Cultural Programs Manager
The Cultural Programs Manager is responsible for planning and implementing various cultural programming activities at Japan Institute of Portland Japanese Garden (PJG), both in-person and virtual. The main focus of this position will be one-off, large-scale special programs. (There is another Cultural Programs Manager who focuses on recurring annual events.) This position is great for someone who has had a broad range of program and event management experience and has an interest in broadening the scope of PJG’s programs. This position will chiefly work from the Administration House, located at 369 SW Kingston Ave.
The Cultural Programs Manager reports to the Director of Cultural Programs and works closely with the other two members of the Culture team.
Primary Duties
- With oversight from the Director of Japan Institute and the Director of Cultural Programs, plan, coordinate, and implement programming activities both in-person (at PJG and offsite) and virtual. The majority of the programs will be one-off events that include, but are not limited to, public forums (including webinars), symposia, lectures, performances, as well as culinary programs and tasting events for members of PJG's corporate partners. Serve as the primary staff person for these programs.
- In doing the above, work closely with local, national, and international cultural organizations, governments, experts, and practitioners in addition to local community of collaborators.
- Partner with the other Cultural Programs Manager to plan, coordinate, implement 150-200 annual cultural programs. These include two to four cultural corner demonstrations a week, six annual festivals, botanical exhibitions, and cultural workshops. The two Cultural Programs Managers will collaborate to create a balanced workload between recurring and one-time programs.
- Maintain ongoing, clear communications with such supporting individuals and organizations for project coordination and the general upkeep of prime relationships with all collaborators.
- Assist the Director of Japan Institute and the Director of Cultural Programs in planning and instituting the programmatic direction of Japan Institute, to ensure maximum synergy across the three centers of the Institute.
- Work cooperatively with staff in other departments, including the Operations/Events Department, Garden Department, Marketing, Development, and Executive Office for optimal internal coordination. Work with PJG’s volunteers for events.
- Work with the Director of Cultural Programs to create and manage annual budget.
- Other duties as assigned.
Other Responsibilities
- Communicate with partners, staff, and other community partners in a friendly and professional manner
- Continue learning about Japanese culture and art
- Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook
- Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication
- Serve as a role model for Garden volunteers, providing support and encouragement to volunteers in their roles across the Garden
- Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance
- Adhere to Garden Dress Code (business casual)
Qualifications
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.
- Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent experience
- At least three years of experience in program/event development and management, or equivalent combination of different experiences including online and hybrid programming. Some experience in Japan-related programs is a plus.
- Proficiency in Japanese language not required, but preferred
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment. Detail-oriented and organized while also flexible to adapt to ever-changing organizational and social environment · Strong communication abilities – clear writing and articulate speaking ability. Public speaking experience preferred.
- Ability to use proper modes of communication depending on situations and people (cultural partners, colleagues, volunteers, members, visitors, etc.)
- Ability to work under pressure to handle unexpected situations calmly, flexibly, and with a sense of humor.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
Special Qualifications
- Ability to periodically work evenings and weekends
- Ability to work effectively in an open office environment with frequent interruptions
- Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions (for events)
- Ability to remain in a stationary position for several hours
- Ability to lift 20 lbs on occasion (for events set-up, etc.)
Compensation & Schedule
- Wage: $53,000 - $60,000/year
- This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position, with 40 – 45 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work required for programs and events.
- Benefits:
- health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees), with partial deductible reimbursement
- 401k plan (after 6 months, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
- flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
- paid time off:
- vacation: 3 weeks per calendar year to start, with periodic increases per the employee handbook
- sick: 10 days per calendar year
- holidays: 10 holidays per year
- free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Transportation
The Garden is located at 611 SW Kingston Avenue, in Washington Park. Below are the transportation options for staff commuting to the Garden:
- Parking: Staff may park in the pay-to-park spaces throughout Washington Park. The cost is $8/day, or staff may request parking permits from Washington Park. The Garden subsidizes a portion of the cost for parking permits; the cost for staff is $75/month during the high season (March – September) and $50/month during the low season (October – February).
- Bus Passes: For staff who take public transit as their primary means of commuting to the Garden, we provide paid bus passes. Full-time staff receive a monthly TriMet pass, and part-time staff receive daily passes, based on their work schedule.
- Transportation Stipend: Staff who take any form of alternative transit to get to work qualify for a $5 daily stipend. This includes taking public transit, walking, biking, carpooling, or getting dropped off. The only staff who do not qualify for the stipend are those who are receiving a bus pass through the Garden.
Applications
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three work-related references through our online Career Center (LINKED BELOW). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications. Submit applications by April 6th, 2025.
All submitted applications will be held in confidence.
We encourage all potential applicants to watch our video entitled “Come to Understand: Welcome to Portland Japanese Garden” (5:56 minutes).
APPLY: https://recruiting.myapps.paychex.com/appone/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=6728255