Convention Programming Manager

Get to know The Pokémon Company International

The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children's entertainment properties in the world.

Learn more online at corporate.pokemon.com and pokemon.com.

Get to know the role

• Job Title: Convention Programming Manager 
• Job Summary: This role owns session-style programming such as panel discussions, keynotes, autographs, meet and greet sessions, and more, to serve a broad range of customers at global Pokémon events -- overseeing the session style programming from planning to execution under the Manager, Convention Programming & Japanese Business Management. 
• FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt
• People Manager: No

What you’ll do

• Plan and execute session style programming, including but not limited to, panel discussions, keynotes, autographs, as well as meet and greet sessions for global Pokémon events in support of growing the fan base.
• Along with the Manager, create and develop pitches/presentations for programming to present to other managers, executives, and external partners.
• Identify and acquire talent/speakers from internal and external brand ecosystems.
• Communicate and work with each internal stakeholder and department to make sure the company’s vision and goals are reflected in the programming.
• Along with the Manager, work with vendors and talent/speakers to ensure our vision and goals are effectively communicated.
• Actively search for new ideas/topics and improvements on programming through customer/market research and benchmarking other conventions/conferences.
• Manage talents’/speakers’ and stakeholders’ schedule(s) and lead rehearsals.
• Draft customer facing titles and descriptions for sessions/programs and obtain approval from stakeholders.
• Creates session schedule by listening to, and working with, internal and external individuals to balance all stakeholder constraints.
• Work with the Convention Operations Manager to ensure all logistics required to execute the programming ideas.
• Work with the Project Management team to ensure all timelines required to execute the programming ideas.
• Be on-site and oversee the execution during all relevant events.
• Support the Manager in creating reports after each event.

What you’ll bring

• 5 years of experience in a relevant industry, such as events, entertainment or gaming industries.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Extensive knowledge in creating panel discussions, building a conference-style program, and other session style programming.
• Experience with talent/speaker management for conferences or conventions.
• Ability to work on multiple sessions for multiple events at the same time. 
• Working knowledge of Anime/Comic/Gaming conventions and a strong understanding of B2C and fan conventions.
• Possess Marketing and PR perspective from professional experience. 
• Strong understanding and knowledge of Pokémon brand and its fan base. 
• Enthusiasm to increase fan satisfaction of events. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to understand Japanese a plus (read, write and/or speak) but not a requirement.
• Be proficient in Microsoft tools. (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, etc.) 
• Ability to work under pressure and under challenging timelines. 
• Team player with ability to work with various groups across the organization. 
• Ability to switch between a supporting role and leading role. 

Base Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between $102,000 - 120,650 per year. The full range is $102,000 - $152,000 per year. This range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. The final base salary is directly related to the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience uniquely.

#LI-CK1 #LI-Hybrid

How you’ll be successful

• Passion for Pokémon: Develops an understanding of the Pokémon brand, the impact it has on our people, culture, business, fans, and communities, and applying that knowledge and passion to everything you do.
• Challenging the Expected: Approaches challenges with curiosity and creativity, embracing the possibility of failure as an opportunity to learn something new, develop innovative ideas, solve complex problems and identify unique opportunities.  
• Integrity and Respect: Demonstrates integrity and respect by leading with empathy, listening to others, seeking out different perspectives, and taking personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and results.
• Dedicated to Quality: Takes ownership to maintain and promote high standards, looks for new ways to learn and improve, and embraces a growth mindset to seek and apply feedback from others in an effort to continuously improve. 
• Building Relationships: Develops and strengthens relationships, adopting a “team first” mentality and working collaboratively to solve problems and meet shared goals.  
• Delighting Customers: Listens and understands the interests and needs of our customers and stakeholders, making them feel heard and important, and embracing these learnings to continue delivering a unique Pokémon experience.

What to expect

• An employee first culture.
• Company events that celebrate the spirit of Pokémon.
• Competitive cash-based compensation programs.
• 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for you.
• Generous paid family leave.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Employer-paid long and short-term income protection insurance.
• US Employees: 401k Employer Matching.
• UK/IRE/MX Employees: Pension Employer Contributions.
• Fitness reimbursement.
• Commuter benefit.
• LinkedIn learning.
• Comprehensive relocation package for certain roles.
• Hybrid work environment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this role. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. For roles in the United Kingdom, candidates will need the right to work. In some cases, and for some roles, the Company may be able to arrange a visa. For roles in Ireland, this role requires candidates to have the right to live and work in the Republic of Ireland. However, we welcome applications from all nationalities and may consider supporting an employment permit application, in appropriate and suitable cases.

The Pokémon Company International is committed to the inclusion of all qualified applicants for consideration in our job application process. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at Accomodationrequest_TA@pokemon.com