Job Description: Program Associate
The Program Associate contributes to Sakura Square LLC and Sakura Foundation’s roles as the cultural center of the Japanese/Japanese American (J/JA) community. Sakura Foundation is a Colorado 501c3 Supporting Organization to the Denver Foundation and the sole owner of Sakura Square LLC. This position has responsibility for logistics, planning, marketing, and analysis of Foundation and LLC programming and events.
Reports to: Executive Advisor, Sakura Square LLC / Executive Director (ED), Sakura Foundation
FLSA Status: Part-time; 30 hours per week; non-exempt
Position Summary: Responsible for marketing, leading and organizing, in a timely and cost-effective manner, the programming and events of Sakura Foundation and Sakura Square. This position plays a key role in the smooth running of these busy and fast-paced organizations and requires occasional attendance at events and meetings outside of office hours and on weekends.
General qualities: The Program Associate should be a proactive self-starter, good communicator, team- oriented, reliable, responsive, solution-driven, and eager to apply their knowledge and gain new skills.
Essential Functions of the Program Associate include, but are not limited to, the following:
Marketing and Communication
- Create, test, and email the foundation quarterly eNewsletters and eBlasts
- Oversee sakurafoundation.org and cherryblossomdenver.org by creating informative and effective content with user-friendly and visually appealing placement content, keeping the content up-to-date, and troubleshooting the sites on a consistent basis
- Track and analyze attendee information at all events and offer suggestions for future programming and marketing efforts
- Plan, post, and analyze social media posts for both foundation and community activities
- Share/implement new ideas to improve processes, marketing, and/or attendance for cultural programming, events and festivals
Projects, Events, and Programming
- With the ED and board of directors, plan and organize logistics of events and programming
- Initiate and manage the registration platforms for accepting RSVPs/tickets (i.e. EventBrite)
- Create and implement signage and its location for events to maximize communication and create smooth and logical traffic flows and visibility for guests
- Create follow-up surveys after programs/events, analyze results, and create a feedback summary for the BOD and ED with suggestions on how to improve programs/events going forward
- Create follow-up reports for events, including DCBF and SOJ with the purpose of informing sponsors on the value of their investment, procuring new sponsors, and encouraging donations to support these events
- Assist ED with grant writing and securing sponsorships and donations throughout the year
- Assist with special projects and assignments for Sakura Square and its CEO
- Handle all logistics for foundation board and committee meetings, programming and events
- Process and distribute incoming mail; respond to inquiries as needed
- Track equipment and supply inventories and assist with replenishment
- Maintain foundation documents and files (hard and soft copies)
- Work on additional tasks and/or projects as needed
Donations and Memberships to Sakura Foundation
- Analyze SalesForce data to assist with strategizing donation plans and stewardship/growth of the membership program and donations
- Work with the LLC Project Manager to audit the data on a regular basis to ensure that contact information from the website, membership, and donations are being recorded properly in SalesForce
- Work with ED and chairpersons to schedule and manage meetings for the Membership Committee and Community Engagement Committee and assist with committee initiatives and goals
QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROGRAM ASSOCIATE
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in area relevant to job responsibilities
- Three+ years’ experience with event planning and marketing; fundraising and grant writing experience a plus
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
It is not required, but it is desirable that the Program Associate has an understanding of the Japanese culture and Japanese American community. All employees of Sakura Square LLC are required to adhere to the company’s health and safety protocols, which are evaluated by the management team on a regular basis. This position will be 100% in person while the new employee completes the onboarding process. Flex hours will then be evaluated with the supervisor based on the needs of the position and company.
COMPENSATION
The pay for this position is $22 to $24 per hour for a 30-hour work week, commensurate with experience. Benefits include a technology stipend of $130 per month, covered parking or RTD pass, and participation in the 360+5 Employee Health and Wellness Program, which offers employees a reimbursement for said expenses (maximum amount determined at the beginning of each year).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should complete the application and email it and a resume with the subject line “Sakura Square LLC Program Associate” to avalenzuela@employerscouncil.org. No phone call, please.
Dec 2024