National Director Japan

About Habitat for Humanity Japan

At Habitat for Humanity Japan, we are advancing our mission to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. As part of the global Habitat for Humanity network, we are strengthening our impact through strategic partnerships, sustainable resource mobilization, effective governance, and innovative housing solutions. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the National Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity Japan, providing overall leadership, strategic direction, and organizational stewardship. Working closely with the Asia Pacific Area Office, the National Director will lead the organization in achieving its mission while ensuring operational excellence, financial sustainability, and long-term growth.

Why This Role Matters

As the most senior leader of Habitat for Humanity Japan, you will drive organizational strategy, resource development, governance, and people leadership to strengthen Habitat's influence and impact throughout Japan. You will work across local, regional, and global stakeholders to ensure the organization remains relevant, sustainable, and mission-focused by enabling:

• Strong strategic leadership and organizational direction.

• Sustainable revenue growth and resource mobilization.

• Effective governance and operational excellence.

• Strategic partnerships and external influence.

• A high-performing, inclusive, and agile organizational culture.

• Increased volunteer engagement and youth leadership development.

What You Will Own

1. Strategic Leadership & Mission Alignment

You will lead Habitat Japan's strategic direction and ensure alignment with Habitat for Humanity's global and regional priorities.

• Develop and execute a multi-year national strategy aligned with housing and development needs in Japan.

• Implement the regional Asia strategy within the country context.

• Collaborate closely with the Asia Pacific Area Office to align programs and organizational priorities.

• Lead the identification and prioritization of programmatic interventions and growth opportunities.

• Champion innovation, organizational transformation, and continuous improvement.

2. Institutional Funding & Strategic Partnerships

You will strengthen Habitat Japan's sustainability, visibility, and influence through effective resource mobilization and partnerships.

• Lead comprehensive fundraising and resource development strategies.

• Cultivate and manage relationships with institutional donors, foundations, and funding partners.

• Build strategic partnerships across government, corporate, academic, and civil society sectors.

• Serve as the chief spokesperson and ambassador for Habitat Japan.

• Enhance organizational visibility and influence at national and international levels.

3. Team Development & Organizational Culture

You will build and lead a strong, mission-driven organization.

• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing leadership team.

• Foster an inclusive, transparent, and people-centered culture.

• Support employee growth, talent development, and organizational effectiveness.

• Lead organizational development and change management initiatives.

• Create an environment that supports agility, collaboration, and accountability.

4. Volunteer Engagement & Youth Mobilization

You will provide oversight to Global Village and Campus Chapter programs .

• Expand youth leadership and volunteer engagement opportunities across Japan.

• Build pathways for volunteers and advocates to become long-term supporters and donors.

• Promote volunteerism and advocacy aligned with Habitat's mission.

5. Operational Excellence & Governance

You will ensure strong governance, compliance, accountability, and risk management.

• Uphold Habitat's code of ethics, safeguarding policies, and operational standards.

• Ensure compliance with Japanese laws, regulations, and governance requirements.

• Oversee effective project, grant, and financial management systems.

• Strengthen monitoring, evaluation, and accountability practices.

• Implement risk management and quality assurance mechanisms across the organization.

What You Will Build

• A high-performing and sustainable national organization.

• Strong partnerships and diversified funding streams.

• An engaged network of volunteers, advocates, and supporters.

• A culture of innovation, accountability, and inclusion.

• Increased visibility and influence for Habitat for Humanity in Japan.

Who You Are

You are a visionary and purpose-driven leader with the ability to inspire others, navigate complexity, and deliver results. You combine strategic thinking with strong execution capabilities and are passionate about creating sustainable impact through leadership, collaboration, and innovation.

Experience & Background

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in the NGO or development sector.

• At least 5 years in a senior executive leadership role such as National Director, Executive Director, or Chief Executive Officer.

• Proven track record in strategic planning and organizational leadership.

• Demonstrated success in fundraising, institutional donor engagement, and partnership development.

• Experience working with Boards of Directors and international network structures.

• Experience in NGO, nonprofit, international development, or philanthropic sectors preferred.

Education

• Master's degree preferred in Business Administration, International Development, Nonprofit Leadership, Philanthropy, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field.

Language Requirements

• Professional fluency in both Japanese and English (written and spoken) is required.

• Ability to communicate effectively with domestic and international stakeholders.

Capabilities

• Strategic vision and organizational leadership.

• Resource development and partnership management.

• Governance and stakeholder engagement expertise.

• Strong people leadership and talent development skills.

• Change management and organizational transformation experience.

Mindset

• Visionary and purpose-driven.

• Agile and resilient in complex environments.

• High integrity and accountability.

• Committed to transparency and collaboration.

• Passionate about Habitat's mission and values.

Why Join Habitat for Humanity Japan

• Lead a nationally recognized organization with a global mission.

• Influence housing and community development outcomes in Japan.

• Work closely with a committed Board and regional leaders.

• Shape the future direction and sustainability of the organization.

• Build partnerships and initiatives that create lasting impact.

Position Details

• Reports To: Board of Directors, Habitat for Humanity Japan

• Regional Alignment: Asia Pacific Area Office

• Location: Tokyo, Japan

• Direct Reports: Senior Leadership Team and designated functional managers

• Travel: Domestic and international travel required

How to Apply

If you are excited about leading Habitat for Humanity Japan and advancing sustainable housing solutions, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application to [email protected] along with the following documents by August 21,2026.

• CV

• Cover Letter

• Current and Expected Salary

• Availability

Competencies, Values and Culture

We expect all team members to demonstrate Habitat for Humanity's values of courage, accountability, and humility. We value diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and innovation, and are committed to creating safe and respectful environments for staff, volunteers, partners, and the communities we serve.

Organization Overview

Habitat for Humanity Japan is part of the global Habitat for Humanity network, working to create opportunities for families and communities to access safe, decent, and affordable housing. Through strategic partnerships, volunteer engagement, resource mobilization, and advocacy, Habitat Japan contributes to both local and global efforts to address housing challenges and strengthen communities.