Cultural Program Manager [Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, OR]

Description

Job Posting: Cultural Program Manager

Department: Culture, Art, and Education (CAE)                 Status: Full-time

Reports to: Curator of CAE                                                    Classification: Exempt

Organization Overview

The Portland Japanese Garden is renowned as one of the most authentic and finest Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Nestled in Washington Park above downtown Portland, Oregon, the Garden is now in its 52nd year and is positioned as one of the most important Japanese cultural institutions in North America.  The Garden has a $5 million operating budget, with 45 FTE’s.   The Garden also has endowment assets of approximately $2 million which are overseen by the Portland Japanese Garden Foundation.  350,000 visitors annually take advantage of this national treasure and its art, cultural, and educational programs.

Position Overview

The cultural and educational programs of the Portland Japanese Garden are designed to serve the needs of the Garden’s 300,000 visitors and 8,000 members by providing the highest quality, culturally authentic opportunities to enhance their visit to the Garden and learn about Japanese gardens, art, and culture.

The Program Manager reports to Diane Durston, Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture, Art and Education (CAE) and is responsible for working with the Curator to plan and implement the cultural programs of the Garden, including (but not limited to) annual Japanese cultural festivals, performing arts events, tea, ikebana, calligraphy and bonsai presentations, lectures, workshops, demonstrations, music concerts, food programs, family activities, school programs, library programs, and the content of the guide training program. The goal is to provide the highest quality, culturally authentic programming available outside Japan.

With a major expansion of the Garden’s facilities scheduled to open in 2017, the Program Manager will also work closely with the Curator to develop and implement new programs that will fully utilize the additional classroom, gallery, library and cultural corner spaces in the new Cultural Village.

Additionally, the Manager will work to enhance and improve cross-cultural exchange between the Garden and our partner organizations throughout North American and in Japan. Logistic support and subordinate staff management will also play an important part in this position.

Description of Duties

• Assist the Curator in planning, implementing, and achieving programs and strategies for all levels of educational programming
• Work closely with local, national, and international cultural organizations, experts, and practitioners to develop, refine, implement and enhance existing programs
• Maintain ongoing, clear communications with the above supporting individuals and organizations
• Oversee, enhance and expand ongoing annual events and related activities, including (but not limited to) cultural festivals, lectures, family and school programs, music programs, food programs, traditional art forms such as ikebana, bonsai, calligraphy, painting, haiku, and others
• Develop and implement new cultural programs and materials for target audiences
• Write and edit descriptions and supporting text for programs and collateral materials
• Work cooperatively with a broad range of staff in other departments, including the Events Department, Garden Department, Marketing & Communications, Development, and Administration to coordinate activities that relate to cultural programs and activities
• Work with the Curator to create and manage annual CAE program budget
• Assist Curator and Volunteer Coordinator with Guide Training Program
• Provide timely reports on progress in meeting goals to the Curator of CAE
• Other duties as assigned by the Curator of CAE

Other responsibilities

• Familiarize oneself with the organization – PJG history, Japanese garden history,          CAE programmatic history, affinity groups, advisors, strengths and opportunities.
• Quickly get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork and creating an atmosphere of open, honest communication.
• Take a proactive role in building collaborative and strategic partnerships with a wide range of individuals, local community groups, and national and international organizations relating to Japanese gardens and related arts

Qualifications

• Background: Demonstrated experience with a successful track record in program development and management with emphasis on Japanese cultural education
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Fluency in spoken Japanese language is preferred
• Proven ability to manage staff effectively
• Public speaking experience preferred
• Ability to write and edit cultural materials for publication
• Ability to work under pressure, meeting multiple demands and priorities
• Enthusiasm for the Garden’s mission
• Job may involve some medium-light lifting
• Job requires occasional work on weekends and evenings
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (i.e. Outlook, Word, and Excel)

Compensation

Salary range: $50,000 – $55,000 or commensurate with experience

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance, 401k, paid vacation /sick / holiday.

Application

To apply, email your application, including a cover letter, resume (no more than four pages) and list of three references to Kanako Yanagi: kyanagi@japanesegarden.com.

Or send by mail to: Portland Japanese Garden, P.O. Box 3847, Portland, OR 97208

Attn: Kanako Yanagi (CAE)

Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications.

Deadline: March 31, 2016