Program Manager, P&GA

Tokyo, Japan April 13, 2026 Full Time Workday

Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises: boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum. 

At Edelman, we understand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) transform our colleagues, our company, our clients, and our communities. We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging.

Role Overview

Joining the Public & Government Affairs team will provide team members with the opportunity to be involved in building this exciting team as we create a new culture, redefine public affairs services, and explore new services, such as data analytics and political risk analysis.

The Program Manager will report directly to the Managing Director of Public & Government Affairs Japan team and will be actively involved in the launch and promotion of Public & Government Affairs team in Japan and internationally. At the same time, he/she will be responsible for liaising with Public & Government Affairs team and other Edelman colleagues in Japan and worldwide. This is a position that will enable the individual to be actively involved in the management and communication of issues impacting clients in Japan and internationally.

Requirements and responsibilities

  • Actively participate and contribute to all that is necessary for the expansion of Public & Government Affairs team and Edelman's business under the direction of the Managing Director of Public & Government Affairs Japan team.

  • Lead day-to-day operations of an account workstream and serve as a primary contact for clients. Expected to play a main role in the client projects.

  • As an account/project lead, be responsible for budget management and various administrative tasks, and perform your duties appropriately.

  • Research, draft, and prepare reports that distill complicated issues for clients in consumable briefs.

  • Participate in efforts to counsel clients on strategies to promote, protect, and evolve their interests amidst geopolitical headwinds, shifting consumer sentiment, and an evolving global business environment.

  • Support, lead and execute stakeholder engagement strategies for domestic and global clients.

  • Manage client deliverables and coordinate directly with clients and Public & Government Affairs cross-functional teams to deliver top-tier work.

  • Assist in the development of new business proposals for prospective clients.

  • Conduct external marketing activities under the direction of the Managing Director to acquire new clients.

  • Conduct research and analysis for client proposals, strategies, approaches for existing and new clients.

  • Leading thought leadership development.

  • Provide support to other team members as a member of the Public & Government Affairs team.

  • Delegate to junior staff and help motivate and coach team members; manage up to senior staff and consistently provide feedback that helps drive efficiency.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Integrity, humility, and an understanding of the importance of working as a team.

  • Being humble, not self-centered, and always willing to learn from others.

  • Excellent communication skills. Being able to communicate from the other person's perspective

  • Excellent client and interpersonal skills; ability to manage independent client relationships and communicate effectively

  • Works well in a team-based collaborative environment that focuses on outcomes and can identify and implement the necessary processes to achieve success on behalf of clients.

  • Insatiable curiosity, desire for growth, and an always-positive attitude.

  • Maintains an interest and understanding of global geopolitical affairs

  • At least 3-6 years of relevant experience in government, private firm or association. Experience in Japanese policy is an advantage, as is relevant knowledge and human network.

  • Business-level English proficiency.

  • Ability to manage budgets and staffing projections, and convey ideas simply through presentations.

  • A willingness to work hard to achieve EGA’s and our client’s objectives.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with both the public and private sector

  • Possession of a professional network comprising Japanese politicians, government agencies, and experts.

  • Digital literacy through the use of social and digital tools, channels, and platforms that drive public affairs activities with clients.

  • Superior ability to write and edit documents.

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
 

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How to Get Hired at Edelman

  • Edelman is the world's largest independent PR firm — family-owned by Richard Edelman and the Edelman family through DJE Holdings, with no holding-company parent.
  • Apply through careers.edelman.com (powered by Workday); your profile carries across DJE Holdings sister brands like Zeno Group and Edelman Smithfield.
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