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  		Internships/Volunteer Opportunities

Internships/Volunteer Opportunities

The Japan Society 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 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 working on specific projects. While at the Japan Society, interns work alongside experts on Japan from diverse disciplines and enjoy the benefits of its many resources.

Internship Positions Currently Available:

Communications Intern

Japan Society's Communications Department seeks an intern to assist with publicity and promotion for the fall season (Sept-Dec 2008).

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.
  • 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.

Qualifications:

  • 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 appreciated but not mandatory.

This is an unpaid internship. Please e-mail a cover letter, resume to Kuniko Shiobara, at kshiobara@japansociety.org. No phone calls please.

Corporate and Foundation Relations Intern


Development is seeking an intern interested in learning more about the Institutional Giving from Foundations and Corporations. This is an extremely rare opportunity for someone to work closely with senior staff on fundraising strategy and execution.

Responsibilities:
  • Assist in the development of new Corporate Membership and Sponsorship marketing materials.
  • Assist with direct mail solicitations to obtain new and renew existing corporate members.
  • Conduct prospect research on foundations and corporations.
  • Develop project reports for sponsors and foundations.
  • Assist with proposal writing.
  • Work at various Corporate Programs events (lectures, lunches, etc.) and Gallery exhibition opening events.

Qualifications:

  • Applicants should be organized, well-written, a strong proofreader and proficient in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
  • Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge a plus.
  • Interest in Japan and Japanese Culture a plus.
  • Flexible weekday schedule, 20 hours per week, minimum 6 month commitment.

Begins immediately through December 2008. May be extended through May 2009. Please fax or e-mail cover letter and resume to jobs@japansociety.org, fax: (212) 715-1262. No phone calls please.

Corporate Program Intern

The Corporate Program seeks a part-time intern for our upcoming Fall 2008 season to assist with various programming tasks.

General Description of Position:

Work with Corporate Program staff on implementing public programs. The Corporate Program provides the international business and public policy community uncommon access to the people and issues that define U.S.-Japan relations in a global context. Senior executives, policymakers, academics, journalists and other opinion leaders participate in innovative conferences, lectures, seminars, exchanges, fellowships and long-term projects recognized as invaluable for helping Americans, Japanese and others from Asia and around the world meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The Corporate Program caters to the 300 Japanese and American companies that comprise the Japan Society’s corporate membership. Each year, more than 2,500 executives participate in the Society’s rich mix of programs featuring business leaders and financial policymakers from both sides of the Pacific.

Learning Opportunities:

  • Learn firsthand about the people and issues that are of interest and relevance to the U.S.-Japan business community in New York
  • Discover how non-profit organizations interact with corporate sponsors
  • Gain experience in the back-office tasks of ongoing program development and execution
  • Interact with senior business executives from global corporations
  • Conduct research on companies, individuals and industry sectors as needed
  • Learn database management

Duties & Tasks:

  • Responsible for program registrations and payments
  • Handle and replenish sponsor materials
  • Become familiar with corporate member firms and the benefits of corporate membership
  • Assist Corporate Program staff at public events, including reception and registration, event A/V tasks, setup and breakdown
  • Assist with program research and outreach as needed
  • Assist to create badges, guest lists, name plates, and other program materials
  • Maintain and update corporate membership records in Raiser’s Edge as needed
  • Organize files and materials on programs and speakers

Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with Japanese language and customs
  • Interest in and knowledge of international business
  • Knowledge of word-processing; knowledge of Internet, email and databases
  • 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
  • Flexibility in hours
  • Ability to be self-starter

Please email application, cover letter and resume to Jane Fenton, at jfenton@japansociety.org. No phone calls please.

Digital Media Intern

Japan Society Digital Media Program seeks a part-time intern for the spring of 2009 to assist with various tasks beginning in January.  Days would include Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday.

Duties include:

  • Web updating and content uploading.
  • Help with Email Campaigns.
  • Proofreading of copy and source code checking.
  • Assistance with design elements.
  • Assistance with video and podcast production.

Requirements:

  • Art and/or design background.
  • Copy editing skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Familiarity with HTML, other programming experience helpful.
  • Familiarity with Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe programs.
  • Fluency in verbal and written English.
  • Interest in Japanese culture and Japanese language skills are a plus.
  • Available Monday-Wednesday.  Days and hours are flexible.

This is an unpaid internship.

Please email a letter and resume to Peter Sebeckis at info@japansociety.org. Please place "Digital Media Internship" in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Education Program Intern


Japan Society Education Program seeks a part-time intern with a background in Education, East Asian Studies, and or Arts Administration, with interest in curriculum development, child development and a desire to work directly with Pre-K-12th grade children.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to Education & Lecture Program Officer the intern will assist with various tasks including, but not limited to:
  • General web maintenance (proofing web material resources, uploading materials);
  • Assisting at family and student programs;
  • Developing printed educational materials and;
  • Day-to day administration/office support.
Requirements:
  • Excellent writing and oral communication skills
  • Copy editing skills
  • Superior telephone etiquette
  • Excellent attention to detail, strong organizational skills
  • The ability to work independently
  • Knowledge of MS Office, Excel are essential
  • Knowledge of Photoshop and Raiser’s Edge is preferred
  • A commitment of three days per week is necessary; availability on weekends is a must.
  • College students or recent graduates preferred.
    •
Start date: February 1, 2009. This is an unpaid internship.

Please email application, cover letter and resume to Suzanne de Vegh, at sdevegh@japansociety.org. No phone calls please.

Film Program Intern


Japan Society’s Film Program seeks an intern to assist with English subtitles for the ongoing film series, Monthly Classics: BEST OF TORA-SAN from now through May 2009.

Responsibilities include:
  • Formatting English subtitle files for 5 films in Monthly Classics: BEST OF TORA-SAN series
  • Operating the live English subtitles on the following dates in 2009;

    Jan. 23, TORA-SAN’S LOVE CALL
    Feb. 13, TORA-SAN’S DEAR OLD HOME
    Mar. 13, TORA-SAN’S DREAM COME TRUE
    Apr. 17, HEARTS AND FLOWERS OF TORA-SAN
    May 21, TORA-SAN, MY UNCLE

  • Daily administrative support including filing and copying
  • Upkeep of various archives including DVD library and press clippings
Qualifications:
  • Strong communication and writing skills, proofreading skill a plus
  • Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
  • Ability to organize and work in fast-paced environment
  • Fluency in English and Japanese
  • 10+ hours per week plus 5 screenings (Jan. 23, Feb. 13, Mar. 13, Apr. 17 and May 21, 2009)
  • Minimum of 3-6 months commitment
This is an unpaid internship. Please e-mail a cover letter, resume to Ryo Nagasawa, at rnagasawa@japansociety.org. No phone calls please.

Individual Membership Intern


Japan Society’s Development office seeks a part-time intern to assist with daily membership operations. Reporting to the Membership Manager, this is an excellent opportunity to gain firsthand experience in individual fundraising at an internationally-recognized nonprofit cultural organization with a distinguished history of more than 100 years.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Print and mail membership gift acknowledgment letters and cards
  • Assist with membership renewals each month, including the printing, mailing, copying and filing of all high-level gift renewals
  • Fulfill membership benefits such as catalogue distribution, ticket offers and gallery passes
  • Provide staffing support at various Society events, such as Gallery openings, film screenings and performing arts productions
  • Process and mail corporate matching gift applications
  • Conduct research and identify new major gift prospects; help produce donor reports
  • Assist with donor-recognition and cultivation events
  • Prepare major gift solicitations and track prospects
  • Complete general administrative tasks as needed

Qualifications:

Applicants should be organized and detail-oriented. Must be a dependable team player who can excel in a busy office environment. Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge a plus.

This is an unpaid internship and we ask for a minimum commitment of 6 months. Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to Frank McGovern, at membership@japansociety.org. No phone calls please.

Performing Arts Intern

Performing Arts Program seeks a part-time/full-time intern for our upcoming Spring 09 season to assist with various administration tasks.

Responsibilities include:

  • Daily administrative support including filing and copying
  • Upkeep of various archives including DVD library and press clippings
  • Upkeep of mailing list (Raiser’s Edge- training will be given)
  • Assist with marketing and promotion projects, including outreach development, mailings, and occasional distribution of materials
  • Assist with front of house, ushering, and/or merchandise sales on performance nights
  • Reporting on audience surveys (Excel)
  • Reporting on box office sales (Excel)
  • Assist with final reporting for fundraising and grants
  • If applicable, translation of Japanese documents into English

This upcoming Spring 2009 Season, we will present:

  • Annual Contemporary Dance Showcase: Japan & East Asia
  • Chelfitsch Theater Company’s Five Days in March
  • Basil Twist (lecture)
  • Awaji Puppet Theater Company
  • Hiroaki Umeda

Qualifications:

  • Strong communication and writing skills, proofreading skill a plus
  • Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; familiarity with Raiser's Edge database a plus
  • Ability to organize and work in fast-paced environment
  • Familiarity with and interests in Performing Arts
  • Fluency in verbal and written English; Japanese language a plus
  • 15+ hours per week plus performances (including weekend and night performances)
  • Minimum of 4-6 months commitment

* Japan Society encourages school credits if available
* Occasional complimentary tickets available to performances
* This is an unpaid internship, however a travel stipend is available.

To Apply:
Please e-mail your resume and a letter detailing your qualifications and interests to:
Dawn Eshelman
Program Officer
e-mail: deshelman@japansociety.org
FAX: 212-715-1262

After the initial screening, selected candidates will be contacted for interviews. We do not accept any phone inquiries regarding this announcement or the result of the selection process.

Volunteer Opportunities


If you are interested in volunteering at evening Lecture Programs, please contact Suzanne de Vegh at sdevegh@japansociety.org.

If you are interested in volunteering at Film events, please contact Film Department at film@japansociety.org. Volunteers assist in ushering, ticket handling, and other event-related tasks.