Social Media Manager

Japan Society seeks a creative and highly engaged Social Media Manager to drive our digital presence and amplify our programs, cultural impact, and fundraising efforts.

Sitting within the Communications & Marketing department, this role plays a key part in shaping Japan Society’s public voice across a highly diverse audience spectrum. Our community spans from local New York City residents and long-time corporate donors to a rapidly growing, global demographic of young digital natives with a deep interest in Japanese culture.

The Social Media Manager will own the day-to-day execution of our social channels, translating our rich array of live events, art exhibitions, and educational programs into compelling digital narratives. The ideal candidate is a digital storyteller and community builder who leverages video, dynamic copy, and authentic Japanese cultural fluency to bridge these distinct demographics and grow our audience.

Responsibilities

Content Creation & Strategy

• Draft, design, and schedule posts across all social media platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook,YouTube, TikTok, and X, shaping Japan Society’s digital voice.

• Create, manage, and execute a comprehensive social media content calendar.

• Incorporate and prioritize short-form video across platforms to engage prospective audiences, from traditional patrons to young, digitally native cultural enthusiasts.

• Produce additional editorial content for the Japan Society website, print collateral, and other digital projects as needed.

Community Engagement & Listening

• Manage the social media community through daily engagement, proactive commenting, and prompt replies to direct messages.

• Conduct social listening across platforms to identify emerging Japanese cultural trends and conversations,applying sharp editorial judgment to manage sensitive or time-critical content effectively.

• Conduct warm, thoughtful interviews with artists, staff, patrons, volunteers, and community members, translating those conversations into compelling digital stories.

Collaboration & Production

• Work closely with the internal Communications & Marketing team and external partners to create high-impact social media graphics and campaigns.

• Source, organize, and archive necessary photography and video assets for digital promotions.

• Assist in the scheduling, logistics, and on-the-ground execution for brand photo and video shoots at our physical headquarters.

• Provide live social media coverage during occasional evening and weekend events (galas, performances, and exhibition openings) to capture the experience in real-time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Digital Media, or a related discipline.

• 2+ years of professional experience in social media management, design, editorial, video production, or content creation.

• Proven experience growing accounts and audiences on platforms including Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube,Facebook, and TikTok.

• Deep Japanese cultural fluency and a strong personal interest in Japanese arts, history, and contemporary trends are highly preferred to authentically engage our diverse digital audience.

• Japanese language proficiency (spoken, reading, or written) is a significant plus.

• Experience filming and editing short-form video for social media; strong familiarity with tools like CapCut,iMovie, Premiere, or similar.

• Experience with social scheduling and management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social).

• Very strong writing and communication skills, with an ability to adapt tone across different platforms.

• Experience reporting on and interpreting social media metrics to drive strategic decisions.

• Professional, cooperative communicator capable of interacting seamlessly with multiple internal and external stakeholders.

• Experience with both organic content and paid social media advertising is highly preferred.

• Background in arts & culture, nonprofits, or mission-driven organizations is preferred.

Compensation & Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position based at Japan Society’s Midtown Manhattan headquarters with an annual salary range of $65,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience. Please note that to ensure internal equity and allow room for future growth, starting offers for this position typically target the midpoint of this range.

Japan Society operates on a hybrid schedule requiring in-office presence Tuesday through Thursday (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM), with remote flexibility on Mondays and Fridays, as well as occasional evening and weekend hours for live event coverage.

Total Rewards & Benefits

Japan Society offers an exceptional, highly subsidized benefits package designed to deliver comprehensive health protection, long-term financial planning, and sustainable work-life balance:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Premium medical insurance, backed by an employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) that directly covers out-of-pocket medical copays and prescription costs, optional pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and employer-paid dental and vision coverage.

• Retirement Planning: Following six months of service, employees are eligible for an employer contribution of up to 10% of base salary, fully funded by Japan Society with no employee match required. Staff may also elect to make pre-tax contributions to an optional Supplemental Retirement Annuity (SRA).

• Disability: 100% employer-sponsored short-term disability, long-term disability, and basic life insurance.

• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit: Transit and parking flexible spending accounts to reduce daily commuting expenses.

• Paid Holidays: A robust time-off package including 15 vacation days, 10 sick days, 11 paid holidays, and paid Summer Fridays.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and a digital portfolio or work samples (PDF or URL link). 

Due to the volume of submissions, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly. Please refrain from direct inquiries or LinkedIn messages regarding this position.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.