Media Communications and Promotion Specialist

Who we are:

Established in 1926, Mutual Trading Co., Inc. was originally a small co-op organization for centralized purchasing of basic import foods to service the needs of the early Japanese immigrant society in Southern California. We've grown 100 years old now, and command a premiere position among Japanese foodservice suppliers, as well as fill a key role as "Culinary Ambassador" promoting Japanese foods worldwide. Currently, we import, manufacture, and distribute over 8,000 Japanese foods, beverages, restaurant equipment and supplies.

Benefits

All paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees and their dependents

Life Insurance and 401k Plan with company match.

Location: El Monte, CA

Hours: M-F: 8AM – 5PM

Essential Job Functions

• Under the manager’s direction, create and coordinate bilingual content that supports the Company’s corporate and sales goals, including promotions, advertising, PR, events, and community initiatives for Sake School of America and Miyako Sushi and Washoku School.
• Write, edit, and translate content (EN↔JP) for websites, social media, newsletters, flyers, catalogs, and internal/external communications, ensuring consistency in voice and branding.
• Lead content planning and regular updates for Company websites and social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, etc.), ensuring posts are timely, engaging, and aligned with Company branding.
• Collaborate with the PR Graphic Designer to develop integrated campaigns and visual content (e.g., flyers, web banners, editorials) that support promotional initiatives.
• Coordinate and support cross-functional PR campaigns such as JFRE, anniversary events, press conferences and Sake School of America, Miyako Sushi & Washoku School initiatives by working with internal teams, vendors, and external partners to ensure message alignment and timely execution.
• Work collaboratively to maintain and update the Company’s product catalog with new product highlights in collaboration with Sales and Purchasing teams.
• Support HQ-to-branch communication, especially for community PR and sponsorship initiatives.
• Assist in planning and execution of community-based events and cultural activations (e.g., nonprofit collaborations, food festivals, local sponsorships), ensuring brand presence and community engagement.
• Draft and distribute press releases, public announcements, and campaign updates; maintain organized contact lists for media, vendors, and community organizations.
• Attend Company meetings, events, and functions, including those outside of normal working hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned, ensuring all deliverables are met within deadlines.
• Attend semiannual inventory count on designated day, possibly on weekend.
• Obligation to answer all management as requested.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work in an office setting for extended periods of time.
• Ability to type and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to stand for extended periods throughout the day during events.
• Ability to talk, hear, walk, reach, bend, kneel, and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Working Conditions
• Noise Level: Normal to loud while indoors

Other Requirements

• Native-level English – Read/write/speak/listen.
• Business-level Japanese; native Japanese preferred – Read/write/speak/listen.
• Maintain a positive and proactive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and as a team.
• Ability to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload.
• Specific vision ability is required, including close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust and stay focused.
• Pass the Sake Adviser and Shochu Adviser certification courses within 1 year of employment.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field required. 
• 4 years of relevant experience in public relations, content creation, or communications. 

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent English/Japanese writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Working knowledge of design programs such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and scheduling tools (e.g., Instagram, Facebook,), and awareness of current social media marketing trends.
• Basic knowledge of content management systems (e.g., WordPress, GoogleSite).
• Basic understanding of visual content collaboration tools (Canva) is a plus.
• Understanding of campaign planning, editorial calendars, and brand messaging.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of Japanese foods and liquors; knowledge of foodservice industry trends is a plus.
  
  

Disclaimers

This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related duties as instructed or requested by the department manager or other management as needed, subject to reasonable accommodation and business needs. The information contained herein is subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, and no part of this document is to be construed as an express or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter the “at-will” employment status with the Company. Requirements are subject to accommodations with ADA, FEHA, and all other applicable federal and state laws. Please report any changes of essential job functions to the Human Resources Department.

Mutual Trading Co., Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.