Vice President for Human Resources

The position

The Vice President for Human Resources (VPHR) is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing human resource management strategies to strengthen employee engagement and satisfaction via creating strong OIST value centric culture. The VPHR leads the organizational development that will cultivate robust and collaborative partnerships across the university. The VPHR has overall accountability for HR performance university-wide, ensuring full compliance with Japanese labor laws.

OIST strives to be a model of excellence in education, research, innovation, and administration. The VPHR is expected to contribute to this goal as an integral member of the executive leadership team at OIST. OIST invites applications for a strategic, collaborative, and innovative leader to serve as the next VPHR.

Division summary and pressing issues in HR

OIST operates as part of a national project to contribute to Okinawa, Japan, and the world in various ways, including as a world-class research institute, graduate university, and regional development organization.
The mission of the Human Resources Division and the Vice President for Human Resources is to lead the reform of the human resources system, employment regulations, etc., to sublimate the organizational culture that has been built up over the past 11 years to meet the demands of society in a more creative way as “ONE OIST.”
Driving the unique fusion of an academic institution and the business world's wisdom is the best part of VPHR’s mission, and it will lead the organization’s evolution. The expertise and strong leadership
A high level of expertise and strong leadership in a wide range of HR is required. Please see below for specific job descriptions in the “Responsibilities.”

As of April 1, 2023, HR Division has following 5 Sections and about 20 members;

    HR-Management: All HR operations including payroll, social security management etc.
    Relocation Support Services: Relocation support (house hunting, work visa arrangement)
    Recruiting: Hiring activities primary for non-research roles in Administration Divisions.
    Training & Education: Develop and executed in-house training/workshop for general skills
    Employee and Labor Relations: Various employee relations matters, policy management

Responsibilities

1. Assess and reinforce HR Strategies and Action Plans to achieve OIST Mission/Vision and full-legal compliance with local laws.

2. Lead to develop and implement strategic HR initiatives including succession and human resources planning, management and employee competency building, fair and equitable employee classification/compensation, and ensure uniform implementation of HR policies and procedures across OIST in collaboration with executives and managers.

3. Monitor/manage overall personnel expenditures, collaborating with the Secretary-General and Executives.

4. Provide advice, guidance and assistance to President/ CEO/ SG/ Deans/ Executives and departmental leaders on strategic and operational decisions; serve as a senior level partner on Human Resources (HR) strategies and functions.

5. Develop strong HR professional capabilities and competencies through the HR division's day-to-day activities, including budgeting, planning, and staff development.

6. Carry out any other duties as reasonably required by the Secretary-General.

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.

* Only applicants whose native language is Japanese are required to submit both documents in English and Japanese.
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
* Prior to the start of employment, all new hires are required to successfully complete a background check. Personal information including employment history and academic background should be submitted to OIST after a conditional offer of employment.

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. (https://groups.oist.jp/coo/information-disclosure)

- Further details about the University can be viewed on the OIST website. (www.oist.jp.)

Qualifications

(Required)

1. Proven experience, in multi-cultural organizations with members from in-/outside Japan, as an executive of HR or other senior HR leadership roles with strategic, talent management, and/or business development experience

2. Demonstrated knowledge of all matters concerning HR compliance and HR-related labor laws in Japan

3. Fluent in Japanese with excellent written and spoken communication skills in English

4. Strong business acumen and analytical skill; ability to use metrics to support planning and monitor performance

5. Experience in developing and uniform implementation of HR policies and procedures across the organization in collaboration with executives and managers.

6. Excellent interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated ability to effectively and collaboratively interface with people at all levels that includes coaching and people development

(Preferred)

Experience working at a university or a research institution