Japan Desk Coordinator - Cambridge, MA

CIC • Cambridge, MA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) is seeking a full-time, early-career Japan Desk Coordinator based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The coordinator supports the Japan Desk initiative, working with Program Managers who connect Japanese companies with CIC and Boston’s innovation ecosystem and help Boston-based companies connect with Japanese partners. As part of CIC Catalyst, CIC’s strategic advisory and programming arm, the role may also support international partners and market-access programs beyond Japan.

The Japan Desk, launched in 2016 and based at CIC’s Boston innovation campus, is an entry point for Japanese and Japan-adjacent companies. In partnership with organizations including JETRO and the Consulate General of Japan in Boston, the team supports Japanese CIC members in Greater Boston with Japanese-language tours, briefings, and introductions to the local innovation ecosystem, and encourages Boston-based startups to explore opportunities in Japan.

The coordinator supports programs helping Japanese startups explore expansion into Boston and Japanese corporations establish local connections and presence. The role reports to the Senior Program Manager, Japan Desk. It also contributes to Catalyst’s growing portfolio of soft-landing and market-access programs for international partners. The position requires onsite work in Cambridge 2–3 days per week, all day when in-person programming is held, and flexibility to regularly work outside normal business hours to accommodate Japanese partners. Travel may be needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 1 year of professional experience.
• Professional-level English proficiency.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• Availability to work onsite at the Cambridge, Massachusetts office 2–3 days per week; onsite all day when in-person programming is held.
• Flexibility to regularly work outside normal working hours, such as early mornings and late evenings, to accommodate Japanese partners.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills with stakeholders ranging from entrepreneurs to government authorities and large corporations.
• Attention to detail and ability to accurately track reporting requirements across multiple projects.
• Ability to support multiple projects simultaneously, self-direct, anticipate problems and needs, and maintain smooth communication with outside stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with Japanese companies or Japanese government agencies.
• Advanced Japanese proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or above, including understanding spoken and written business Japanese and communicating effectively in professional settings.

Responsibilities

• Assist with administrative details for acceleration programs with government offices and institutions, including tracking attendance and assignment completion and coordinating in-person logistics such as food, event spaces, and transportation.
• Draft feedback surveys and prepare reports documenting program outcomes for government and partner organizations.
• Connect international companies with CIC and affiliated organizations, including Venture Café and Captains of Innovation, and represent the CIC brand and products.
• Help organize events, from casual meetups to conferences, with the Japanese Consulate and other external partners in Cambridge/Boston and Japan.
• Support the design and delivery of Catalyst market-access programs for international partners, including program logistics, participant coordination, and reporting.
• Represent the Japan Desk team at programs and events organized by the team.
• Manage multiple projects, maintain communication with external stakeholders, and anticipate project needs and potential problems.

Benefits

• 100% company-paid premium healthcare and dental benefits.
• 100% company-paid long- and short-term disability insurance and life insurance.
• 401(k) (must be 21 or older).
• 23 days of PTO accrued annually, with more based on seniority.
• Thirteen paid holidays.
• Access to a nursing room, secure bicycle parking, and shower rooms with towels.
• Discounted services and memberships, including gym memberships, tech and design support, and hotel stays.
• Opportunity for personal growth and skill development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level