Training Center Program Manager

Portland Japanese Garden - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit - is hiring for a Full-Time Training Center Program Manager. Portland Japanese Garden’s International Japanese Garden Training Center (TC) offers learners of all levels the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese garden and other art forms connected to it. As the Garden’s educational wing, and the only such program outside of Japan, the Training Center teaches the traditional skills and techniques for creating and fostering Japanese gardens, while acquainting learners with the Garden’s cultural heart. Learners range from elementary school students using haiku to express their thoughts and dreams, to accomplished garden professionals learning how to construct the stone compositions in a tea garden. Workshops, themed tours, school programs, lectures, and professional-level programs including seminars and intensives take place at the Garden and offsite venues.

The Program Manager will report to and assist the Director of the Training Center in creating, building curriculum for, overseeing, and directing educational programs. These programs are expected to meet the Training Center’s core standards and values and respond to the learning needs of a variety of participants, from Title I elementary school students through avid avocational learners to accomplished professionals. This position will work at our primary Garden campus, located at 611 SW Kingston Avenue.

Primary Duties

Programmatic Planning

• In collaboration with the TC Director, plan the Center’s year-to-year program schedule, with attention to scheduling, target audiences, programming by other departments, facility and resource availability and budget
• Take a proactive role in identifying, proposing, and building collaborative and strategic partnerships with a wide range of individuals, organizations, local community groups, and national and international organizations relating to landscape architecture, Japanese gardens, and related arts

Ongoing Program Planning & Curriculum Development

• Assist the TC Director to:
  • Create and carry out programs, including set-up and take-down
  • Evaluate and refine curriculum structure and teaching materials for existing programs on an ongoing basis
  • Curate, organize, and present a themed public speaker series, collaborating with other departments on theme and focus as appropriate
  • Develop, implement, and continually refine and monitor accreditation, certification, and evaluation procedures with targeted professional associations for professional-level educational programs.
  • Work cooperatively and proactively with the Development Department to identify and solicit appropriate funding sources and ensure that grants are correctly used and tracked.
  • Procure, manage quality control, and supervise the work of outside contractors including educators, videographers, curriculum writers and others as needed to support programs

Outreach & Communication

• Collaborate with the Marketing Department to develop and implement marketing strategies and communications materials for target audiences
• Represent the Center through outreach at events in the wider professional community to recruit quality students
• Collaborate with the TC Director in the production of monthly content for promoting the Center’s programs through the Garden’s media channels including newsletter, magazine, website, and others
• Supervise and manage the Program Assistant
• Manage and track annual budgets and projected revenue and expenses
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Other Responsibilities

• Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook
• Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication
• Serve as a role model for Garden volunteers, providing support and encouragement to volunteers in their roles across the Garden
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance
• Adhere to Garden Dress Code (business casual)

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 3 to 5 years of experience, with a successful track record in teaching and/or program development, and management at vocational institution or other education-centered organizations
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Word, and Excel

Special Requirements

• Proficiency in Japanese is preferred
• Flexible work schedule and ability to accommodate changing Garden needs
• Ability to work in all types of weather conditions during events
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs

Compensation & Schedule

• Salary: $70,000/year
• This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position, with 40 – 45 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work required for programs and events.
• Benefits:
  • health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees), with partial deductible reimbursement
  • 401k plan (after 6 months, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
  • flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
  • paid time off:
    • vacation: 3 weeks per calendar year to start, with periodic increases per the employee handbook
    • sick: 10 days per calendar year
    • holidays: 10 holidays per year
  • free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Transportation

The Garden is located at 611 SW Kingston Avenue, in Washington Park. Below are the transportation options for staff commuting to the Garden:

• Parking: Staff may park in the pay-to-park spaces throughout Washington Park. The cost is $8/day, or staff may request parking permits from Washington Park. The Garden subsidizes a portion of the cost for parking permits; the cost for staff is $75/month during the high season (March – September) and $50/month during the low season (October – February).
• Bus Passes: For staff who take public transit as their primary means of commuting to the Garden, we provide paid bus passes. Full-time staff receive a monthly TriMet pass, and part-time staff receive daily passes, based on their work schedule.
• Transportation Stipend: Staff who take any form of alternative transit to get to work qualify for a $5 daily stipend. This includes taking public transit, walking, biking, carpooling, or getting dropped off. The only staff who do not qualify for the stipend are those who are receiving a bus pass through the Garden.

Applications

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three work-related references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications. Submit applications by January 31st, 2025.

All submitted applications will be held in confidence.