President and Chief Executive Officer 3

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (www.oist.jp) is an international, interdisciplinary graduate university in Japan, operating entirely in English and committed to empowering world-class researchers with the freedom, resources, and support they need to drive transformational discoveries.

Established in 2011 by the Government of Japan, OIST advances science and technology by attracting leading researchers from Japan and abroad; conducting high-quality research; developing a world-class research hub; and catalyzing technology transfer and industrial innovation in Okinawa and Japan and beyond. In its first decade of operation, OIST has been ranked among the world’s leading research institutes in size-normalized rankings (Nature Index). Excellence in education, research, and innovation are the three pillars of OIST. OIST is located on the subtropical island of Okinawa, Japan, and occupies 69 hectares of protected forestland adjacent to coastline and coral reefs. The campus includes architecturally striking, purpose-built research and teaching facilities designed to support an international scientific community. Explore our Campus.

OIST is undertaking a global search for its next President and CEO and invites applications and nominations for this prestigious role. The President/CEO will lead OIST’s next phase of growth and will develop strategies and diverse sources of income for the institution’s longer-term direction. 

The University operates under the auspices of the OIST School Corporation. The President of the University also serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Corporation. The President/CEO is responsible for the management and operation of the Corporation, including the day-to-day administration of the University. Ultimate authority and fiduciary responsibility reside with the Board of Governors (BOG), which selects and appoints the President/CEO. To date, the University’s principal financial support has been provided through subsidies from the Government of Japan. Close cooperation between the President, the BOG, and the Government of Japan is essential to the successful operation of the University. The President/CEO will lead OIST’s next phase of growth and will develop proposals for the institution’s longer-term direction. The successful diversification of institutional sources of income will constitute a critical component of this responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the President/CEO include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Provide institutional vision, strategic direction, and executive leadership in furtherance of the University’s mission, international standing, and long-term sustainability.
• Develop and implement institutional strategy for the University’s continued development, including growth toward a critical mass of faculty and research capacity.
• Oversee the appointment, delegation of authority, and performance management of senior officers, including the Secretary-General, Provost, Vice Presidents, and Deans.
• Safeguard academic excellence and research distinction through strategic oversight, enabling academic leaders to manage the full spectrum of academic affairs, including faculty recruitment, promotion, periodic review and evaluation, graduate education, and research operations.
• Exercise overall responsibility for financial stewardship, institutional sustainability, and major capital planning, consistent with the University’s strategic priorities.
• Represent the University in external relations, including engagement with donors, industry, and international partners, in support of research, education, and institutional advancement.
• Advance technology transfer and research translation, strengthening OIST’s role as a catalyst for an innovation ecosystem in Okinawa, Japan and beyond.
• Cultivate and sustain effective relationships with members of the National Diet, central and local government stakeholders, the Board of Governors, the Board of Councilors, and the Okinawa community.
• Provide leadership for the University’s contributions to regional development and broader societal benefit.
• Model principled leadership and the highest standards of integrity, fostering a culture of collegiality, respect, and shared academic purpose across the OIST community.

The President/CEO must have the following qualifications:

• Outstanding and inspirational leadership skills
• Outstanding scientific credentials, including a prominent career in research Preferably five years or more successful experience in high-level research and academic administration
• International leadership experience in the academic and research community
• Excellent communication skills: proficiency in spoken and written English is necessary; knowledge of the Japanese language would be beneficial but is not essential.
• Possess an understanding of Japanese culture and science diplomacy and Japan’s role in the global ecosystem of science

Term:

The term as President/CEO is a 5-year full-time appointment. The appointment is renewable. There is no restriction concerning gender, age, or nationality. The starting date is negotiable.