Posted on August 10, 2012

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Program Officer, Lecture Programs

Established in 1907, New York's Japan Society is an internationally recognized nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that provides access to information on Japan, offers opportunities to experience Japanese culture, and fosters sustained and open dialogue on issues important to the United States, Japan, and East Asia.

Program Officer, Lecture Programs

The Program Officer plans, executes, and manages lecture programs, conferences and symposia on themes relating to existing Japan Society projects, performances and current trends of Japanese culture, including but not limited to, design, architecture, food, literature, and social issues.

Key responsibilities include:

• Work with senior management in developing annual and long-term programming strategies and goals that dovetail with Japan Society programming strategy, including research on new audiences.
• Conduct research on prospective speakers. Conceptualize ideas and define themes, draft program descriptions and select speakers and panelists for all Lecture programs. Maintain good contacts with past and prospective speakers and develop strong resource base.
• Act as the primary liaison with speakers regarding program content, structure, schedule, equipment requirements. Send follow-up communications confirming program details.
• Make logistical arrangements for international and domestic transportation and hotel accommodation for speakers.
• Create program materials (brochures, handouts).
• Create and send e-blast messages for program promotion and outreach. Conduct community outreach activities, including mailings of program announcements and scheduling e-announcements.
• Prepare detailed expense reports for each program and compile bi-annual statistics reports.
• Liaise with Development and directors to secure sponsors and coordinate programs with sponsoring institutions.
• Work with Communications Department to publicize programs throughout the New York community.
• Oversee publication schedule and production with Publications Department. Work with Editor and Designer in designing publications, and supervise production of all the publicity materials, calendar announcements, ads, brochures and other publications related to the programs. Request photographers for selected events. Write/translate/edit the Japanese section of Annual Report.
• Work with Box Office personnel and House Manager. Monitor ticket sales. Supervise and troubleshoot before/during the program.
• Coordinate program schedule with House Manager; reserve, confirm and release dates. Submit and revise Function Forms. Manage technical arrangements of the lecture programs and conferences. Ensure technical coordination with the speakers, and supervise stage technicians.
• Assign staff and volunteers to specific positions, and create staff schedule for events. Responsible for closing procedures including letters to speakers, invoices and payments.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years related experience.
• Written and spoken Japanese – a plus.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Creative self-starter.
• Demonstrated ability to network and build external relationships. Ability to identify and engage speakers and partner organizations across the United States and Japan.
• Familiarity with New York Metropolitan area cultural organizations and other non-profit institutions
• Excellent research skills.
• Familiarity with and interest in a wide range of issues relevant to U.S.- Japan relations and Japanese culture and society today.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, Database management (Raiser’s Edge) and basic HTML language.
• Flexible schedule.

Japan Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.

Visit our website at: www.japansociety.org