Career Opportunities

Internship Opportunities

The U.S.-Japan Council and TOMODACHI Initiative are currently seeking student interns to support our daily operations and help advance our mission. This is an unpaid internship, but it offers valuable opportunities to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, international exchange programs, and U.S.-Japan collaboration.

All personal information submitted will be used solely for the purpose of this application.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

U.S.-Japan Council Communications Intern

The Communications Intern will assist the Communications Manager for the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) in the area of social media, marketing, UX design, and strategic communications for USJC as needed. This position requires conveying and dispersing information from the USJC community to a diverse network of members, sponsors, and the general public. The intern will report directly to the Communications Manager and contribute to initiatives that enhance USJC’s visibility and engagement across multiple platforms.

Key Focus Areas: Creating content for social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn), drafting captions for the monthly newsletter, authoring Member/Alumni highlights (gathering existing content and formatting it for social media), and light photo and video editing. Content should be created (using Canva) and shared on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn (via Buffer, approximately 3-5 days a week) pertaining to one or more of these key areas: event recaps, event promotions, program application promotions, updates, etc. Interns will also be assigned data entry tasks related to a website refresh, including, but not limited to, Search Engine Optimization, compiling content related to programs (impact numbers and testimonials), photo and media selections, content audits, and file organizing.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be available to work 8 hours per week for six months
• English required; proficiency in spoken and written Japanese is a plus
• Maintain good academic standing at an accredited university, college, or technical school

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in communication or marketing is preferred though not required
• Short form video content creation and experience creating Posts, Stories, and Reels with good visibility and followership
• Experience in content creation and outreach strategy
• Experience managing a WordPress website

 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Applicants should be skilled and comfortable with the use of Google platforms: Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms 
• Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or other design and photo editing software
• Familiarity with newsletter marketing apps (Mailchimp) and content scheduling apps (Buffer)
• Applicants should be skilled and comfortable with the use of our current social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
• Applicants should possess a strong interest in U.S.-Japan Relations, cross-sector collaboration, youth empowerment, and leadership development
• Applicants interest in social media should go beyond personal use to a curiosity of how it can most effectively show the impact of USJC and TOMODACHI
• Applicants should have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Applicants should possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to work in a team

Additional Information:

• Minimum six month term is required. Opportunity to extend up to a year. 
• Can work virtually as long as there is a strong internet connection. 

To Apply:

Send an email to: opportunities@usjapancouncil.org, content@usjapancouncil.org 

Subject line: Internship – Internship Application – USJC Communications Intern

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Availability to Work and/or Class Schedule
• A Word Document or PDF with links sharing any content you have created. You can also include any relevant social media handles or portfolios.

Optional Documents:

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

 

TOMODACHI Initiative Program Intern

The internship at the TOMODACHI Initiative offers an exciting environment where interns will be exposed to the non-profit, corporate, and government fields simultaneously. Responsibilities include creating and drafting documents, translation, website management, social media management, newsletter development support, public speaking, communication with program participants, designing presentations and posters, and event planning and operations. Interns generally work remotely, but may occasionally be asked to assist with in-person tasks at the office or support events as needed.

 

Requirements:

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Bilingual proficiency in spoken and written Japanese and English
• Conversational-level communication skills in both Japanese and English
• Commit at least 8 hours per week during the designated internship period
• Currently enrolled in a  university, graduate school, college, or technical school, and in good academic standing at their institution

 

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency in Google tools (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms).
• Attention to detail and ability to respond accurately and promptly to administrative tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently in a remote environment.
• Demonstrates alignment with the mission of the U.S.-Japan Council and TOMODACHI Initiative, and has a strong interest in developing next-generation leaders

 

Recruitment and Internship Period:

Application Period	Internship Period
Until March	April 1 – September 30
Until September	October 1 – March 31

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change depending on circumstances.

 

Application Process:

Please send your resume and cover letter to opportunities@usjapancouncil.org. with the subject line “Internship Application – TOMODACHI Initiative Program Intern,” including your English cover letter and CV.

 

U.S.-Japan Council Development Intern

The Development Intern will assist the Development Manager in fundraising and organizing events for business leaders for the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC). Responsibilities include drafting documents in Japanese and English, translation, writing newsletter articles, creating presentations and promotional materials, and providing administrative support for event planning and management. The position is primarily remote, but may require office work and on-site event support as needed.

 

Key Programs: 

• Sponsorship (Fundraising)
• Annual Conference
• Business Advisory Board 
• Climate & Sustainability Initiative
• and other events/programs of the USJC and its TOMODACHI Initiative

 

Qualifications:

• Intermediate to fluent proficiency in both Japanese and English
• Available to work a minimum of 8 hours per week for at least 6 months (preference given to those able to commit long-term).
• Maintaining good academic standing at an accredited university university or graduate school.
• Residing in or near Tokyo (primarily remote work, but able to come to office or event venues in Tokyo).
  

 

Preferred Background:

• Educated in Japan with study abroad experience or participation in educational programs in the United States.
• Studied in the United States and currently enrolled in a university or graduate school in Japan.
• Experience in event planning and management.
  

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency in Google tools (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms).
• Ability to proactively find solutions and take action independently.
• Attention to detail and ability to respond accurately and promptly to administrative tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
• Alignment with the USJC’s mission and enthusiasm for promoting U.S.-Japan global partnerships.
• Interest in diverse topics surrounding the U.S.-Japan relations, such as economics, security, sustainability, and cultural exchange.
  

 

To Apply: 

Please send your application documents to opportunities@usjapancouncil.org with the subject line “Internship Application – USJC Development Intern,” including your English cover letter & CV (required) and Japanese CV (optional).

 

 

Alumni Intern

The Alumni Social Media Intern will assist the Director of Programs and Partnerships for the U.S.-Japan Council and the TOMODACHI Alumni Program Manager in the area of programming, social media and other marketing and communications for the TOMODACHI Initiative Alumni Leadership Program as needed.  Reports to the Director of Programs and Partnerships for the U.S.-Japan Council. This position requires conveying and dispersing information from TOMODACHI Alumni Affairs to the TOMODACHI alumni community, as well as the broader U.S.-Japan Council community. 

Key Focus Areas: Alumni Highlights (interviewing alumni and writing articles for newsletters), TOMO-KIN, Regional Events, USJC Events where TOMODACHI are invited to attend (organizing in-person and online sessions and supporting behind the scenes, outreach and programmatic support), Social Media, Newsletters, etc.  Content should be created (using Canva) and shared via Instagram and Facebook (approximately 3-5 days a week) pertaining to one or more of these key areas: current events, upcoming events, past events, alumni news, updates, etc. 

 

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be available to work 8 hours per week for six months
• Bilingual proficiency in spoken and written Japanese and English
• Maintain good academic standing at an accredited university, college, or technical school

Preferred Qualifications:

• Participated in a TOMODACHI Program 
• Background in communication or marketing is preferred though not required
• Short form video content creation and experience creating Posts, Stories, and Reels with good visibility and followership
• Experience in event planning, outreach strategy, and in-person gatherings 
• Experience with managing online events on zoom
• Experience facilitating events and discussions  

 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Applicants should be skilled and comfortable with the use of Google platforms: Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms 
• Applicants should be skilled and comfortable with the use of our current social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, Beacons, LinkedIn, LINE, etc.
• Applicants should possess a strong interest in US-Japan Relations, cross-sector collaboration, youth empowerment, and leadership development
• Applicants interest in social media should go beyond personal use to a curiosity of how it can most effectively show the impact of the TOMODACHI Generation 
• Applicants should have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Applicants should possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to work in a team

Additional Information:

• Minimum six month term is required. Opportunity to extend up to a year. 
• Can work virtually as long as there is a strong internet connection. 

 

To Apply:

Send an email to: opportunities@usjapancouncil.org and alumni@usjapancouncil.org
Subject line: TOMODACHI Internship – Social Media Intern

Required Documents:

• Availability to Work and/or Class Schedule
• Resume

Optional Documents:

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application 

Special Instructions:

• Please attach a Word Document or PDF with links sharing any content you have created. You can also include any relevant social media handles.