Program Manager Position with Cultural Vistas' Japan Program Now Open!

Job Title: Program Manager (Japan) - MD


Cultural Vistas (formerly AIPT-CDS) is a non-profit organization and designated sponsor of Exchange Visitor Programs committed to providing international exchange opportunities that strengthen global networks, enhance professional skills, and advance mutual understanding in an interconnected world.

Since 1950, Cultural Vistas has facilitated professional exchange programs and services for visitors coming to the United States, and Americans seeking overseas experiential learning opportunities.


Position Summary

Cultural Vistas is seeking a self-motivated Program Manager to oversee a newly designed professional exchange program with Japan. Understanding of both American and Japanese business and education cultures is strongly desired. This individual must be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in Japanese.


Responsibilities

•Understanding and executing policy as a Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) as it relates to the J-1 visa and organizational standards.
•Communicate with and between stakeholders in Japan. This includes the U.S. Department of State, U.S. host companies, ESL partners, in-house support departments, and student participants to ensure consistency and clarity among all parties.

•Create, produce and implement plan to develop customer service standards for the program. This will include developing innovative solutions for day-to-day processing and management the program now and in the future.

•Provide guidance, advice and support to students on an ongoing basis, including assisting with interview preparation. Candidate should have patience and the ability to communicate effectively with university students.

•Provide leadership among staff to secure internship placements for students, including vetting new host companies. Work with existing staff to support efforts and manage placement logistics.

•Consult with our marketing department in the creation of website, marketing materials and forms.

•Attend pre-departure Orientation students in Japan and at ESL sites in the United States. Be available to meet as needed with U.S. and Japanese stakeholders at locations of their choosing. Be available to conduct site visits of U.S. host companies as required.

•Oversee the application process from data entry to completion of program.

•Maintain oversight of the application and placement process to ensure a smooth processing of the program.

•Provide a clear program message and manage participant expectations, internally and externally.

•Arbitrate issues between students and language providers, as well as host companies.

•Domestic and international travel required.

•Work on weekends, holidays, and evenings may be required.



Desired Skills & Qualifications



•At least 3-5 years of international business or program management experience; prior management experience is preferred.

•Demonstrated ability to speak and write in Japanese proficiently

•Bachelor’s Degree within International Studies, Business, Education or related field

•Demonstrated ability in financial management including projecting & reporting statistics, admin & program revenue and expenses. Comparing actual to budgeted; managing program activities and making dept decision based on adhering to budget.

•Professional demeanor; ability to interface with senior business and government officials; administer programs within regulatory guidelines.

•Excellent written and oral communication skills

•Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

•Demonstrated strategic thinking and problem solving abilities.

•Exceptional customer service orientation.

•Strong organizational, planning and project management skills

•Self starter with initiative, ability to work independently and manage multiple projects

•Must be U.S. citizen

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to: opportunities@culturalvistas.org.