Director, Film, Culture and Community

About Japan Society

Japan Society is the premier organization connecting Japanese arts, culture, business, and society with audiences in New York and around the world. Inspired by the Japanese concept of kizuna (絆)—forging deep connections to bind people together—the Society tells the story of Japan while strengthening connections within New York City and building new bridges beyond. In over 100 years of work, it has pioneered international exchanges in arts and culture, business and policy, and education between Japan and the U.S., convening important conversations, championing innovative creators, promoting mutual understanding, and serving as a trusted guide for those seeking to appreciate Japan’s rich complexities.

Position Overview

Japan Society seeks an experienced, visionary, and operationally rigorous Director of Film, Culture & Community to drive the strategy, curation, and execution of public and member programming across contemporary Japanese culture—including film, television, anime, manga, food, fashion, literature, music, and gaming. Reporting to executive leadership, the Director will architect high‑impact cultural experiences—from film screenings and premier festivals like JAPAN CUTS to workshops, lectures, and major receptions. This leader will activate the landmark spaces, energize membership, and broaden Japan Society’s footprint within global creative networks, engaging audiences across generations while deepening the institution’s relevance and sense of community.

Responsibilities

• Curatorial Leadership & Program Strategy: Direct curatorial vision and long‑range programming across film and multidisciplinary contemporary culture; lead signature initiatives, including forming the curatorial team and co‑programming the annual JAPAN CUTS festival; research, evaluate, and secure classic and contemporary film titles, negotiate licensing and rental fees, and oversee print traffic; source, commission, and collaborate with guest curators, artists, scholars, and industry leaders; pitch program concepts to leadership and negotiate talent agreements and institutional partnerships.
• Program Production & Event Execution: Oversee end‑to‑end event production from concept through day‑of execution and post‑event wrap‑up; supervise operational workflows, including internal function forms, marketing assets, technical rundowns, and box‑office coordination; contract and direct technical personnel (projectionists, audio engineers, videographers, photographers) and front‑of‑house staff/volunteers; manage talent relations and hospitality logistics (travel, lodging, car services, green rooms, interpreters, VIP management); host events, deliver opening remarks, and moderate panels or Q&A sessions as needed.
• Outreach, Partnerships & Industry Relations: Serve as an organizational ambassador across film, media, and cultural sectors in New York City, the U.S., and Japan; build strategic co‑presentations, cross‑promotions, and touring initiatives with peer institutions; maintain an active network of industry contacts, distributors, studios, cultural agencies, and talent managers.
• Development & Marketing Collaboration: Partner with Development to identify funding prospects, draft grant proposals, build sponsor decks, and participate in patron cultivation; work closely with Media & Marketing to establish audience development strategies, refine event positioning, and co‑write promotional copy and press releases.
• Fiscal Management & Team Leadership: Develop and manage the annual department budget, monitoring revenue, expenses, and operational pacing; directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate departmental staff, contractors, interns, and volunteers; maintain cross‑departmental alignment to ensure seamless institutional operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in film programming, live arts curation, cultural event production, or related multidisciplinary leadership.
• Robust professional network within Japanese cinema, media industries, and contemporary cultural sectors across both the U.S. and Japan.
• Demonstrated track record directing live event production, including technical staging, AV requirements, talent logistics, and front‑of‑house operations.
• Practical expertise in film rights clearances, print sourcing, distributor negotiations, and exhibition formats.
• Proven experience managing departmental budgets, team members, and external vendors.
• Exceptional communication, public speaking, and intercultural stakeholder management skills; professional proficiency in Japanese is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work on‑site at Japan Society’s Midtown Manhattan headquarters.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States (Japan Society cannot provide visa sponsorship for this role).

Compensation & Schedule

This is a full‑time, exempt position based at Japan Society’s Midtown Manhattan headquarters with an annual salary range of $115,000 – $130,000, commensurate with experience. The hybrid schedule requires in‑office presence Tuesday through Thursday (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM), with remote flexibility on Mondays and Fridays, and occasional evening or weekend hours for live event coverage.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Premium medical insurance with an employer‑funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement covering out‑of‑pocket copays and prescriptions; optional pre‑tax Flexible Spending Accounts; employer‑paid dental and vision coverage.
• Retirement Planning: After six months of service