Executive Director

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Seeking an Executive Director in the Metro Detroit area to help connect Japan, the US, and Canada for the Japan America Society (remote, part-time)

Job Type: Location Type: Remote: open to residents of specific US states

This role is primarily remote with ability to attend meetings in the Detroit area and travel across Michigan and SW Ontario.

 

Founding of the Japan American Society of Michigan and Southwestern Ontario

Chrysler’s Lee Iacocca, Ford’s Harold Poling, GM’s Roger Smith and Mazda’s Osamu Nobuto are among the founding officers at the Society’s inauguration in December of 1989, along with the mayors of Detroit and Windsor. Detroit businessmen Walter J. McCarthy, Chair of Detroit Edison, and Peter W. Stroh, Chair of the Stroh Brewery company, were seeking to strengthen the ties of friendship between the Japanese people and the citizens of the Greater Detroit and Windsor area. Together with members of the community including Stanford Stoddard serving as the Honorary Consul General of Japan, David Adamany the Executive Director of Wayne State University, and Joe Bianco the Chair of the Founders Society of the Detroit Institute of Arts, they established the Society within the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

Mission

Japan America Society of Michigan and Southwestern Ontario (JASMSO) is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization with a membership of individuals and corporations. The Society is dedicated to strengthening the ties of friendship between the Japanese people and the citizens of the Greater Detroit and Windsor area and to assist in developing a common understanding of economic, political, and cultural diversity.

Position

As the Executive Director, you will be responsible for carrying out the goals and objectives set forth by the JASMSO Board of Directors by overseeing all aspects of the organization’s execution of the strategic direction, financial management, program development, membership recruitment, public relations, and reporting. This position is a part time role (W2) and reports directly to the Board Chair and works collaboratively with the leaders of the board of directors, board committees, volunteers, and community partners to ensure the organization’s continued growth and success. This role is primarily remote with ability to attend meetings in the Detroit area and travel across Michigan and SW Ontario.

Management Responsibilities

• Execute the Strategic Direction of the Society: Uphold the values and traditions of the Society.  Work effectively with Board members and others as necessary to execute the strategic plans consistent with the Society’s mission as approved by the Board. Plan and manage an annual calendar of events. With the Board, set targets for KPIs.  Create plans to achieve.
• Membership Recruitment/Retention: Initiate and implement membership recruitment and retention activities to maintain and grow revenue.  The Executive Director works closely with the Board members to achieve this goal.
• Public Relations and Networking: Oversee public relations activities, enhancing the visibility of the Society and building collaborative relationships with regional, national and international organizations.  Represent the JAS at agreed local and national meetings and conferences.  Create events and messages that cater to the membership and expats, including their families. Update and maintain the JASMSO website for information about the society along with event information and promotion.
• Program Development and Implementation: Assure that the Society provides high quality business, cultural and educational programming which serves the Society’s mission while attracting a growing and financially supportive membership base.
• Financial and Budget Oversight: Develop an annual plan to retain members and add new members.   Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with the Board’s financial committee for their review and approval. In addition, the Executive Director will oversee efforts for fund raising, grants and sponsorships.
• Operating Procedures (OPs):
  • Track and report to the board on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that include membership, number of events, event attendance, revenue and cost. And maybe adjusted by the Board
  • Develop and maintain Operating Procedures (e.g. key events, event announcements, etc…)
• Volunteer Management: Recruit, manage, and regularly meet with volunteer leaders for appropriate event focus.  Positions may vary year to year as needed.  For example: Arts, Young Professionals, Experiences, and Annual Auctions.

Qualifications

Attributes

• High level of integrity, ethics and maturity
• Ability to work independently with only periodic supervision and/or direction from the JAS Board
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to event project planning
• Passion, idealism, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed
• Connect and build relationships with other organizations that overlap with the objectives of JAS and create value for our members  (e.g. other Japan Business Societies, other Japan America Society chapters)

Competencies

• Japanese language ability is a definite plus
• Superior verbal and written communication skills with open and transparent execution across all modes of communications
• Ability to manage time on multiple projects
• Ability to manage volunteers
• Excellence in organizational management with the ability to manage members, external partners and the Board
• Execute the strategic objectives of the board and  the budget
• Basic computer competency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and basic website changes (e.g. WordPress)
• Working knowledge of and effective use of social media

Desired Experience

• Deep understanding of Japanese, American and Canadian culture, etiquette and business practices
• Bachelor’s degree
• Management experience in a small organization
• Experience at a non-profit and/or cultural institution
• Experience working with executives and a Board of Directors
• Work experience/knowledge of the automotive industry