Kansai Chapter Head

Job Summary: The Kansai Chapter Head spearheads the Kansai regional operations & administration, ensuring efficient day-to-day management of the Chapter’s business. The Kansai Chapter Head ensures operational adherence to ACCJ’s Constitution and Bylaws and the official policies of the Chamber, and works closely with the Chapter’s Vice President and Governor to support the Chapter goals. The Kansai Chapter Head is responsible for enhancing the value proposition in the region through membership recruitment and retention activities, and also serves as a liaison with local government and business organizations. 

Areas of Responsibility

1.    Membership Recruitment, Relations, and Retention

• Develop membership recruitment strategies with Kansai leaders

• Deliver strategic analysis of Membership data on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis

• Research and identify target industries

• Engage potential members and lead informational meetings

• Handle inquiries from members and non-members

• Assist member engagement in Chamber activities

• Maintain and update database of prospective members to ensure accurate tracking and effective outreach

• Attend events & meetings and proactively communicate with members and guests

• Collaborate closely with the Membership Department and share leads, identify opportunities, and address challenges to support membership growth

2.    ACCJ Leader Support

• Partner closely with Kansai Chapter leaders to understand their priorities and needs

• Communicate regularly and proactively with Kansai Chapter leaders for comprehensive updates on ongoing projects, tasks, and membership development

• Prepare and organize the monthly Kansai Executive Committee Meeting for strategic discussion and planning

• Lead continuity of the Kansai Executive Committee and advise and guide Kansai leaders on best practices when appropriate

• Complete special projects and analysis as directed by the Kansai Chapter leaders

• Oversee and support the Kansai Executive Committee nominations and election processes, ensuring that they are conducted in accordance with the Chamber’s Constitution and Bylaws

3.    Operations and Administration

• Ensure the Kansai Chapter operates smoothly and efficiently

• Serve as the point of contact for local governments and business organizations, and strengthen relationships with partner organizations

• Explore opportunities to collaborate with external organizations

• Regularly update and liaise with the Executive Director/other department heads on Chapter activities, challenges, and opportunities on a regular basis

• Work closely with Communications Manager to develop event promotion and social media strategy

• Coordinate with local press for key events and develop press releases or news posts with the Communications Department

• Monitor and ensure the Kansai Chapter leaders are satisfied with the support and services provided by the Kansai team

• Provide coaching and guidance to Kansai Programs Coordinator and Kansai Operations Coordinator, offering support to assure optimal performance

• Oversee and uphold the Chamber’s Privacy Policy to ensure compliance at all times

• Update and maintain the Chamber’s master calendar and avoid conflicts with other chapters

• Manage event and committee records

• Participate in Chamber-wide activities (e.g. staff meetings, training sessions, etc)

4.    Financial Management

• Develop and manage the Kansai Chapter’s annual budget, and ensure that budget expectations are met throughout the year

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of financial results against the budget, including explanation of budget variations

• Keep the Executive Director and the Kansai leaders informed of emerging financial risks and opportunities

• Manage office contracts and agreements

• Monitor monthly expenses, program income, and staff overtime to support effective resource management and operational efficiency

• Follow up on overdue accounts to encourage prompt payment

• Review invoices for accuracy and validity prior to processing payments and / or submitting  expense reports

Job Competencies and Attributes

• Strategic and Forward-thinking Leadership Skills: Ability to enhance the organization’s operations, performance, and member engagement; ability to see the broader context and long-term implications of a situation, idea, or project, rather than focus solely on the details or short-term tasks

• Initiative & Accountability: Ability to identify and address areas of weakness that may affect the organization; ability to define objectives and strategies to meet member requirements and organizational goals and objectives

• Project Management: Ability to manage projects and ensure high-quality standards are met; ability to anticipate potential problems and institute controls and contingency plans to address them

• Partnering/Networking & Political Skills: Demonstrate an understanding and consideration of how an action or communication will impact stakeholders and affected areas in the organization

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to interact and engage with top-level executives, peers, subordinates and members with assertiveness and empathy

• Communication Skills: Ability to present information, analysis, and ideas clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing; have a willingness to share perspectives and foster an environment that encourages others to contribute

  Other Skills and Qualifications:

• Exceptional verbal and written communications capabilities in Japanese and English

• At least 10 years of professional experience in the public and/or private sector; Background in operations management, or related field

• Bachelor’s Degree or Graduate degree preferred