May 20

Job: Chief Development Officer – Japan Society (New York City, New York)

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Position: Chief Development Officer
Posted by: Japan Society
Location: New York City, New York
Contract: Full-Time

Here’s a job received directly from the firm:

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Established in 1907, New York’s Japan Society is an internationally recognized nonprofit, nonpolitical organization with the goal of cultivating a constructive, resonant, and dynamic relationship between the people of the U.S. and Japan. Japan Society deepens the mutual understanding between the two nations through innovative programs in arts and culture, public policy, business, language, and education.

Japan Society has evolved into a world-class, multidisciplinary hub for global leaders, artists, scholars, educators, and English and Japanese-speaking audiences. At the Society, 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 U.S., Japan, and East Asia.

Activities at Japan Society are set against a stunning backdrop of indoor gardens, a reflecting pool, and a waterfall. Facilities include a 262-seat theater, art gallery, language center, library, and conference rooms. Japan Society’s landmark building, located near the United Nations, was designed by architect Junzo Yoshimura and opened in 1971 as the first building in New York City by a leading Japanese architect.

Since 2009, Japan Society has been under the leadership of Motoatsu Sakurai, who previously served as Ambassador and Consul General of Japan in New York after a successful 40 year business career.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Chief Development Officer will lead, manage, and build Japan Society’s development efforts for corporate, foundation, individual, and member giving. He/she is responsible for the overall vision and strategy for fundraising including shaping and implementing the organization’s short- and long-term fundraising goals to secure revenue of $7 million annually. He/she will maintain and steward the current corporate giving base while also identifying and cultivating major individual giving donors for a more holistic fundraising portfolio.

The Chief Development Officer will work closely with the President of Japan Society, the Vice President of Finance and Administration, the Board of Directors, and the Program Directors on fundraising initiatives to skillfully guide the organization into its next era of growth.

The Chief Development Officer will report to the President, serve as a member of the senior team, and oversee a Development staff of 12.

THE MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY INCLUDE:

Fundraising:

  • Develop and establish a strategic plan for Development, creating and executing fundraising strategies for Corporate, Government and Foundation, Individual Giving, and Membership to meet and then increase current fundraising goals;

  • Provide strategic leadership and hands-on oversight for the Development team including assessing the department, defining short- and long-term goals, and ensuring accountability;

  • Build and cultivate a portfolio of high net-worth donors including personally identifying and soliciting funding prospects; ensure the President and Development staff are actively and consistently meeting with donors and potential funders;

  • Perform a capital campaign feasibility study and develop campaign plans in collaboration with the President and Vice President of Finance and Administration; and

  • Supervise the day-to-day functioning of the Development department including Japan Society’s annual dinner, special events, reporting, budgeting, proposal writing, and research.

Board Development and Relations:

  • Cultivate and manage relationships with the Board of Directors, and draw upon their talents and resources to enhance fundraising and community relations;

  • Coordinate communications with the Board and Board sub-committees; and

  • Organize and prepare materials, reports and financial briefings for regular Board Standing Committee meetings with a focus on strategies and outcomes.

Internal Management:

  • Lead, motivate, manage, and mentor a Development staff of 12, with a direct staff of five;

  • Work with the Media and Marketing team to ensure Japan Society’s public face – online and through the media – is consistent with achieving the Society’s mission and fundraising goals;

  • Partner with the President and the Vice President of Finance and Administration, playing a significant role in overall strategic planning and policy formation for Japan Society; and

  • Develop and maintain excellent collaborative working relations with program staff and other staff across the Society.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

The Chief Development Officer will be an innovative, strategic, hands-on fundraiser and leader. He/she will understand fundraising best practices for corporate, foundation and individual giving, have outstanding managerial, communication, and relationship-building skills, and be a team player and team builder. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have first-hand knowledge of Japanese culture and a deep commitment to the Japan Society’s mission.

Key Professional Qualifications:

  • Substantial fundraising leadership and senior management experience, with a proven track record of revenues generated, strategic planning, and program-building; arts or cultural experience preferred;

  • Demonstrated success in securing corporate giving, sponsorships, and membership fundraising; experience personally cultivating and soliciting foundation and individual major gift donors highly desirable;

  • Knowledge and experience in fundraising ethics, research, and cultivation practices, including proposal writing, gift processing, prospecting, and reporting;

  • A skilled manager with a highly collaborative approach to working across a diverse range of internal stakeholders and external partners;

  • Proven success in strengthening board fundraising and governance; and

  • Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to network and build external relationships across multiple cultures.

Key Personal Attributes:

  • Polished, skillful, and strategic with a strong work ethic, drive to achieve, and ability to fulfill short term and long-term objectives;

  • A professional with a corporate sensibility along with nonprofit resourcefulness and mindset;

  • Articulate and persuasive, with superior written and verbal communication skills; spoken and written Japanese language ability a plus;

  • Outstanding presentation skills with the executive presence and gravitas to serve as an ambassador of the Society;

  • Knowledge of Japanese business etiquette, customs, and culture, and international issues with a passion for working in a bicultural organization; and

  • Flexible schedule; ability to attend early morning, evening and weekend events as necessary.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus.

COMPENSATION: Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience.

The Japan Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.

Please email cover letter and resume or nominations in confidence to: japansociety@sandlersearch.org


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