mymizu Marketing & Business Development Lead / Manager

Want to use your skills to make a positive impact? Passionate about the planet and creating positive change? Then you might be the one we’re looking for ;)

mymizu is looking for a Marketing & Business Development Lead (exact title and job description TBD, according to strengths and experience) to help us take our movement to the next level.

• Use your skills, knowledge and experience to create tangible change, and see the direct impact of your work on our community and society

• Enjoy a flexible work style, from FlexTime to working remotely overseas for part of the year - we encourage our team to work in a way that enables them to live their best lives.

• Gain unique insights into running an award-running social venture (2 x Minister of Environment Award, iF World Design Guide Social Impact Prize, Business Insider Circular Economy Award, etc)

• Work directly with our leadership team, recognised as industry leaders by the likes of Forbes, BBC and CNN.  

• Grow personally and professionally in a fast-paced, creative environment - including training and development opportunities.

• Join a diverse team with global experience that cares passionately about the work they do

• Meet and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including global brands, startups, NPOs, schools, universities and more.

• Have fun! Meet and work with a diverse group of people, all united by a passion to change society for the better.

• We prioritise health and wellbeing - because we need to be well ourselves in order to do good.

We’re looking for a new team member(s) to deliver and execute on two primary focus areas: Marketing and Business Development, as outlined below.

Marketing & Communications

• Supporting / leading development of marketing and communications strategy, using your strategic communication skills to identify opportunities and develop plans

• Creating content for external communication channels, including website, social media, newsletters, emails, etc.

• Public speaking and presentations (representing mymizu), using your skills in storytelling and communication to represent the mymizu brand.

• Other marketing and communications, as needed

Business Development

• Effectively managing relationships with existing partners (e.g. companies, governments, NPOs, schools, universities): balancing and managing their needs and expectations, whilst ensuring a win-win relationship that also meets our own goals.

• Developing new partnerships, identifying and developing win-win opportunities to grow mymizu’s long-term impact.

• Managing sales of products and services, including workshops, physical products, etc

*Above is a list of responsibilities for our ideal candidate, but the exact job description will depend on the candidate’s strengths and experience. We are a small, nimble organisation dedicated to constantly pushing boundaries, so the role will likely change and evolve as new opportunities arise. Being adaptable, having a growth mindset, and a love for innovation will ensure you flourish!

Required skills & experience

• Strong strategic communication skills/experience to lead (or support) marketing efforts and build win-win relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as companies, government, schools and universities.

• Proven ability to work effectively with and/or successfully develop partnerships with stakeholders in Japan

• Project management skills: ensuring projects are delivered on time and roadblocks are addressed in a timely manner

• Results-driven, with a can-do attitude to problem-solving

• Proactive self-starter who can work autonomously in a dynamic environment

• Open communication & ability to work well with a remote team: willing to ask difficult questions and have open, honest discussions to ensure we achieve our collective goals

Language Requirements

• Native Japanese-language proficiency (writing, reading, speaking & listening)

• Business-level English-language proficiency (writing, reading, speaking & listening)

Desirable Experience & Competencies

• Strong sales, marketing and/or fundraising experience (at least one of these three), with the ability to engage potential customers and clients

• Demonstrable commercial skills and business sense (e.g. ability to spot and seize opportunities in a challenging and competitive market environment)

• A strong understanding of sustainability / SDGs-related issues, especially in a Japanese context

• Proven experience leading teams to drive results 

• Strong Japanese copywriting

• Public speaking experience

• Adaptability & innovation: the desire and ability to find creative ways to lead change both within and outside of our organisation

• Ability to work with an entrepreneurial spirit in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to work with software such as Google Suite, Notion, Slack, Mural, Zoom, etc

You also have

• Curiosity to learn, grow and enjoy new challenges and experiences

• Passion for mymizu’s mission and having a positive social and environmental impact through your work

• The ability to work in Japan (we are currently unable to sponsor work visas)

Number of Open Positions

• 1~2 (dependent on candidate(s) experience)

Location

• In principle, the person must be located In Japan *This position is mostly remote

Type of Employment

• Freelance (with potential to become an employee based on performance) 

• Minimum 3 days a week, up to full-time

Remuneration Guidelines (indicative)

• 3 days/week: ¥103,000 ~ 200,000 

• 5 days/week: ¥175,000 ~ 350,000

*Indicative ranges for monthly salary, dependent on the candidate’s experience and with potential for growth based on results and performance. Hourly wage payment also negotiable depending on the candidate’s circumstances.

Working Hours & Style

• FlexTime (with core hours agreed upon in order to facilitate regular internal/external meetings)

• Largely remote, with some in-person time

• Flexibility to work remotely overseas for up to 2 months a year if desired

The Hiring Process

1. Initial screening of resume and application

2. First round: Short writing-based task

3. Second round: Online or in-person interview

4. Probationary period of 3 months for the successful candidate

*Deadline = 8th January 2023 23:59 (JST)
Please note we will accept applications and start interviews on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible!

We look forward to hearing from you :) 

Working at Social Innovation Japan / mymizu is an exciting opportunity to build your career in social impact, and directly see the positive impact of your efforts. 

We are a team of challengers and collaborative problem solvers who break new ground every day. We don’t shy away from big problems, and are always developing exciting partnerships with major brands, schools, universities and governments for impact.

Every team member - whether full-time, part-time or volunteer - brings their own unique story, background and perspective, and we cherish that diversity as an organisation. Since our establishment in 2017, we have created a flexible, safe working environment for people from 20+ countries and ensure that health, wellbeing and personal development are top priorities.  

Let’s work together for a better tomorrow 🔥

About mymizu

mymizu (“mizu” means water in Japanese) is a multiple-award-winning initiative to tackle plastic waste. The mymizu app connects people to 200,000+ free water refill stations (water fountains and partner cafes, shops, hotels) globally. Furthermore, mymizu provides sustainability training, educational programs and consultancy services to tens of thousands of people per year, building a movement towards a world where sustainable living is easy and fun. Website: www.mymizu.co. 

About Social Innovation Japan

Social Innovation Japan, selected by Nikkei in its prestigious list of ‘100 businesses creating the future of Japan’, is an international organisation of social impact and sustainability specialists. Since 2017, we have worked with some of the world’s leading brands, entrepreneurs, local governments and nonprofits to drive positive change; from running leadership programs, organising training sessions and building a diverse community of change makers, to creating award-winning products and services that tackle real-world problems. Together, we’re creating a movement for change from Japan, with the rest of the world. Website: www.socialinnovationjapan.com