Programming Director
Tokyo
Branch Leadership
Posted:
June 3, 2025
You're role
The Programming Director is responsible for managing the Sustainability, Climate & Innovation, International
Relations & Human Rights and Security & Defense Chairs to together develop the overarching program of
events, conferences, symposiums and/or research projects to be offered by the organization as well as
identifying opportunities for future events and projects. In tandem with the Managing Director, the
Programming Director introduces the organization to a far-reaching network of potential partners, publications,
speakers and sponsors. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Programming Director directs overall
planning and strategy for our activities and is responsible for building and guiding their programming team with
all necessary tasks in collaboration with the Chairs and/or other project managers.
What you'll do
Supports the Managing Director and Chairs in strategy for event programming, liaising between and
providing advice to the Chairs of different thematic workstreams to ensure the quality and consistency
of the organization’s programming as a whole;
● Supports the Managing Director in defining planning standards, policies, and procedures (e.g. YPFP
Tokyo’s operational principles and visions);
● Manages the Sustainability, Climate & Innovation, International Relations & Human Rights and Security
& Defense Chairs to ensure the time schedule and progress of events and/or projects are on track from
ideation to promotion and execution;
● Builds and trains team of Programming Officers to support Programming tasks;
● Develop event themes and foundational structures for the organization in areas that does not fall under
the thematic workstreams of Sustainability, Climate & Innovation, International Relations & Human
Rights and Security & Defense (e.g. youth career-building events, members-only workshops for skills
training);
● Work closely with the Communications Director to draft key messaging for stakeholders; potential
partners, and event promotion;
● Work with the Networking and Partnerships Director to conduct annual Membership survey;
● Identify potential partners, sponsors, co-convenors and other collaborators;
● Cultivate, develop, and maintain existing partnerships and collaborations; and
● Identify and suggest creative, efficient and effective channels for engagement outside of direct
partnerships (e.g. op-eds, guest posts, special events, podcasts, etc.).
How you'll do it
● Passion for areas such as foreign policy, sustainability and climate, international relations and human
rights, security and defense, inclusivity and diversity, intergenerational co-leadership and event and/or
project management;
● A high degree of maturity and professionalism;
● Strong organizational and project management skills in a multicultural and multilingual working
environment;
● Exceptional communication skills, written and verbal;
● Ability to work effectively and independently as a part of a small team under pressure and within
deadlines; and
● A creative and innovative thinker, w
What you'll bring
● Ideally an early career professional or current graduate student in a relevant field;
● Ability to respond to emails and messages in a timely manner;
● Self-motivated, organized, and able to work efficiently and autonomously as part of a small team;1
● Good knowledge of global affairs;
● Well-spoken and able to represent our organization well at all levels;
● Ability to commit 5-10 hours per week (including attendance at team meetings and other events); and
● Acknowledgment that this position is unpaid and part-time.
How you can apply
Please note that the leadership team must be dues-paying members. You are not required to be a member to apply, but you must confirm your membership to be accepted for the position. To apply, please email a cover letter and your up-to-date CV / resume to Tokyo Managing Director, Eriko Yamada . Please include ‘Programming Director Application’ in the subject line.
Why YPFP
At YPFP, all roles are part-time and volunteer-based. Our organization is powered by a passionate, mission-driven team of young professionals who contribute their time and talents to make foreign policy more accessible, inclusive, and dynamic. Volunteers typically commit 5–10 hours per month and take on leadership roles that offer real responsibility, creative freedom, and professional growth.
While these positions are unpaid, the experience is invaluable—volunteers gain access to a global network, develop high-impact skills, and help shape the direction of one of the world’s most influential youth-led foreign policy organizations.
All branch roles are fully remote. However, it is highly valuable for volunteers to be based in or near their branch city to engage with local partnerships and attend in-person events when possible. The Global (Virtual) Branch is the exception—it welcomes candidates from anywhere in the world.
YPFP is an equal opportunity organization committed to building a diverse and inclusive community across all branches and teams. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.