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Winona International Friendship Association
The Winona International Friendship Association (WIFA) was established in 2014 to coordinate student ambassador delegations with Misato, Japan. WIFA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization run by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Each year, WIFA accepts applications and interviews 8th-10th grade students who are interested in becoming ambassadors to Misato. Once selected, this group meets throughout the year to host the October Misato delegation in Winona, learn about the Japanese culture, and host fundraising events to offset their travel fees.
Job Summary
Reports to WIFA Board President & Board of Directors.
Winona International Friendship Association (WIFA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is funded through private donations and grants. The mission is to facilitate the Sister City student exchange program with Misato, Japan, and to build support for the program in Winona. The WIFA Director is hired as an independent contractor responsible for facilitating the student ambassador program and related fundraising, along with the board of directors.
Hours and Wage
The position has flexible hours and work arrangements but is a year-round position. Hours vary but range from 8-40 hours per month depending on the time of year. The Director is given an annual performance review by the Board of Directors. This position offers an annual wage of $9,000 based on qualifications and experience. There are no fringe benefits with this position. The position is eligible for a year-end bonus up to $1,000 based on a performance review by the Executive Board.
Job responsibilities:
STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM (September-April)
- In cooperation with City of Winona schools, disseminates application communications in September. Provides information to the schools about the application process and is available to communicate with families about the application process.
- Manages the application process, gathers community members to review applications, communicates with students about whether or not they’ve been chosen.
- Regular meetings with students and parents to discuss the exchange program, homestay, and fundraising efforts.
- Communicate with Misato officials to coordinate travel details for their October visit and Winona’s April visit.
- Create itinerary for student and adult Misato ambassador visit to Winona in early October.
FUNDRAISING (September-March)
- Working together, the Board of Directors, Director, and ambassador families are responsible for raising $10,000-15,000 per year through fundraising events, an annual appeal, major donor program, and grant writing.
- Manages the annual letter appeal process in January.
- Responsible for maintaining the WIFA website and Facebook page. Develops materials to solicit donations. Manages all media relations.
- Organizes, promotes, and conducts fundraising events on behalf of WIFA, in conjunction with ambassador families and Board of Directors.
ADMIN & BOARD OF DIRECTOR MANAGEMENT (January-December)
- Oversees the annual operating budget and reporting along with the Board Treasurer.
- Manages the WIFA email and provides timely and courteous responses.
- Schedules, coordinates, and sets meeting agenda for monthly Board meetings.
- Prepares monthly reports for the WIFA Board.
- Complete any required reporting for local, state, regional funding sources.
- Work with accounting firm to file taxes each year.
- Does all work with confidentiality in mind and in compliance with by-laws of WIFA.
- Director is provided a laptop for the role.
Qualifications
Candidates must have excellent organizational, computer, and communication skills. An ability to work with boards/committees, schools, funders, and families is necessary. Experience with nonprofit management, fundraising, and event planning is preferred. Passion for international relations is a bonus!
Apply
Please submit a resume with a cover letter to winonaifa@gmail.com by June 14. The Board of Directors plans to fill the position as soon as the applicant is available.
The sister city relationship between Winona, Minnesota, and Misato, Japan, has flourished over decades, fostering deep cultural ties and mutual understanding. Initiated in 1997 when Kogota (now Misato) invited Winona to become a sister city, the partnership has grown to include annual ambassador exchanges and educational programs.
In 2003, Winona sent its first delegation to Misato. Since then, the program has expanded, with approximately 15 students and 10 adults from Winona visiting Misato annually, representing both public and private schools. Each October, Winona hosts a delegation of ambassadors from Misato, engaging in activities such as cultural fairs, school visits, and community events. These exchanges provide participants with firsthand experiences of each other's cultures, fostering global awareness and personal growth.
In 2024, the Winona International Friendship Association (WIFA) resumed its annual exchanges after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this visit, Misato unveiled a memorial in honor of Joe Lepley, a former Winona teacher who was the heart of the Winona-Misato program for many years. The memorial, facing the Princess Winona statue in Misato, commemorates his contributions in building this program.
The sister city relationship between Winona, Minnesota, and Bytów, Poland, was established in 2004. The partnership between Winona and Bytów was initiated by Father Paul Breza, a Winona native and founder of the Kashubian Cultural Institute and Polish Museum (KCIPM). His visits to Bytów in the late 1980s and 1990s inspired the collaboration, recognizing the Kashubian roots of many Polish immigrants who settled in Winona during the late 19th century. Winona is currently known as the Kashubian Capital of America. To learn more about Kashubians and their roots in Winona, visit the KCIPM's website.
Over the years, the sister city program has facilitated numerous exchanges between the two communities. Students and adults from both cities have participated in reciprocal visits, fostering understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures. The KCIPM in Winona has been instrumental in these efforts, hosting exhibits and events that highlight the shared heritage.
Contact WIFA: winonaifa@gmail.com
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/WinonaIFA