Career Opportunities

U.S.-JAPAN COUNCIL & THE TOMODACHI INITIATIVE

The U.S.-Japan Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax exempt organization in the United States which has recently incorporated in Japan as a koeki zaidan hojin. The Council administers the TOMODACHI Initiative, a public-private partnership forged after the Great East Japan Earthquake in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo with the support of the Government of Japan.  TOMODACHI invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs. We seek to foster a “TOMODACHI Generation” of young American and Japanese leaders who are committed to and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, appreciate each other’s countries and cultures, and possess the global skills and mindsets needed to contribute to and thrive in a more cooperative, prosperous, and secure world.

 

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Tokyo Office

Marketing & Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic communications program to develop the profile and brand of TOMODACHI among a diverse audience and stakeholders, including senior corporate executives, government leaders, program participants, donors, press and the general public. The Marketing & Communications Manager will work closely with teams within the TOMODACHI Initiative in the implementation of this mission, as well as with the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy in collaboration with the TOMODACHI team.
• Proactively pitch to the media to achieve positive exposure for the TOMODACHI Initiative and the U.S.-Japan Council as an organization.
• Direct social media activities to engage audiences across traditional and new media.
• Build the reputation of TOMODACHI and the TOMODACHI brand through excellent media relations, public relations activities, events and communications.
• Develop effective communications materials, including flyers, PowerPoint slides, speeches, newsletters, sponsor reports, annual reports, and a promotional video.
• Update and maintain the website and social media.
• Provide high-quality writing in both English and Japanese, to include press releases, website copy, Facebook and Twitter updates
• Manage relationships with partner organizations, including communication advisors, PR firms, consulting/advertising/design firms, and freelance writers as appropriate.
• Respond to the press as well as other donors/recipients/partners and internal stakeholders with requests for information/content.
• Ensure coordination and integration of marketing and communications between all TOMODACHI partners, including the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, the Government of Japan and the U.S.-Japan Council.
• Manage the use of the TOMODACHI logo, and the development and use of TOMODACHI merchandise.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

 

Desired Skills

• Strategic thinker with strong interpersonal, analytical and execution skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Japanese that will allow easy collaboration with many different stakeholders, including corporate leaders, senior government officials, and the press.
• A native speaker of Japanese with fluency in English (required).
• Self-motivation and ability to excel in a fast-paced and unstructured environment.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, including the ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently and on a team.

 

Background and Training

• 5+ years’ experience in a marketing communications role or in a communications field, e.g. PR, public affairs, or journalism.
• Familiarity with web development, and comfort using Twitter, Facebook, and other social media outlets.
• Proven ability to take concepts and write copy suitable for website or presentations in both English and Japanese.
• Bachelor’s degree (required) or above.

 

To Apply

Candidates should provide a cover letter, resume and 2-3 professional references to opportunities@usjapancouncil.org. Please make sure you submit all necessary information and documents.  Successful candidates will be requested for a phone or in-person interview.

Annual salary will be based on experience and qualification of the candidate.  The U.S.-Japan Council does not sponsor visas to work in Japan or fund relocation.

 

TOMODACHI Initiative Intern
Tokyo Office

OVERVIEW OF INTERNSHIP

The TOMODACHI Initiative is seeking an unpaid intern to begin this Summer and Fall. TOMODACHI offers an exciting environment for interns to be exposed to non-profit, corporate, and government fields. Responsibilities for past interns have included creating and drafting documents, translations, website management, social media management, newsletter distribution, public speaking, communication with program participants, designing presentations and posters, and event planning.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Bilingual proficiency in spoken and written Japanese and English
• Commit at least 16 hours per week for a minimum of three months in the Fall
• Summer interns are required to commit at least 4 days a week and 7 hours a day for a minimum of two months
• Maintain good academic standing at an accredited university, college, or technical program

 APPLICATION PROCESS

Please send your resume and cover letter to opportunities@usjapancouncil.org.