ABOUT CIC
CIC builds and connects thriving innovation communities around the world. Founded in 1999 in Cambridge, MA, we were one of the first companies to offer flexible office space and coworking options, providing a platform for the world’s most impactful entrepreneurs to innovate better and faster. Today, we manage a global network of innovation-focused workspace, laboratories, and event space across North America, Europe, and Asia, and continue to expand globally.
ABOUT CIC JAPAN DESK
CIC’s mission is to help fix the world through innovation—and we believe one way to do that is by building connections between innovation ecosystems across borders. Given the scale of both economies and the cultural and language barriers that can exist, CIC sees a high-potential opportunity in strengthening ties between Japanese and American innovators.
To that end, CIC launched the Japan Desk in 2016. Based at our Boston innovation campus, the Japan Desk serves as a dedicated entry point for Japanese and Japan-adjacent companies. In partnership with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Consulate General of Japan in Boston, and others, we support Japanese CIC clients in Greater Boston by offering Japanese-language tours, personalized briefings, and introductions to key players in the local innovation ecosystem. We also encourage Boston-based startups to explore opportunities in the Japan market.
Learn more about us here.
ABOUT CIC INSTITUTE
CIC Tokyo, opened in October 2020, is our first Asian site, uniquely positioned in the Minato-ku business district as a leading innovation hub in Japan. Spanning 6,000 square meters in the Toranomon Hills Business Tower, it offers expansive workspace for over 250 companies focused on growth and global expansion. Esteemed for its impact on startups and innovation, CIC Tokyo frequently hosts VIPs like Prime Minister Kishida and Governor Koike, and is acclaimed as a prestigious center for new businesses and startups in Japan.
CIC Institute is a division of CIC that carries out startup and innovation related projects to support startups and develop innovation ecosystems, using both knowledge and the global network of CIC. The Institute currently does its work taking on events, community building, and consulting projects that support innovation, collaboration, and a stronger innovation ecosystem in key industries and geographies.
YOUR DAY-TO-DAY WORK
As the Business Development Manager, you will work closely with both the Director of CIC Institute and the Head of the Japan Desk to source and develop new programs and strategic directions and partnerships for both teams. Based in Japan, you will identify domestic opportunities for the Institute and global opportunities for the Japan Desk, requiring you to effectively manage priorities across both organizations while maintaining strong communication with the Cambridge-based Japan Desk team.
Your responsibilities will include:
• Building and deepening strategic relationships with key partners in Japan, including government entities, prefectures, corporations, universities, and other key players in the innovation ecosystem to identify and develop new business opportunities.
• Sourcing and developing new programs and partnerships that align with both the CIC Institute's broader programming portfolio and Japan Desk's mission to support Japanese entrepreneurs' US market entry, maintaining approximately a 50/50 split of focus across both teams.
• Providing strategic input to both the Director of CIC Institute and Head of the Japan Desk on program development, market trends, and partnership opportunities emerging from the Japanese market.
• Supporting program implementation with CIC Institute and Japan Desk team as needed, including connecting startups with mentors, coordinating with government partners, and facilitating introductions to relevant resources within CIC's network.
• Developing event programming and overseeing event execution to convene and promote the Japanese community in Boston by hosting events ranging from casual meetups to conferences, in collaboration with the Japanese Consulate and with other external partners both in Cambridge/Boston and in Japan.
• Managing the coordination of tours of CIC’s main campuses to promote awareness of CIC's innovation campuses and brand to potential partners and clients.
• Providing oversight to continued efforts to build a network of local experts who are knowledgeable about the Boston innovation ecosystem and eager to support startups and companies from Japan.
• Traveling as needed for business development activities, conferences, and partner meetings to represent both teams and identify new opportunities.
• Representing CIC at onsite and offsite programs, events, tours and speaking opportunities, serving as a key touchpoint for potential partners and clients interested in CIC's services and programming.
• Managing relationships with existing partners while continuously expanding CIC's network within Japan's innovation ecosystem.
• Coordinating effectively across time zones to ensure seamless communication and alignment between Japan-based partners and Cambridge-based teams.
ABOUT YOU
The ideal candidate will possess the following characteristics:
• Passion for startups, innovation, and entrepreneurship and excellent instincts as a connector and networker.
• Strong relationship-building and business development skills, with experience engaging stakeholders ranging from solo entrepreneurs to government authorities to large corporations.
• Proven ability to identify, cultivate, and maintain strategic partnerships.
• Clear and professional communication, with the ability to to adjust communication style depending on the audience and cultural context.
• Excellent prioritization and project management skills, able to balance competing demands across two teams while ensuring high-quality execution.
• Team-player attitude; you are personable, happy to help others, and naturally drawn to a very busy, continually-evolving environment.
• Able to self-direct and anticipate problems and needs.
• Flexible, adaptable, and willing to learn.
YOU HAVE
• At least 9+ years of professional experience, including at least 3 years of corporate experience working with Japanese companies
• Strong preference of a bachelor’s degree or significant relevant experience; advanced degrees welcome.
• Fluent in Japanese and English. Must be able to produce professional, high-quality business communications in both languages.
• Because this role is based in Tokyo, Japan 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 US-based Japan Desk team and partners.
Please submit your resume in English.
OUR OFFER
• Competitive salary, adjusted to match your experience.
• Permanent contract.
• Laptop and mobile phone as your working tools.
• Access to global CIC locations.
• Commuting / transportation allowance.
CIC welcomes all candidates regardless of race, color, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status or disability. If you require an accommodation please let us know. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Measures against passive smoking: No smoking indoors allowed. Smoking is not permitted outside of designated areas.
