stays, and more.

• Access to a game room, a nursing room, stocked kitchens, and stunning facilities.

• Central location in Kendall Square, the heart of Cambridge’s innovation ecosystem.