Special Projects Associate

Your Role:

We are seeking a Special Projects Associate to work directly with the CEO in executing high-priority initiatives, with a primary focus on special projects in Japan initially. This role will require full bilingual proficiency in both English and Japanese, as you will be responsible for liaising between internal English-speaking stakeholders and Japanese-speaking vendors, partners, employees, and prospective clients.

As the Special Projects Associate, your work will span multiple business functions, including liaising between the company’s global and Japan’s administration teams, event coordination, vendor management, strategic project execution, local startup community networking, launching marketing initiatives, and operational improvements. Your first major project in the first 90 days will be leading the planning and execution of key corporate events in Japan. These events play a crucial role in building relationships, strengthening our market presence, and engaging key stakeholders.

You will drive strategic initiatives that improve business efficiency, facilitate cross-functional collaboration, and support the CEO in achieving long-term business goals with a primary focus on projects in Japan initially. This is a highly visible, hands-on role, ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, excels at problem-solving, and is eager to take ownership of impactful projects.

Things You Get To Do:

• Strategic Project Management & Execution
• Work closely with the CEO to define, plan, budget, and execute high-priority initiatives that align with the company’s strategic goals, which include but not limited business development, contents marketing, and industry networking
• Develop project roadmaps, set budgeting, establish timelines, track progress, and ensure timely completion of deliverables by closely coordinating with the Company’s global strategy team
• Conduct research, reach out to people both internally and externally, gather insights, and prepare quantitatve reports or presentations to support executive decision-making
• Identify inefficiencies/gaps and propose solutions to improve workflows, communications, processes, and overall business operations, and lead to execute them
• Serve as the liaison between global and Japan’s Alpaca teams, external partners, and vendors to drive seamless project execution
• Cross-Functional/Border Coordination & Business Operations
• Act as a strategic support partner to the teams and team members in Japan, ensuring alignment between business goals and project execution globally
• Collaborate with marketing, finance, HR, and operations to streamline internal processes aligned globally and implement improvements
• Serve as the communication bridge between external vendors, partners, and internal stakeholders especially for the team members in Japan
• Event Coordination & Execution (First 90 Days Priority)
• One of the first major projects you will lead is the planning, budgeting, coordination, and execution of high-profile corporate events. These events are essential to strengthening our industry presence globally, fostering key relationships, and ensuring a seamless experience for stakeholders. Your responsibilities will include:
• Vendor & Supplier Coordination
• Pre-Event Logistics
• Guest & Attendee Management
• Post-Event Follow-Up & Analysis

Who You Are (Qualifications & Skills):

We’re looking for you who is adaptable, solutions-driven, and thrives in fast-paced environments. You should be comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously, working with senior stakeholders, and taking ownership of major initiatives from day one.

• Full bilingual proficiency in both English and Japanese
• 3-5 years of experience in project management, business operations, or a similar role at technology startups, strategic consulting, or investment banks
• Excellent communication, networking, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Excellent quantitative analytical skills being able to speak logically using numbers
• Super fast learner being able to adopt new technologies and tools
• Strong ability to multitask, prioritize, and execute under pressure
• Highly detail-oriented with a proactive and solutions-driven mindset
• Experience working with budgets, financial planning, and cost analysis
• Highly motivated, goal-oriented, and able to work independently