Japan Program Manager (5258C) Berkeley SkyDeck #85716

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 make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

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. SkyDeck is a joint venture of UC Berkeley's College of Engineering, the Haas School of Business, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research with the mission to provide UC and global startups with access to the best tools and resources to launch and grow their businesses.

The First Review Date for this job is: May 4, 2026

Berkeley SkyDeck is seeking a highly experienced Program Manager to serve as the senior operational lead responsible for the design, execution, and delivery of its Japan-focused startup bootcamps, Global Startup Expo (GSE) programming, and Immersion Program initiatives. This role is critical to ensuring world-class program execution that supports early-stage founders, researchers, and students in developing globally competitive startups.

The Program Manager will have end-to-end ownership of program planning and delivery, including curriculum development, speaker and advisor coordination, startup engagement, and on-site leadership. This individual will design, plan, and execute multiple international bootcamps and immersion experiences, including four (4) weeklong bootcamps in Japan in 2026, as well one month of incubator aligned with the Global Startup Expo in Osaka, plus hosting Japanese university students for an entrepreneurial immersion program at SkyDeck in Berkeley.

This role is based in Berkeley and requires frequent coordination across international stakeholders and periodic travel to Japan.

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 execution of 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 escalate 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 of founders, investors, and industry experts.
• 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.

• 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 related area and / or equivalent experience / training
  

• 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.
  

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $90,000 - $125,000

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.
  

• 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. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

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.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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.