Department: VIP Relations
Employment type: Full time employee
Reports to: VIP Director or relevant senior management
Location: Tokyo (Hybrid)
To apply, please submit your submit your CV and cover letter to Ayako Dehon at ayako@tokyogendai.com .
Tokyo Gendai is seeking a highly motivated and experienced VIP Manager to play a crucial role in cultivating and maintaining relationships with the fair’s most important stakeholders, including top collectors, museum directors, curators, corporate partners, and high-net-worth individuals in Japan and internationally. This role is essential for driving the success of the fair by ensuring an exceptional experience for the VIP audience, optimizing sales opportunities for participating galleries, and strengthening Tokyo Gendai’s standing within the global art market.
VIP Relations and Stewardship
Programming and Events
Curate and execute a high-quality program of VIP events, including private dinners, exclusive tours, studio visits, and specialized talks, both leading up to and during the fair.
Collaborate with corporate partners and sponsors on co-hosted VIP initiatives.
Database Management and Reporting
Maintain and continuously update the VIP database, ensuring accurate tracking of all interactions, attendance, and preference data.
Utilize data analytics to identify trends, measure the success of VIP initiatives, and inform future strategy.
Prepare detailed reports on VIP attendance, engagement, and key outcomes for senior management and stakeholders.
Team Collaboration and Communication
Work cross-functionally with the Marketing, Operations, and Gallery Relations teams to ensure a cohesive and high-end experience for VIP guests.
Manage a small team or group of temporary staff/hosts dedicated to VIP services during the fair period.
Represent Tokyo Gendai professionally at external events, both locally and internationally, to network and expand the VIP pipeline.
Qualifications and Key Competencies
Experience: Experience in VIP relations, client development, high-end hospitality, or major donor/patron management, preferably within the contemporary art world, luxury sector, or major cultural event environment.
Market Knowledge: Deep understanding of the Japanese and international art market, including key collectors, institutions, and major industry players.
Language Skills: Fluency in both Japanese and English is essential (written and spoken). Proficiency in other languages is a plus.
Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the proven ability to interact confidently and effectively with VIPs.
Event Management: Proven track record in successfully planning and executing high-profile, exclusive events.
Personal Attributes: Highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, discreet, and possesses a professional demeanor suitable for a luxury/high-end environment. Must be able to work under pressure and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
Employment Type: Full time employee
Trial Period: 3 months
Department: VIP Relations
Office Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (overtime and travel as needed)
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days in-office/week, remote on non-office days)
Office Location: 5 minutes walk from Kamiyacho Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
Holidays: Weekends, national holidays, end-of year
Paid Time Off: 10 days annually
Benefits: Social insurance and commuter benefits
To apply, please submit your submit your CV and cover letter to Ayako Dehon at ayako@tokyogendai.com .
