Project Associate & Innovation Consultant, CIC Catalyst
Job description
About the role
The Project Associate & Innovation Consultant operates at the intersection of strategic planning and execution within Cic Catalyst's portfolio. This professional owns the end-to-end coordination of innovation initiatives, ensuring alignment between client objectives and project deliverables. They are responsible for driving project quality and momentum across the entire lifecycle from initial discovery through final implementation. The role demands a proactive stance in identifying opportunities to expand Cic Catalyst's influence within the Japanese market. Furthermore, the associate will serve as a critical liaison, synthesizing requirements and expectations across diverse stakeholders. This position requires a deep commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in all client interactions. Ultimately, the hire will directly contribute to the scalability and success of innovation programs managed by the consulting division.
What you'll do
Conduct comprehensive analysis of technology trends to inform project strategy and objective setting for new initiatives. Implement robust project management methodologies to develop detailed work plans, timelines, and resource allocation strategies. Facilitate stakeholder mapping exercises to identify and categorize all relevant parties involved in project ecosystems. Draft high-quality project scope documents, clearly defining goals, deliverables, and success metrics for client validation. Establish and monitor key performance indicators to track project progress and ensure alignment with strategic goals. Proactively identify potential project risks and develop mitigation plans in collaboration with senior management teams. Support the creation of compelling project proposals and client presentations to articulate value and secure buy-in. Serve as the primary day-to-day communication link for designated clients to ensure transparency and expectation management. Foster strategic relationships with technology companies and public sector entities to identify new collaboration opportunities. Lead structured post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and integrate them into future service offerings. Coordinate cross-functional team inputs to ensure cohesive execution and knowledge transfer between internal and external partners. Continuously refine innovation products and services based on market feedback and emerging industry trends.
Requirements
You are a professional with a complementary set of skills and style to represent Cic to prospective partnerships and support current clients at the highest levels of service. You are an articulate and ethical individual who has strong written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and the ability to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment. You are highly detail-oriented and organized, with strong communication skills and the ability to effectively manage time and multiple competing priorities. You have a proven track record of meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work with minimal supervision. You possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience. You are fluent in English and Japanese, both written and verbal. You have a genuine interest in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. You are comfortable working in a dynamic, multicultural team environment. You are proficient in standard office software and project management tools.
About Cic & Cic TOKYO
Cic builds and operates a global network of innovation campuses where startups, scale-ups, corporations and public entities connect, work, and grow. Founded in 1999, Cic manages more than 1.5M square meters of innovation-focused workspace, laboratories, and event space across North America, Europe and Asia. Additionally, Cic develops innovation-related programming, builds and enables industry clusters, and provides world-class innovation consulting.
Cic Tokyo is our first site located in Asia. Opened in October 2020 in one of the business districts of Minato-ku, Cic Tokyo is a one-of-a-kind innovation-oriented center in Japan with a total area of about 6,000 square meters on the 15th and 16th floors of the Toranomon Hills Business Tower. We provide a vast workspace with the capacity to house more than 250 companies. Cic Tokyo is centered on companies that aim to grow, and communities and services that are looking to accelerate their business growth and global expansion. Because of its influence in startup and innovation scenery, Cic Tokyo has frequent visits of VIPs such as Prime Minister Kishida, Governor Koike, and other business leaders in Japan. It is now recognized as a prestigious center of new businesses and startups by business leaders throughout the country.
Learn more about us here.
About Cic CATALYST
Cic Catalyst, Cic's consulting division, is leveraging Cic's global reach and deep expertise, designing and delivering projects that strengthen startup ecosystems and accelerate innovation worldwide. Its activities include innovation programming, acceleration programs, startup market-access services, community building, and vertical clusters across industries and geographies.
Your day-to-day work
The Project Associate at Cic Catalyst will focus on strategically expanding Cic Catalyst influence and business operations in Japan. As a Project Associate, you will work with all stakeholders involved and will need to coordinate and liaise with all internal and external stakeholders based throughout the Cic network. This includes, but is not limited to, expanding our projects to private sectors, creating new innovation clusters for industries across Cic network, expanding Cic Catalyst's market access services to new industries and the East Asian market, creating new innovation products and services that can scale throughout Cic network.
Project Support & Coordination
- Assist in the development and management of project plans, timelines, and budgets to support successful project delivery.
- Support the definition of project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders.
- Help monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and assist in implementing strategies to keep projects on track.
Client Support & Relationship Building
- Assist in drafting plans for new projects and support proposals to potential clients.
- Serve as a support point of contact for clients, ensuring clear communication and understanding of project objectives.
- Help build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in technology companies and government agencies.
- Participate in regular meetings with clients to review project status and assist in addressing concerns.
Team Collaboration & Learning
- Collaborate with project teams, including internal consultants and external partners, to support project objectives.
- Contribute to a collaborative work environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
- Learn from senior team clients and seek opportunities to develop your skills.
Quality Assurance & Reporting Support
- Assist in ensuring that all project deliverables meet quality standards and client expectations.
- Support the preparation and presentation of regular project status reports to clients and senior management.
- Participate in post-project evaluations to learn from lessons identified and areas for improvement.
About you
You are a professional with a complementary set of skills and style to represent Cic to prospective partnerships and support current clients at the highest levels of service. You are an articulate and ethical individual who has strong written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and time management skills. You are highly detail-oriented and organized, with strong communication skills and the ability to effectively manage time and multiple competing priorities. You have a proven track record of meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work with minimal supervision. You possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience. You are fluent in English and Japanese, both written and verbal. You have a genuine interest in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. You are comfortable working in a dynamic, multicultural team environment. You are proficient in standard office software and project management tools.