Employment
Japan Society, since 1907, has been bringing the people of Japan and the United States closer together through understanding, appreciation and cooperation. Society programs in the arts, business, education and public policy offer opportunities to experience Japanese culture; to foster sustained and open dialogue on issues important to the U.S. and Japan, regionally and in a global context; and to improve
access to information on Japan.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply for the position delineated below.
Director of Global Programs
Reporting to the President, the Director of Global Programs is responsible for programming and fundraising for the Corporate Program, comprising business-related programs and networking events for corporate members. He/she will also oversee the integration and manage the results of a consolidated unit comprising Corporate Program, Policy Projects, which focuses on problem-solving exchanges and the administration of the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, and Lectures, which hosts talks on a range of topics, including cultural issues of interest to individual and corporate members as well as the general public.The position requires an active, hands-on leader and consummate team-builder with outstanding managerial, communication and customer-relations skills. The successful candidate must have an in-depth understanding of Japan, U.S.- Japan relations, as well as global business and economic and policy trends. He/she must have the executive presence and bearing necessary to serve as an ambassador of the organization and partner to the President’s Office, and to collaborate effectively with all areas of Japan Society, particularly Development and Special Events. Japanese language ability is a plus.
Qualifications:
• Bachelors degree or higher plus minimum of eight to ten years’ managerial experience with specific expertise in program development and implementation, people and budget management, and fund-raising
• Knowledge of international business and financial markets, including modern Japanese cultural, business and political trends and their global influence
• Knowledge of or interest in social entrepreneurialism and NGOs
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills
• Knowledge of Japanese business etiquette, customs and culture
• Demonstrated ability to network and build external relationships
• Ability to manage staff and collaborate effectively with a full range of internal and external partners
• Ability to synergize elements from different program areas into new program offerings
• Experience in dealing with the public
• Superior research and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Window’s Office Suite, online research, and database management
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as necessary
• Experience with non-profit corporate membership or similar membership program a plus.
To Apply: Email your letter of interest and resume to Jane Fenton, Director of Human Resources, at - jobs@japansociety.org.
Japan Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.
Director, Japan Society Gallery
JOB DESCRIPTION
Founded in 1907, Japan Society is an American nonprofit organization supported by individuals, foundations, and corporations, as well as a substantial endowment, that brings the peoples of Japan and the United States closer together through mutual understanding, appreciation, and cooperation. Japan Society has evolved into a world-class, multi-disciplinary hub for global leaders, artists, scholars, educators, and both English- and Japanese-speaking audiences. More than 100 events each year feature sophisticated, topically relevant presentations of Japanese art and culture and open, critical dialogue on issues of vital importance to the United States, Japan, and East Asia.
The Gallery Director has supervisory, managerial, and curatorial authority over the Gallery and its program, typically of two major three-month exhibitions opening in March and September each year, which forms the most visible and well known public face of Japan Society as a whole.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Conceive and implement a strategic vision for Japan Society Gallery aimed at establishing the Gallery as a leading venue for exhibitions of Japanese art of all periods and all genres. Expand the Gallery’s national and international visibility to a broad and diverse public through exhibition tours, press promotion, and targeted outreach. Work with Development and Special Events to garner support from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Consult with and advise the President on all aspects of Gallery programming.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
• Conceive, develop, and implement an exhibition program that establishes the Gallery as a leading venue for exhibitions of Japanese art of all periods and all genres.
• Identify institutional, governmental, and individual co-organizers and negotiate terms and conditions.
• Evaluate proposals for exhibitions received from other sources, and negotiate terms and conditions.
• Oversee development of exhibition checklists, scenarios, wall texts, object labels, and designs, in collaboration with guest curators and freelance designers.
• Function as curator of exhibitions in specific cases.
• Ensure that the Gallery’s public spaces, storage areas, and information systems are maintained or improved to a high professional standard compliant with international norms.
• Ensure that the handling, registration, and display of all works of art loaned to Japan Society is carried out to a high professional standard compliant with international norms.
• Develop catalogue concepts, and oversee preparation and publication of exhibition catalogues, in collaboration with guest curators, publishers, editors, translators, and JS Design staff or freelance designers.
• Develop lecture and educational programs to complement exhibitions, in collaboration with Gallery, Lecture, and Education staff.
• Oversee the work of Gallery staff and interns as well as guest curators, authors, editors, translators, designers, art handlers, and other contractors.
• Develop and control annual budget in consultation with Finance; collaborate with Development in researching and writing funding proposals to federal, state, corporate, foundation or individual sponsors.
• Develop individual giving through the Friends of the Gallery; devise events program for the Friends; attend social events in New York City and beyond.
• In collaboration with in-house Communications staff and outside Press counsel, develop press campaign for each exhibition, aiming for local, national, and international coverage; give media interviews, lead media walkthroughs, determine advertising budgets; sign off on press release and advertising copy.
• In collaboration with Digital Media staff, develop online content including JS website, social media, blogs, smartphone applications, and video clips.
• Represent and promote Gallery programs through membership in national and international professional associations; develop and maintain contacts with museum curators, artists, and scholars in US, Japan, and Europe.
• Ensure that Japan Society’s small permanent collection is stored, displayed, and documented to a high professional standard compliant with international norms.
• Consult with and advise the President on all aspects of Gallery programming.
QUALIFICATIONS
The position of Director of Japan Society Gallery requires a combination of curatorial and leadership skills. Candidates should have:
• MA or equivalent in Japanese art history or a related field.
• Excellent Japanese reading and conversation skills.
• A significant record of achievement in researching and presenting Japanese art, including lead curatorial responsibility for at least two large-scale exhibitions-with-catalogue.
• A national and international scholarly reputation.
• A strong professional network inside and outside of Japan.
• At least five years’ experience, both curatorial and managerial, working in an art museum or gallery at an intermediate or senior level.
• Proven project-management and budget-control skills.
• High standards of professional integrity, good people skills, ability to improvise, and a strong work ethic.
Japan Society (New York) invites applications for the position Director, Japan Society Gallery, starting in fall 2012.
Initial expressions of interest should be sent to Jane Fenton, Director of Human Resources (jfenton@japansociety.org).
Further details, including the timetable for the selection process, will be announced at a later date.
