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: Owns session-style programming such as panel discussions, keynotes, interactive sessions, 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

• FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt

• People Manager: No

What you’ll do

• Ideate, plan, and execute session style programming including but not limited to traditional panels, interactive panels, keynote sessions and autographs, for global Pokémon events.

• Partner with relevant stakeholders and department  to ensure programming aligns with company’s vision and goals.

• Liaise with Bilingual Project Management team to work with partners in Asia.

• Identify, contract, and manage internal and external talent / speakers for event programming.

• With manager, create and maintain event programming schedules including but not limited to pre-event rehearsals, onsite rehearsals, and final sessions.

• Partner with relevant stakeholders to create copy and collateral, including but not limited to scripts for panels, website descriptions, session titles, presentations, and handouts / giveaways.

• With manager, create and develop pitches / presentations for programming to present to other teams, executives, and external partners.

• Work with Convention Operations team and Project Management team to ensure on-time programming deliverables.

• Support team in conducting post event surveys and reports to improve events.

• Keep on top of industry trends and actively search for new ideas for events.

• Travel required – pre-event site visits and must be onsite for events.

What you’ll bring

• Five (5) to seven (7) years of relevant professional experience or a demonstrated equivalent level of expertise.

• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple events and sessions at the same time. 

• Extensive knowledge in creating panel discussions, building a conference-style sessions, and other programming.

• Experience with talent/speaker management for conferences or conventions.

• 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. 

• Ability to understand Japanese a plus (read, write and/or speak) but not a requirement.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

• Creative and effective problem-solving skills.

• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.

• Ability to respond to problems and to assist others with a calm, courteous, and helpful manner and attitude.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Bachelor's degree.

• Valid Passport or ability to obtain one.

Base Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between $106,000 - $125,000 per year. The full range is $105,000 - $157,000 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.