Dean of Faculty Affairs

The position

OIST is a dynamic, new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, known for its multidisciplinary research and international community. We are seeking an experienced scholar and academic administrator to serve in the critical role of Dean of Faculty Affairs (DFA). The DFA leads the Faculty Affairs Office (FAO) and oversees essential functions supporting the success of 91 faculty and ~500 researchers. Key functions of the FAO are the recruitment of world-class new faculty, and the evaluation of existing faculty and their research groups, campus space allocation, the library, professional and pedagogical development, DEI, misconduct processes, and personnel management. In addition, the DFA plays a pivotal role in fostering excellence in research, impactful outreach, and maintaining an excellent internal environment.

About OIST

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.

The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration.

English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.

Learn about OIST

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Responsibilities

1. Lead the recruitment of new faculty including monitoring, planning, and administering searches in collaboration with faculty-search committees.  
2. Oversee faculty evaluation processes including tenure reviews, unit reviews, and annual performance appraisals.
3. Manage policies governing research unit staff, chair the Research Staff Appointment Committee, and oversee promotions, salaries, and policy compliance in collaboration with the Human Resources Division.
4. Oversee the Academic Human Resources section, which handles personnel actions and contracts for all faculty and research unit staff.  
5. Oversee the Center for Professional Development and Inclusive Excellence (C-Hub) working with the Executive Director.
6. Serve as the director of the university library and work with the university librarian and staff to manage resources and subscriptions.
7. Collaborate with the Provost to set policies and conduct investigations into research misconduct.
8. Collaborate with the Division of Financial Management and the Human Resources Division in planning and managing personnel expense budgets for the institution.  DFA is expected to be responsible for the management of the personnel expense budget allocated for faculty and research unit staff.
9. Chair the space allocation committee to oversee and plan campus space usage.
10. Participate in the executive committee, assisting in overall strategic planning and university management.

Qualifications

1. PhD or equivalent degree, preferably in a field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
2. Proven leadership within academic or research environments, with a minimum of 5 years experience in managerial positions, demonstrating adept management skills in overseeing departments, faculties, or analogous entities.
3. Proven record of scholarly achievement and a strong commitment to educational and research excellence.
4. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with fluency in English.
5. Ability to work effectively in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

Compensation and Benefits

In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations

Benefits:

• Relocation, housing and commuting allowances
• Annual paid leave and summer holidays
• Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid)
• Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
• Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
• Access to Child Development Center
• Access to Schooling Options
• Language Education
• Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)

Submission Documents

• Cover letter in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
• Curriculum vitae in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
• Names and contact information of 3 referees, one of which should be a previous employer, will be required if the Applicant is selected for an interview. *References will be contacted with prior permission of the applicant only.

* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.

Declaration

• OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff. The University strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
• Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications.
• Please view OIST policy for rules on external professional activities
• Further details about the University can be viewed on the OIST website www.oist.jp.