Institution: U.S.-Japan Council
Location: Washington, DC
Posted on April 14, 2014
Education requirements: BA required, MA preferred
Languages: English (fluent), Japanese

The U.S.-Japan Council (www.usjapancouncil.org) is a Japanese American-led non-profit organization fully dedicated to strengthening ties between the United States and Japan in a global context. By promoting people-to-people relationships through its innovative programs in networking and leadership, the Council serves as a catalyst to inspire and engage Japanese and Americans of all generations. It develops the next generation of leaders committed to a vibrant and dynamic relationship. The Council is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices in Los Angeles and Tokyo.

We seek a candidate who is committed to the goals of the organization and can bring experience in fundraising, primarily with corporate and major donors that have vested interest in U.S.-Japan relations. We seek a candidate who will serve as a key member of the leadership team to develop mid- to long-term strategies in fundraising and work closely with staff and board leadership in the implementation of development plans.

The U.S.-Japan Council is the official administrator and public-private partner to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo for the TOMODACHI Initiative (http://usjapantomodachi.org/), and the candidate will work with a cross-functional team in Japan and the United States to support the fundraising and partnership development activities.

This position offers an opportunity to make an impact in a growing non-profit and an opportunity to network with prominent leaders at the forefront of U.S.-Japan relations. Fluency in English is required and Japanese language proficiency is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates and implements development strategies in close consultation with the President and Board Development committee, primarily in the area of corporate and major donor fundraising.
• Maintains and grows relationships with existing donors through relationship building, development of marketing opportunities and annual renewals.
• Expands and diversifies the Council’s donor base and prospect base to secure funding for new initiatives.
• Works with Board members, Council members, donors and others who assist in introducing the Council to new potential supporters.
• Explores new funding sources including but not limited to Japanese and U.S. corporate sponsorships, individuals, grants from private foundations and grants/contracts from the public sector.
• Staffs development committee meetings and works closely with the committee chair.
• Oversees the administration of donor recognition including but not limited to acknowledgement processing and event marketing.
• Works in collaboration with program staff on current and potential future programs to effectively communicate internally and externally about programs and donor recognition and to identify potential donors. Works with program staff to write grant proposals and prepare reports to funders.
• Helps establish performance measures, review donor experience, monitor results and record best practices to evaluate the effectiveness of the fundraising process.
• Oversees the donor database and develops the existing system.
• Provides input in the annual budget and maintains development reporting system in coordination with the finance staff.
• Some travel and/or regular calls with key donors and potential donors in select U.S. regions and Japan.

Qualifications

• Substantial professional experience in fundraising and building partnerships with business and major donors.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work under deadlines, manage multiple priorities, and delegate effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively in teams with VIPs, Board members, staff members, and volunteers.
• High degree of initiative, positive attitude, attention to detail and flexibility.
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently and on a team.
• Minimum of 5 years fundraising experience (required).
• Experience in U.S.-Japan relation activities (preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree (required); Master degree (preferred).
• Experience with fundraising database – Raiser’s Edge,Salesforce, etc. (preferred).
• Fluency in English (required) and Japanese (preferred).

The U.S.-Japan Council does not sponsor visas to work in the United States or fund relocation. It is preferable that the candidate reside in the greater Washington, D. C. area but consideration will be given to candidates that reside in another part of the United States.

Full application details on Idealist.org.