Program Manager, P&GA

Joining the Public & Government Affairs team will provide team members with the opportunity to be involved in building this exciting team as we create a new culture, redefine public affairs services, and explore new services, such as data analytics and political risk analysis.

The Program Manager will report directly to the Managing Director of Public & Government Affairs Japan team and will be actively involved in the launch and promotion of Public & Government Affairs team in Japan and internationally. At the same time, he/she will be responsible for liaising with Public & Government Affairs team and other Edelman colleagues in Japan and worldwide. This is a position that will enable the individual to be actively involved in the management and communication of issues impacting clients in Japan and internationally.

Requirements and responsibilities

• Actively participate and contribute to all that is necessary for the expansion of Public & Government Affairs team and Edelman's business under the direction of the Managing Director of Public & Government Affairs Japan team.

• Lead day-to-day operations of an account workstream and serve as a primary contact for clients. Expected to play a main role in the client projects.

• As an account/project lead, be responsible for budget management and various administrative tasks, and perform your duties appropriately.

• Research, draft, and prepare reports that distill complicated issues for clients in consumable briefs.

• Participate in efforts to counsel clients on strategies to promote, protect, and evolve their interests amidst geopolitical headwinds, shifting consumer sentiment, and an evolving global business environment.

• Support, lead and execute stakeholder engagement strategies for domestic and global clients.

• Manage client deliverables and coordinate directly with clients and Public & Government Affairs cross-functional teams to deliver top-tier work.

• Assist in the development of new business proposals for prospective clients.

• Conduct external marketing activities under the direction of the Managing Director to acquire new clients.

• Conduct research and analysis for client proposals, strategies, approaches for existing and new clients.

• Leading thought leadership development.

• Provide support to other team members as a member of the Public & Government Affairs team.

• Delegate to junior staff and help motivate and coach team members; manage up to senior staff and consistently provide feedback that helps drive efficiency.

• Integrity, humility, and an understanding of the importance of working as a team.

• Being humble, not self-centered, and always willing to learn from others.

• Excellent communication skills. Being able to communicate from the other person's perspective

• Excellent client and interpersonal skills; ability to manage independent client relationships and communicate effectively

• Works well in a team-based collaborative environment that focuses on outcomes and can identify and implement the necessary processes to achieve success on behalf of clients.

• Insatiable curiosity, desire for growth, and an always-positive attitude.

• Maintains an interest and understanding of global geopolitical affairs

• At least 3-6 years of relevant experience in government, private firm or association. Experience in Japanese policy is an advantage, as is relevant knowledge and human network.

• Business-level English proficiency.

• Ability to manage budgets and staffing projections, and convey ideas simply through presentations.

• A willingness to work hard to achieve EGA’s and our client’s objectives.

• Experience working with both the public and private sector

• Possession of a professional network comprising Japanese politicians, government agencies, and experts.

• Digital literacy through the use of social and digital tools, channels, and platforms that drive public affairs activities with clients.

• Superior ability to write and edit documents.