Japan Desk Coordinator - Cambridge, MA

Japan Desk Coordinator

Cambridge Innovation Center is seeking to hire a full-time, early career Japan Desk Coordinator to support the growing Japan Desk initiative in Cambridge, MA. This person will work closely with the Japan Desk's Program Managers, who serve as a touchpoint for Japanese companies seeking to tap into CIC and Boston's innovation ecosystem, as well as Boston-based companies looking to connect with Japanese partners.

As part of CIC Catalyst, our consulting arm, this role may also support programming for international partners beyond Japan.

As a Japan Desk Coordinator you will be responsible for supporting programs and activities at the Japan Desk aimed at helping Japanese startups explore opportunities for Boston expansion, and helping Japanese corporations establish their local presence and connections in the Boston/Cambridge ecosystem, while working closely with our Japan Desk Team and reporting to the Senior Program Manager, Japan Desk. As part of CIC's consulting arm (Catalyst), you will also support programming for international partners beyond Japan, contributing to a growing portfolio of soft landing and market access programs.

Potential responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with administrative details of acceleration programs in partnership with government offices and institutions such as JETRO, prefectural governments, and universities, including tracking attendance, tracking completion of homework and other assignments, and helping with logistics for in-person programming (e.g., ordering food, setting up event spaces, reserving transportation, etc.)
• Drafting feedback surveys and generating reports documenting the outcomes of programs for our government and partner organizations
• Bridging international companies' needs to CIC and affiliate organizations (i.e. Venture Café, Captains of Innovation) and serving as an ambassador for the CIC brand and product
• Contributing to organizing events ranging from casual meetups to conferences in collaboration with the Japanese Consulate and other external partners, both in Cambridge/Boston and in Japan
• Supporting the design and delivery of Catalyst market access programs for international partner organizations, contributing to program logistics, participant coordination, and reporting
• Serving as a face for the Japan Desk team at programs and events organized by the team

You're a natural connector and networker who isn't just looking for a job - you're looking for a mission. You have a passion for startups, innovation, and entrepreneurship, you're naturally drawn to a dynamic, continually-evolving environment, and you're a personable team player who's happy to help others. You're reliable and trustworthy with a growth mindset, and you genuinely want to support the expansion of Japanese and other international companies to the US market and beyond.

More specifically, as our ideal candidate, you are:

• A strong relationship builder and communicator, with stakeholders ranging from solo entrepreneurs to government authorities to large corporations
• Detail oriented and able to accurately and simultaneously track detailed reporting requirements from partners across multiple projects
• Able to support multiple projects at the same time, self-direct, and anticipate problems and needs, while facilitating and maintaining smooth communication with outside stakeholders

You have:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• At least 1 year of professional experience; experience working with Japanese companies or Japanese government agencies is preferred
• English proficiency at a professional level is required. Advanced Japanese proficiency (equivalent to JLPT N2 or above) is preferred. This includes the ability to understand spoken and written business Japanese and to communicate effectively in professional settings.
• Willingness to travel as needed
• Availability to work onsite at the Cambridge, MA office 2 to 3 days per week; on days when in-person programming is held, working onsite is required all day
• Flexibility to regularly (i.e., 2-3 days per week) work outside of normal working hours (e.g. early morning and late evening) to accommodate Japanese partners, due to the time difference between Japan and the US

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.

Our offer includes:

• Starting compensation is $61,250
• 100% company-paid…