Internship Opportunities
The Japan Society volunteer internship program offers individuals opportunities to increase their awareness of contemporary Japan and gain knowledge of its history and cultural heritage while simultaneously preparing for professional and academic careers.Select, qualified interns are invited to volunteer to contribute their talents and abilities to assist Japan Society’s programs in the arts, business, education and public affairs. Interns participate in the day-to-day activities of these programs, in addition to specific projects. While at the Japan Society, interns serve alongside experts on Japan from diverse disciplines and enjoy the benefits of its many resources.
About Japan Society
Founded in 1907 in New York City, Japan Society is an internationally recognized non-profit, non-political organization that offers opportunities to experience Japanese culture; fosters sustained and open dialogue on issues important to the U. S., Japan, and greater Asia; and improves access to information on Japan. Japan Society provides information and innovative programs, including Gallery exhibitions, performing arts, lectures, film series, contemporary forums, educational outreach, Japanese language training, publications, and more.
Internship Positions Currently Available:
Communications Intern
Japan Society's Communications Department seeks interns to assist with publicity and promotion for Fall 2013 (September–December).Interns for Japan Society's Communications Department assist with marketing the Society as a whole and dozens of individual events from the Corporate, Education, Film, Gallery, Lectures, Performing Arts and Policy Programs. By joining Japan Society's Communications team, candidates will have an opportunity to gain a well-rounded understanding of nonprofit communications while developing valuable skills in all facets of publicity, promotion and advertising.
Responsibilities:
- Assist drafting publicity materials (press releases, pitches, photo tips), and outreach to press.
- Maintain press archives and create press clips.
- Contribute to Japan Society's blog and social media sites.
- Attend events and provide assistance for press check-in.
- Maintain press database.
- Construct press kits.
- Research publicity, promotion and advertisement opportunities.
- Distribution of promotional materials.
- Administrative duties including data entry, filing, photocopying, etc.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word & Excel.
- Ability to self-start and follow through on lengthy projects.
- A consecutive 15-20 hours per week (including some evenings) commitment is preferred.
- Interest in Japanese culture and Japanese language skills are a plus.
Digital Media Intern
Japan Society's Media and Marketing department seeks a part-time intern to assist with the creation of its video series for the web. Days are flexible, with around 16-20 hours per week in office expected.Duties include:
- Assistance in concept design and creative thinking for new and current video series.
- Creating artwork and graphics to supplement various videos and other materials.
- Simple maintenance of YouTube channels and other social media.
- Assistance in the setup and filming of video shoots.
- Strong creative thinking.
- Familiarity with Adobe software (photoshop, illustrator, premiere, etc.).
- Interest in Japanese culture.
- Familiarity with Japanese language is a plus.
- Knowledge of social media (YouTube, Facebook, twitter, etc.)
- Attention to detail.
- Strong artistic/design background.
- Familiarity with video equipment a plus.
Please email a letter and resume to Ben Warren at: bwarren@japansociety.org. Please place "Digital Media Internship" in the subject line. No phone calls please.
Finance Department Intern
The internship will provide an opportunity to assist in financial and administrative functions. The intern will also gain a general overview of the Japan Society’s programs and events.Responsibilities may include:
- Assist Finance team with annual audit preparation
- Preparing, organizing and maintaining files and reports
- Input invoices for payment
- Maintaining and updating databases
- Performing various administrative duties
- Assisting in various projects
- Good interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Word and Excel
- A quick learner who is detail-oriented and very organized will succeed best in this role
Days per week: 2 or more days per week, preferably Tuesday and Thursday, from 10 am to 3:00 pm, days and hours negotiable
Salary: This is an unpaid internship. *
*Japan Society encourages school credits if available.
*Occasional complimentary tickets available to performances.
To apply: email a letter of interest and resume to: jobs@japansociety.org. Please use “Application for Finance Intern” in the subject line. No phone calls please.
Information Technology Intern
Japan Society’s Information Technology Group seeks an intern to assist with various tasks beginning in January.Duties include:
- Installing Windows XP.
- Troubleshooting Windows desktop applications.
- Troubleshooting printing problems.
- Patch management
- Assistance with video and podcast production.
- Computer Science or Information Technology major.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Interest in Japanese culture and Japanese language skills are a plus.
- Available Monday-Friday. Days and hours are flexible.
Please email a letter and resume to Larry Kong at lkong@japansociety.org. Please place "Information Technology Internship" in the subject line. No phone calls please.
Lecture Program Intern
The Lecture Program seeks a part-time intern to assist with event marketing, social media management, and various programming tasks.General Description of Position:
Lecture Program examines vital issues and themes in modern Japanese art, culture and design. Programming is designed to inform and to provide a gateway through which Americans can appreciate the global influence of Japan’s culture and its many trend-defining artisans. Our programs bring together experts and practitioners for provocative discussions on diverse topics including aesthetics, consumer culture and cuisine.
Learning Opportunities:
- Learn firsthand about the people, issues and cultural trends that are of interest and relevance to Japanese and Japan enthusiasts in New York
- Discover how non-profit organizations are structured and run from day to day
- Gain experience in the back-office tasks of ongoing program development and execution
- Conduct research on current cultural trends and leading artists as needed
- Learn social media management and event marketing
- Use creativity to create innovative event promotion & outreach campaigns
- Help manage the Lecture Program’s social media presence
- Assist program staff at public events, including reception and will call table
- Assist with program research as needed
- Organize files and materials on programs and speakers
- General tasks and office duties
- Interest in and knowledge of Japanese pop culture and cultural trends
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (image and publishing software is a plus)
- Superior organizational skills, including ability to keep track of many details at once
- Ability to work with a variety of people and different projects
- Superior writing and oral skills
- Familiarity with Japanese language and customs is a plus
- A self-starter and innovative
Marketing Intern
Japan Society’s Media & Marketing Department seeks a part-time summer intern to assist with various tasks.Duties include:
- Assist with developing a test marketing campaign for the organization.
- Brand development.
- Researching and providing reports on assigned topics.
- Writing meeting minutes.
- Self-starter; able to work well without constant direction.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Portfolio of past work preferred (student assignments, freelance, etc.).
- Marketing and Graphic Design majors preferred.
Program Operations Intern
The Program Operations Department of Japan Society seeks a part-time volunteer intern to assist with general administrative functions. The intern will assist the Director of Program Operations, and gain a general overview of the Japan Society’s programs and events.
Responsibilities may include:
- Daily administrative support including scheduling staff
- Ordering supplies and equipment for programs and rentals
- Responding to phone and email inquiries about rentals and recordingdetails.
- Following up with staff on function forms to ensure all details for programs are included and correct
- Creating contracts for rental groups.
Qualifications:
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Computer proficiency in Word and Excel required
- Ability to organize and work in fast-paced environment
- Fluency in verbal and written English required
Time Frame: January to June 2013
Days per week: One or more days per week, preferably Friday, hours negotiable, with a 3 to 6 month commitment
Salary: This is an unpaid internship.
*Japan Society encourages school credits if available.
*Occasional complimentary tickets available to performances.
To Apply:
Please e-mail your resume and a letter of interest, indicating your anticipated available time commitment, to: jobs@japansociety.org
