Acceleration Program Manager, Japan Desk - Cambridge, MA

CIC is seeking to hire a Program Manager to support the growing Japan Desk initiative based in Cambridge, MA. This person will report to the Assistant Director of the Japan Desk to 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. Candidates based in New York City are also strongly encouraged to apply.

ABOUT THE JAPAN DESK  CIC’s mission is to fix the world’s problems through 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, running Japan-focused connection and networking events, giving Japanese-language tours, and providing briefing services for companies seeking to establish a presence in Massachusetts.

YOUR DAY-TO-DAY WORK As Program Manager, you will manage and administer programs and projects that connect Japanese startups to Boston’s innovation ecosystem. You will report to the Assistant Director of the Japan Desk at CIC Cambridge. The role will include supporting the development of new programs to expand the scope of the Japan Desk initiative at CIC, as well as helping to run existing programs and events.

Networking:  • Build partnerships and networks with startups and innovation stakeholders in the Boston area to manage assigned programs and projects effectively. • Build partnerships with universities, research institutions, investors, and industry associations to identify mutually beneficial opportunities.

Program Implementation and Operations: • Develop an implementation strategy for the acceleration program appropriate for the Boston area’s innovation network, and work with the client to clearly define annual goals and deliverables. • Understand the details of the startup support programs commissioned by the client and implement them appropriately.  • Facilitate cooperation between startups and network members through acceleration programs, events, and workshops undertaken by the Japan Desk. • Develop end-to-end effective and efficient operations in a compliant and deadline-driven manner.

Evaluation and Improvement: • Regularly evaluate the program's progress and make strategic adjustments to achieve results.  • Analyze participating start-ups' best practices and identify improvement areas to maximize the program's impact.

Reporting and Communication: • Report progress and results to both internal and external stakeholders to ensure transparency. • Ensure smooth communication and cooperation with stakeholders from different organizations and backgrounds. • Publicize information about the program and provide visible value to the local innovation community.

In addition to your primary focus of program management, you will contribute to other business efforts for CIC and the Japan Desk. Responsibilities include: • Coordinate and lead tours of CIC’s main campuses to promote awareness of CIC's innovation campuses and brand to potential partners and clients. • Bridge Japanese companies’ needs to CIC and affiliate organizations (i.e. Venture Café, Captains of Innovation) and serve as an overall ambassador for the CIC brand. • Convene and promote the Japanese community in Boston by hosting events ranging from casual meetups to conferences, in collaboration with external partners both in Cambridge/Boston and in Japan.

Work Schedule:  • The Japan Desk team works on a hybrid schedule, with three-in office days per week (typically Tuesday-Thursday) and two days when you are welcome to work remotely. • Given that many of our stakeholders and counterparts are located in Japan, you may be asked to adjust your working hours as needed.

ABOUT YOU Our ideal candidate possesses the following characteristics: • Genuine passion for fostering innovation and contributing to the success of emerging companies. You stay up to date on industry trends, emerging technologies, and market dynamics. • Comfortable with ambiguity and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. • Team-player attitude; we are looking for someone who is personable, happy to help others, and naturally drawn to a very busy, continually-evolving environment. • Ability to build and maintain relationships with program participants. • Willingness to adapt to changing circumstances and iterate based on feedback and evolving industry trends. Flexible and able to pivot when necessary to meet the needs of the startups and the program. • Strong project management skills to ensure the smooth operation of the accelerator program. • Able to prioritize and manage many tasks and projects simultaneously, ensuring that work is executed with a high level of detail. • Ability to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and partners. • Strong presentation and public speaking skills for program promotion and events. • Comfortable setting and working towards ambitious goals. • Reliable, trustworthy, and continually willing to learn.

YOU HAVE • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required (ideally in business, entrepreneurship, management or a related field). Advanced degrees preferred. Relevant certifications or additional education in startup management is a plus. • At least 2-3 years of corporate experience working with Japanese companies. • Familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities startups face during their growth phase. Previous experience managing or working within accelerator or incubator programs is highly desirable. • Business-level Japanese and business-level English. Must be able to produce professional, high-quality business communications in both languages, both orally and in writing. • Interest in a long-term role and growth within the company. • Willingness to travel. Position may involve business travel to Japan. 

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 • Starting compensation is commensurate with experience. • 100% company-paid premium healthcare and dental benefits. • 100% company-paid long- and short-term disability, and life insurance. • 401k (must be 21+). • 23 days of PTO accrued annually (more with seniority), plus thirteen paid holidays.