Community Operation Lead - Tokyo, JP

CIC Tokyo is looking for an engaging and dynamic specialist to join our team. We are looking for someone to craft an exceptional experience for clients as they strive to create world changing innovation.This is a perfect opportunity for someone who already has experience in and wants to develop their skills in a versatile role which will include mentoring, training, and supervising the team, and helping with the training and mentoring of new career track employees.

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.

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.

As part of the Community Operations team, the Community Operations Lead is responsible for building community and establishing relationships. Creating social spaces and tending to the commons, the Community Operations Lead fosters the most consistent, meaningful relationships with clients on their floors. This person acts as a main point of contact for any question that a client has in a community.

Potential responsibilities will include:

• Initiating and developing trusting relationships with clients and colleagues.

• Maintain a constructive landlord-tenant relationship with building management.

• Handle difficult client requests or encounters to maintain overall service quality and client satisfaction.

• Continually striving to improve and refresh spaces that cause clients and community members to come together in effective ways.

• Facilitating office moves and setups.

• Troubleshooting office equipment in case of simple problems or escalating it to the appropriate department.

• Coordinating and liaising with other teams across CIC to share resources most efficiently.

• Designing and utilizing a range of deliberate communications tools to educate and engage members.

• Support the professional development of all team members.

• Taking a lead in mentoring and training new members who may join as part time or full time.

We like to employ service-minded people who are independent, clever problem-solvers. If you fit this profile, and have also developed the leadership and managerial skills important to a team-based environment, this might be the perfect opportunity. This is a job for a balanced, self-confident, down-to-earth individual. We are a team-based company, and your performance will be evaluated by your team members. The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience in managing an operations team in a fast-paced environment for at least 5+ years. 

• Remain personable, happy-to-help, and calm in any environment.

• Be comfortable with power drills, ethernet hubs, and proper punctuation.

• Be able to juggle many tasks and pay close attention to detail.

• Lead by example: be willing to get your hands dirty, build a desk, fix a copier, etc.

• Proactively seek out and master new skills.

• Explore and balance multiple perspectives on a situation or solutions to a problem.

• Communicate creatively and effectively to clients and staff, both in person and in writing.

• Possess a natural interest for helping others and solving problems.

• Be a true team player with the capacity to foster and maintain positive working relationships with clients, colleagues, building management, and vendors.

• Work comfortably with everyone, treating everyone as an equal.

Has 5+ years as facility operator including vendor and community management .

Has at least 3+ years of team management experience.

Strong ability to work independently and manage operations collaborating with team members.

Excellent team player who actively supports peers and helps onboard new members

Proven contributor to projects and process improvements that enhance team efficiency

Builds trust and earns positive feedback through effective collaboration and communication

Demonstrates precision, reliability, and consistency in day-to-day operations

Skilled at knowledge sharing, providing support, and fostering open communication within the team

Delivers high-quality client interactions with sound decision-making skills

Proactive in identifying and implementing improvements or changes

Exhibits professionalism, integrity, responsiveness, and clear communication at all times

Good at actively transferring knowledge and promoting a positive team culture

Has strong potential for leadership and ownership of team or area responsibilities

Ability to legally work in Japan. CIC is unable to sponsor visas for this role at this time.

• Competitive salary, adjusted to match your experience.

• Permanent contract.

• Commuting / transportation allowance.

• Massage session once a month.

• Allocated budget for training (customized to specific requirements of the role and organization's objectives).

Please submit your application in English. Thank you!