Japan Program Manager (5258C) Berkeley SkyDeck #85716
University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.
SkyDeck Overview
Berkeley SkyDeck is one of the top five university accelerators in the U.S. and is recognized by Forbes as one of the best in the world. A joint venture of UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering, the Haas School of Business, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, SkyDeck provides UC and global startups with access to the best tools and resources to launch and grow their businesses.
Program Manager Overview
The Program Manager is the senior operational lead responsible for the design, execution, and delivery of Japan-focused startup bootcamps, the Global Startup Expo (GSE) programming, and Immersion Program initiatives. This role ensures world‑class program execution that supports early‑stage founders, researchers, and students in developing globally competitive startups.
Responsibilities
Program Leadership And Execution
Serve as the senior operational lead with full ownership of program execution, delivery, and outcomes across all Japan‑related SkyDeck initiatives.
Design, plan, track, and execute a minimum of four (4) month‑long startup bootcamps in Japan in 2026, including curriculum structure, delivery model, and program experience.
Lead the Global Startup Expo (GSE) Bootcamp, Talk Session, and SkyDeck Immersion Program.
Oversee day‑to‑day program operations, ensuring timelines, milestones, and deliverables are met.
Provide on‑site leadership during bootcamps and immersion programs, ensuring a high‑quality participant experience.
Make independent operational decisions and escalated only strategic or institutional matters as appropriate.
Startup And Participant Engagement
Lead recruitment, selection, and engagement of participating startups and Immersion Program students.
Provide guidance and support to founders throughout program participation.
Foster a strong, collaborative community among participants, mentors, and partners.
Curriculum Design And Content Development
Design and refine program curriculum aligned with SkyDeck’s global standards and tailored to the needs of participating startups and students.
Develop workshop frameworks covering key startup topics such as product‑market fit, fundraising, go‑to‑market strategy, commercialization, and global expansion.
Continuously improve program structure and content based on participant feedback and evolving ecosystem needs.
Speaker, Advisor, And Stakeholder Management
Identify, recruit, and coordinate speakers, mentors, and advisors from SkyDeck’s global network.
Prepare speakers and ensure alignment with program objectives and audience needs.
Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including government partners, universities, and ecosystem organizations.
Collaborate closely with SkyDeck leadership, including the General Manager, Executive Director, and Business Development team.
Cross‑Functional Coordination And Team Leadership
Work closely with SkyDeck’s General Manager and Senior Innovation Program Manager to leverage institutional knowledge and ensure continuity with prior initiatives.
Coordinate with operations, finance, and business development teams to ensure smooth program execution.
Ensure program logistics, communications, and administrative workflows are effectively managed.
Program Quality, Evaluation, And Continuous Improvement
Track program performance metrics and participant outcomes.
Implement improvements to strengthen program effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Ensure programs reflect SkyDeck’s global standards of excellence and UC Berkeley’s mission‑driven approach.
Authority And Decision‑Making
Serves as the senior‑most operational lead for all assigned programs.
Has full authority over day‑to‑day program decisions, execution strategy, and operational priorities.
Escalates only strategic, institutional, or policy‑level decisions to executive leadership.
Required Qualifications
8–12+ years of experience in startup accelerators, entrepreneurship programs, innovation ecosystems, venture capital, or startup operations.
Proven experience designing and executing startup accelerators, bootcamps, or entrepreneurship programs.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi‑stakeholder programs from concept through execution.
Strong leadership and decision‑making skills, with the ability to operate independently.
Experience working with founders, investors, and startup ecosystems.
Excellent project management and organizational skills.
Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Willingness and ability to travel internationally, including extended stays in Japan.
Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience or training.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with international startup ecosystems, particularly in Japan or Asia. Competency in Japanese language is a plus.
Experience in deep tech, life sciences, or university‑based innovation ecosystems.
Familiarity with accelerator operations, venture fundraising, and early‑stage startup development.
Experience working with university innovation programs or public‑private partnerships.
Salary & Benefits
The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $90,000 – $125,000 per year.
This is a full‑time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
This is an exempt monthly‑paid position.
Other Information
This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between UAW (United Auto Workers) and the University of California Regents for RP or SV.
This is not a visa opportunity. The position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H‑1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Misconduct Disclosure
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
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At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.
SkyDeck Overview
Berkeley SkyDeck is one of the top five university accelerators in the U.S. and is recognized by Forbes as one of the best in the world. A joint venture of UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering, the Haas School of Business, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, SkyDeck provides UC and global startups with access to the best tools and resources to launch and grow their businesses.
Program Manager Overview
The Program Manager is the senior operational lead responsible for the design, execution, and delivery of Japan-focused startup bootcamps, the Global Startup Expo (GSE) programming, and Immersion Program initiatives. This role ensures world‑class program execution that supports early‑stage founders, researchers, and students in developing globally competitive startups.
Responsibilities
Program Leadership And Execution
Serve as the senior operational lead with full ownership of program execution, delivery, and outcomes across all Japan‑related SkyDeck initiatives.
Design, plan, track, and execute a minimum of four (4) month‑long startup bootcamps in Japan in 2026, including curriculum structure, delivery model, and program experience.
Lead the Global Startup Expo (GSE) Bootcamp, Talk Session, and SkyDeck Immersion Program.
Oversee day‑to‑day program operations, ensuring timelines, milestones, and deliverables are met.
Provide on‑site leadership during bootcamps and immersion programs, ensuring a high‑quality participant experience.
Make independent operational decisions and escalated only strategic or institutional matters as appropriate.
Startup And Participant Engagement
Lead recruitment, selection, and engagement of participating startups and Immersion Program students.
Provide guidance and support to founders throughout program participation.
Foster a strong, collaborative community among participants, mentors, and partners.
Curriculum Design And Content Development
Design and refine program curriculum aligned with SkyDeck’s global standards and tailored to the needs of participating startups and students.
Develop workshop frameworks covering key startup topics such as product‑market fit, fundraising, go‑to‑market strategy, commercialization, and global expansion.
Continuously improve program structure and content based on participant feedback and evolving ecosystem needs.
Speaker, Advisor, And Stakeholder Management
Identify, recruit, and coordinate speakers, mentors, and advisors from SkyDeck’s global network.
Prepare speakers and ensure alignment with program objectives and audience needs.
Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including government partners, universities, and ecosystem organizations.
Collaborate closely with SkyDeck leadership, including the General Manager, Executive Director, and Business Development team.
Cross‑Functional Coordination And Team Leadership
Work closely with SkyDeck’s General Manager and Senior Innovation Program Manager to leverage institutional knowledge and ensure continuity with prior initiatives.
Coordinate with operations, finance, and business development teams to ensure smooth program execution.
Ensure program logistics, communications, and administrative workflows are effectively managed.
Program Quality, Evaluation, And Continuous Improvement
Track program performance metrics and participant outcomes.
Implement improvements to strengthen program effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Ensure programs reflect SkyDeck’s global standards of excellence and UC Berkeley’s mission‑driven approach.
Authority And Decision‑Making
Serves as the senior‑most operational lead for all assigned programs.
Has full authority over day‑to‑day program decisions, execution strategy, and operational priorities.
Escalates only strategic, institutional, or policy‑level decisions to executive leadership.
Required Qualifications
8–12+ years of experience in startup accelerators, entrepreneurship programs, innovation ecosystems, venture capital, or startup operations.
Proven experience designing and executing startup accelerators, bootcamps, or entrepreneurship programs.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi‑stakeholder programs from concept through execution.
Strong leadership and decision‑making skills, with the ability to operate independently.
Experience working with founders, investors, and startup ecosystems.
Excellent project management and organizational skills.
Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Willingness and ability to travel internationally, including extended stays in Japan.
Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience or training.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with international startup ecosystems, particularly in Japan or Asia. Competency in Japanese language is a plus.
Experience in deep tech, life sciences, or university‑based innovation ecosystems.
Familiarity with accelerator operations, venture fundraising, and early‑stage startup development.
Experience working with university innovation programs or public‑private partnerships.
Salary & Benefits
The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $90,000 – $125,000 per year.
This is a full‑time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
This is an exempt monthly‑paid position.
Other Information
This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between UAW (United Auto Workers) and the University of California Regents for RP or SV.
This is not a visa opportunity. The position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H‑1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Misconduct Disclosure
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
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