Director, Tokyo

APCO (Tokyo, 日本) フォロー 14日前

Full-time Writing Creative Solutions Positive Work Environment People Management Marketing and Sales

今すぐ適用する

APCO, a global advisory and advocacy firm, is seeking a Director who will be based in Tokyo and will report directly to the Managing Director, Japan.

Candidates considering this role should possess a solid understanding of Japan’s policymaking processes and of the broader societal and political context, which they will use to proactively solve client questions with expert insights and creative ideas.

If selected for this role, you will work closely with senior management of APCO Japan to win, lead, and advise client accounts, and to develop and execute corporate reputation, public affairs, and advocacy programs in Japan and in other markets, when requested. You also will interact frequently with senior-level clients/prospects, government officials, academics, and other stakeholders.

Depending on your capabilities and career ambitions, you will have opportunities to work across disciplines, sectors, and markets, alongside an internationally diverse, local team and a global network of 1,200+ consultants.

On a day-to-day basis, you will be expected to deliver the following responsibilities:

Client Advisory and Management

Oversee a portfolio of client accounts, ensuring overall performance health from both internal financial/operational and client-side value/benefit/impact perspectives
Earn respect, trust, and confidence of client-side contacts operating at local, regional and/or global levels and across relevant operational divisions with aim of maintaining and growing existing accounts;
Lead account teams to work beyond the client’s brief, proactively analyzing opportunities, risks, and needs and developing creative solutions that address these considerations;
Offer expert insights and practical guidance related to public affairs and policy advocacy, including tailored approaches to stakeholder engagement, coalition-building, thought leadership, media relations, and digital communications;
Guide the development of high-quality, client-ready deliverables, such as advisory memos, engagement strategies, research reports, and PPT decks, often under tight deadlines

Business Development

Align and contribute to one or more elements of APCO’s business strategy in Japan:
- Japan to the World: Combine a rolodex of relevant contacts at domestic companies with working knowledge of public affairs and communications in other regions to create a pipeline of advisory and advocacy assignments for APCO’s network;
- Tech Sector Growth: Combine tech policy knowledge and relationships to generate a pipeline of tech clients who are ready and able to take proactive positions on current and potential topics/issues relevant to their business and society;
- Financial Communications: Combine knowledge, experience, and relationships to develop and deliver communications programs that supports M&A transactions, IPOs, spin-offs, shareholder activism, and post-merger integration.
- Lead and contribute to new business pursuits, including gathering market intelligence, writing proposals with a clear strategic direction and creative executions, delivering compelling pitch presentations, and crafting profitable scope and budget statements;
Pursue marketplace visibility, including through event speaking, written commentary, and targeted networking within key groups, such as chambers of commerce (e.g., ACCJ, Keidanren), industry associations, and professional groups (PRSJ).
Collaborate with senior staff in Tokyo and other Asia offices to plan and execute marketing and sales efforts that generate and convert new clients and expand existing relationships;
Coordinate with relevant practice, sector, and/or solution leaders from other APCO offices to identify and develop regional and global clients across service lines.

Team & People Management

Coach and mentor junior and mid-level team members to improve performance quality and efficiency in the context of accounts and to retain and develop high-potential talent in your reporting line
Contribute to the recruitment of new talent via networking and solicitation of referrals, behavior-based interviewing, and occasional community outreach and education activities
Promote a positive work environment that encourages collaboration, values diverse ideas, and supports personal development.

Qualifications
Education: University degree or higher

Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience working with businesses inside and outside of Japan, ideally in a mix of corporate and consulting roles; strong budget, client and people management skills; fluency in Japanese and English required.

Office Environment: The position will be based in APCO’s Tokyo office working alongside approximately 20 Japanese and international colleagues. This role will involve occasional domestic and international travel.

About APCO

APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact.

Founded in 1984, with one woman’s vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants and creators, providing service and expertise in financial, competitive, political and societal issues.

By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made.