External Affairs Director

The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) is a unique organization with a 75-year history of working with the US and Japanese governments and the world's largest and most influential companies to strengthen the US-Japan relationship.

The ACCJ is a network of business executives and thought leaders from across Japan and the US. Positions at the ACCJ provide high visibility in both the public and private sectors in Japan and the US.  

The ideal candidate has a passion for the U.S.-Japan relationship and brings senior policy and government relations experience from either the private or public sector.

Overview of position

The External Affairs Director is responsible for driving the ACCJ’s advocacy-related objectives to ensure member priorities are addressed effectively and the ACCJ is best positioned to achieve its mission. This position reports to the Executive Director and leads the ACCJ’s External Affairs team.

This position is based in Tokyo - currently working from the office and remote locations throughout the greater Tokyo area.

Critical Areas of Responsibility

Strategic Planning

Work with advocacy committees to identify short- and long-term policy objectives; support committees in building and executing advocacy campaigns to achieve objectives; utilize member input to propose and support implementation of programs that horizontally impact member industries. Ensure the advocacy position paper review process is efficient to bring ACCJ positions to the government quickly and effectively.

Team Leadership

Lead the External Affairs department to ensure the team is goal focused, results oriented, and models ACCJ values; serve as a key member of the senior leadership team to contribute to the Chamber’s broader strategic objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement

Oversee and expand strategic partnerships with USG and GOJ relationships and business organizations; identify opportunities for ACCJ input into USG and GOJ activities, such asCongressional hearings, public comments, and other thought-leadership activities to showcase ACCJ industry expertise; related responsibilities include:

• Regular Japanese business organization engagement and relationship building

• Government Briefings: Provide necessary support to further strategic engagement objectives through face-to-face meetings with government stakeholders

• DC Doorknock and Diet Doorknocks: Ensure annual engagement event is strategic use of time and resources, support delegation engagement, and refine key messages to ensure member priorities are reflected accurately and effectively

Issue and Policy Monitoring

Provide information and analysis to ACCJ members and staff on Chamber advocacy and USG and GOJ policies and activities that impact business in Japan.

ACCJ Communications

Draft and edit ACCJ positions on industry issues as needed and ensure advocacy positions and priorities are reflected in ACCJ communications; and strategically manage ACCJ media-relations to strengthen the ACCJ’s voice and brand.

Requirements

• Superior English written and verbal communication skills required (must be native level), and advanced Japanese ability preferred.

• Experience leading a government relations function in a global business environment.

• At least 7 years of people management experience

• Must be a team player and demonstrate willingness to support others, regardless of their level in the organization

• Demonstrated ability to self-start and learn on the job.

• Demonstrated ability to create strategic plans and use creative thinking in problem solving.

• Desire to work in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment.

• Outstanding customer service skills

• Advanced degree (e.g., MA, MBA)

How to Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter via the form below.