Job Description
Program Manager - Japan Programs
Full Time Location: Tokyo, Japan
Salary: $3,000-$5,000/month
Description
gener8tor fosters innovation ecosystems through its accelerator programs, venture capital funds, and skills-based workforce initiatives. With a strong track record of supporting high-growth companies, gener8tor has expanded across the U.S. and internationally, building partnerships with governments, corporations, universities and economic development organizations to drive entrepreneurship and economic impact. gener8tor operates accelerators across 45 cities, 25 states and 3 countries, working with more than 300 startups per year. To date, gener8tor has worked with more than 2,000 startups that have cumulatively gone on to raise more than $2.9B in financing and employ more than 14,000 people.
gener8tor is a nationally ranked venture capital firm and accelerator. We run programs for startups, musicians, artists, and innovators from all walks of life. In Japan, gener8tor partners with JETRO, local governments, and ecosystem leaders to deliver multiple programs that support Japanese startups as they expand globally.
We are seeking a Japan-based, fully bilingual (Japanese/English) Program Manager who will oversee the execution of gener8tor’s programs in Japan, including initiatives with partners such as JETRO and City/Prefectural governments. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building deep connections with founders, mentors, investors, and community stakeholders — and who is excited to help Japanese startups prepare for and succeed in international markets.
You’ll be responsible for recruiting and selecting startups, running accelerator programming, managing relationships with partners, and ensuring participating founders have every possible opportunity to succeed.
Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Execution
- Oversee the recruitment, logistics, and execution of multiple gener8tor programs in Japan.
- Manage hybrid, virtual, and in-person program components (Japan-based and overseas immersion).
- Deliver high-quality founder support through mentorship, connections, and resource sharing.
- Serve as the lead mentor and coach for participating startups, providing guidance during and after each program.
Founder & Ecosystem Engagement
- Recruit and select promising Japanese startups with global ambitions.
Build and maintain strong relationships with founders, mentors, investors, corporate partners, and community leaders.
- Actively engage in Japan’s startup ecosystem including attending events, speaking on panels, and connecting stakeholders.
- Support alumni with ongoing introductions to mentors, sponsors, and investors.
Partnership & Stakeholder Management
- Manage relationships with JETRO, local governments, and other program partners, providing reporting and updates as needed.
- Coordinate with gener8tor’s central team to align programming, marketing, and operations with national standards.
- Represent gener8tor externally to promote Japan as a hub for global entrepreneurship.
Requirements
Fluency in both Japanese and English is required as programming will be conducted in both languages.
- Entrepreneurial spirit and self-starter mentality. Experience as a founder, in a venture-backed company, or in venture capital is preferred.
- Deep commitment to building the startup ecosystem in Japan and supporting international expansion.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple projects.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills across cultures.
- Flexibility to work some nights and weekends; willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
- Commitment to equity across race, place, and gender.
- A “no job is beneath me” mentality and willingness to roll up your sleeves.
Preferences
- Previous experience starting, working at, or coaching startups.
- Experience with accelerator or entrepreneurship programs.
- At least one year of program or product management experience.
- Relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
At gener8tor we…
- See genius in every community. We believe the company has a chance to accomplish a generational challenge in bridging genius with opportunity.
- Never self-defeat and have a “play to win” mentality. We revolve everything we do around helping the entrepreneurs in our programs.
- Are curious. We work hard to find hidden gems others overlook.
- Believe no job is beneath us. We wipe down the tables and load up the U-Hauls with enthusiasm. Work as a team to get things done!
- Strive for “that guy emailed me.” Based on a story from our founders, we share a commitment to take a bottom-up approach to building strong, personal, 1-1 relationships. We believe that the best way to quality is through quantity.
Our values are core to how we work . If they don’t resonate with you, this role might not be the right fit.
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