Japan Desk Coordinator - Cambridge, MA

CIC • Cambridge, MA

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

Cambridge Innovation Center is hiring a full-time, early-career Japan Desk Coordinator based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The coordinator supports CIC’s Japan Desk, working closely with its Program Managers to help Japanese companies engage 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 programming beyond Japan, including soft-landing and market-access programs.

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, it supports Japanese CIC members through Japanese-language tours, personalized briefings, and introductions to the local innovation ecosystem, while encouraging Boston startups to explore opportunities in Japan. The coordinator reports to the Senior Program Manager, Japan Desk.

The position involves coordinating program administration and logistics, tracking participation and assignments, preparing surveys and outcome reports, connecting international companies with CIC and affiliate organizations, and helping organize events in the Boston/Cambridge area and Japan. The coordinator will also support the design and delivery of Catalyst programs for international partners. The role requires onsite work in Cambridge two to three days per week and, when in-person programming takes place, onsite attendance for the full day. Flexibility to work outside normal hours regularly is needed to accommodate the time difference with Japan.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• At least one year of professional experience.
• Professional-level English proficiency.
• Ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with stakeholders ranging from solo entrepreneurs to government authorities and large corporations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to track partner reporting requirements accurately across multiple projects.
• Ability to support multiple projects at once, work independently, anticipate needs and problems, and maintain clear communication with external stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel as needed.
• Availability to work onsite at the Cambridge, Massachusetts office two to three days per week; onsite work is required for the full day when in-person programming is held.
• Flexibility to regularly work outside normal working hours, approximately two to three days per week, including early mornings or late evenings to accommodate Japanese partners.

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.
• Passion for startups, innovation, and entrepreneurship; a personable, helpful, reliable, trustworthy, growth-minded, and adaptable approach.

Responsibilities

• Assist with administrative details of acceleration programs with government offices and institutions, including JETRO, prefectural governments, and universities.
• Track program attendance, homework, and other assignment completion.
• Coordinate logistics for in-person programming, such as ordering food, setting up event spaces, and reserving transportation.
• Draft feedback surveys and prepare reports documenting program outcomes for government and partner organizations.
• Connect international companies with CIC and affiliate organizations, including Venture Café and Captains of Innovation, and represent the CIC brand and its offerings.
• 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 logistics, participant coordination, and reporting.
• Represent the Japan Desk team at programs and events organized by the team.
• Support Japanese startups exploring expansion to Boston and Japanese corporations establishing local presence and connections in the Boston/Cambridge ecosystem.
• Support programming for international partners beyond Japan as part of CIC Catalyst.

Benefits

• Starting compensation of $61,250.
• 100% company-paid healthcare and dental benefit premiums.
• 100% company-paid long- and short-term disability insurance and life insurance.
• 401(k), for employees age 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 skills development in the innovation community.

What This Job Offers

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