Established in 1972, the Japan Foundation seeks to promote international cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries. The Foundation awards grants in the areas of Arts & Cultural Exchange, Japanese-Language Education Overseas and Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange and operates fellowship programs to foster individual research and the development of human resources. The Center for Global Partnership (CGP) was founded within the Foundation in 1991 and seeks to promote exchange and collaboration between the United States and Japan with the goal of fulfilling shared global responsibilities and contributing to the improvements in the world’s welfare.

The Japan Foundation New York has an opening for an Associate Program Officer in the Center for Global Partnership’s Grassroots Exchange & Education Program. This program promotes collaboration and exchange between the United States and Japan at the grassroots level as well as supports education about Japan at the K-12 levels in the United States.

Responsibilities:  

The Associate Program Officer will report to the Program Director and will contribute to the following:

1. Grant-making

• Review and assess letters of inquiry and proposals, draft recommendations, and related materials;
• Manage and oversee all phases of the grant process, including communication with and guidance to grant seekers and grantees;
• Monitor on-going grants using a database to ensure timely payments and follow-up of outstanding issues;
• Conduct site visits and represent The Japan Foundation CGP at meetings and conferences;
• Research fields to identify and monitor trends, new models, and new initiatives.

2. Coordination of programs and in-house activities

• Coordinate various programs including in-house events such as roundtables, seminars, and outreach events;
• Explore creative ideas and develop new networks to foster innovative program ideas and funding initiatives;
• Coordinate outreach and external communication initiatives (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, monthly newsletter, etc.);
• Carry out other logistical and administrative duties as assigned by the Program Director and senior management;
• Assist in the proof reading of English documents.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree or equivalent work experience in a relevant field preferred;
• Strong analytical skills; the ability through questioning and informal research to understand the feasibility and implications of submitted proposals;
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English;
• Strong organizational skills, keen attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
• Desire to think creatively, explore new ideas, and develop new networks in order to foster innovative program ideas and funding initiatives;
• Understanding of contemporary Japan; experience living in Japan and proficiency in the Japanese language, including translating ability, preferred;
• Proficiency in basic software such as MS Word and Excel; database experience preferred;
• US citizenship, permanent residency visa, or valid working visa in US.

Salary & Benefits:  Competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and full benefits.

Job Commencement:  January 5, 2015

To Apply: Please email résumé, cover letter, and one-page writing sample to: job-opening@cgp.org.

                  The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, December 12, 2014.

After the review of applications, leading applicants will be invited to interview.  Interviews will take place   Thursday, December 18th and Friday, December 19th.  No phone calls please.

For more information, please visit the Japan Foundation website at http://www.jfny.org/ and the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership (CGP) website at http://www.cgp.org/.

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