Manager, Convention Programming

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: Manager, Convention Programming

• Job Summary: The Manager, Convention Programming provides visionary and strategic leadership to the Convention Programming team in the development and execution of compelling, high-impact content for our global conventions and experiences. This role is responsible for curating innovative, audience-centric programming that aligns with our brand, engages diverse fan segments, and drives measurable outcomes. The ideal candidate is a creative storyteller, experienced in large-scale event content strategy, speaker management, and team leadership.

• FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt

• People Manager: Yes

What you’ll do

Program Strategy & Design

• Develop and lead the overall content strategy for global conventions, ensuring alignment with business goals and audience needs.

• Design innovative session experiences (e.g., keynotes, panels, workshops, immersive activations) that elevate engagement and onsite experience.

• Stay ahead of industry trends in event content, audience engagement, and experiential programming.

• Champion new formats, technologies, and storytelling techniques to continuously evolve the convention experience.

• Leverage analytics to measure session performance and attendee engagement, using insights to optimize future programming.

Speaker & Talent Management

• Source, vet, and secure high-caliber speakers, moderators, and facilitators from across the community.

• Manage all aspects of speaker engagement, including outreach, briefing, logistics, and on-site support.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and executive leadership to prepare internal speakers and ensure message alignment.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee content timelines, speaker deliverables, and production milestones to ensure flawless execution.

• Manage content budgets and vendor relationships related to programming and speaker services.

• Lead post-event content reporting, including feedback analysis, attendance metrics, and recommendations.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build and lead a high-performing convention programming team.

• Define team structure, roles, and responsibilities to support scalable programming across multiple events.

• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and accountability through mentorship, coaching, and professional development.

• Set clear goals and performance metrics, conduct regular feedback sessions, and support career growth for team members.

• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in team hiring, development, and content creation practices.

What you’ll bring

• 7+ years of experience in a relevant industry, such as events, entertainment or gaming industries.

• 3+ years of experience developing and managing high-performing teams.

• 15 - 20% business travel required. 

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Proven success in curating and managing content for large-scale, multi-day events, including building a conference-style program.

• Working knowledge of Anime/Comic/Gaming conventions and a strong understanding of B2C and fan conventions.

• Strong understanding and knowledge of Pokémon brand and its fan base.

• Experience managing executive-level speakers and high-profile talent.

• Exceptional communication, storytelling, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment with multiple priorities, e.g.  comfortable working on multiple sessions for multiple events at the same time.

• Ability to switch between a supporting role and leading role.

• Proficient in Microsoft and Google tools. Experience with Workfront a plus.

Base Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between $129,000 - $155,000 per year. The full range is $129,000 - $198,000 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 innovative culture driven by impact, delivering meaningful outcomes.
• 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 accommodationrequest_ta@pokemon.com.