Invitation to Apply for IVS2026 Planning Staff (Deadline: May 1)

About this Recruitment

There are three positions available below. All positions are for hiring as Director or Member.

• The IVS2026 operations organization is composed of function-based Teams.

• Each Team has a three-tier structure of Head (leader) — Director — Member, and the meeting body made up of Heads is the highest decision-making body.

• Director is a position that oversees everything from planning to team operations. (See the IVS2026 organizational structure here)

1. Networking Planning Director

Mission

Lead the experience of creating organic encounters among participants in multiple networking areas at the IVS venue, end-to-end from planning through on-site execution.

Main Duties

• Plan, design, and execute networking initiatives

• Recruit assigned members for each area and form teams

• Track progress and share information with each area lead

• Oversee day-of operations and lead on-site execution

Must

✅ Experience in planning of some kind, such as events, communities, or services

✅ Comfortable with asynchronous communication (Slack, Notion, etc.)

✅ Share empathy with IVS's mission and community

Want

• Experience participating in IVS

• Expertise and knowledge in networking and community design

2. Overseas VIP Coordination Director

Mission

Deliver seamless hospitality to VIP participants visiting from overseas, from pre-arrival guidance to on-site support, and create an IVS experience that makes them want to return.

Main Duties

• Understand the needs of overseas VIP guests and plan content accordingly

  • Assume inbound sightseeing tours, special on-site concierge support, and similar services

• Pre-arrival and on-site communication with overseas VIP guests

• On-site guest support (language used: English)

Must

✅ English proficiency at business level or above (comfortable distinguishing between formal and casual usage)

✅ Comfortable with asynchronous communication (Slack, Notion, etc.)

✅ Share empathy with IVS's mission and community

Want

• Experience participating in IVS

• Connections and networks with overseas startups, VCs, and investors

• Experience operating or supporting global events, international conferences, trade shows, sports international events, and similar programs

3. Guest Connector Director

Mission

At IVS CORE, held from July 1 to July 2, proactively design and create encounters between VIP participants. Leverage a broad network in the startup industry to maximize the value of participants' connections.

Main Duties

• Design and execute matching and introductions between VIP participants

• Understand participants' interests and needs, and make the best introductions

• Proactively engage in networking sessions and energize the venue

• Share feedback with the team and propose improvements

Must

✅ Broad connections across startups, VCs, and large-company innovation fields

✅ Familiarity with key players in the startup industry

✅ Share empathy with IVS's mission and community

Want

• Multiple participation experiences in IVS or similar startup conferences

• Work, community management, or research experience in the startup industry

• Knowledge of trends and key players in the startup industry in Japan and abroad

■ Common Items

Operational / Contract Conditions

• Activity period: After contract conclusion until the end of IVS2026

• Working hours, compensation, and subcontracting conditions: As one of the planning staff, work will in principle be pro bono. Depending on ability and conditions, other arrangements may be considered. Please consult us.

Selection Process

1. Submit application form

2. Document screening (results will be communicated within one week)

   1. Deadline: Friday, May 1, 23:59

   2. Close sequentially as positions are filled

3. Online interview (about 30 minutes)

4. Hiring notice and onboarding

■ Application Form

• Inquiries: (Contact: IVS2026 Team Relation )

  • https://www.ivs.events/for-guest/inquiries

We look forward to your applications.

Update / Revision History

• 2026.05.10:

  • For the open positions (networking planning, overseas VIP support, and guest connector), we newly added recruitment for the "Member" slot and updated the title wording.

  • Regarding the activity period, we changed it to until the end of IVS2026, instead of until July 3, the final day of the event.

  • Regarding working hours, compensation, and subcontracting requirements, we updated it to: "As one of the planning staff, work will in principle be pro bono. Depending on ability and conditions, other arrangements may be considered. Please consult us."