Director, Government Relations (APAC)
Fanatics · Hong Kong, Tokyo
About Us
Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally.
The Role
As the Director of Government Relations at Fanatics, APAC, you work closely with our leadership team to ensure we remain at the forefront of legislative trends and industry developments, across the Asia-Pacific region, with an initial focus on Japan and China. In this role, you will provide strategic insights, advocate for our interests, and drive initiatives that reflect Fanatics' commitment to innovation, consumer satisfaction, and the evolving retail landscape.
What You’ll Do:
- Forge and Maintain Strategic Relationships: Cultivate and sustain high-impact relationships with key government officials and policymakers across the APAC region, with an initial focus on Japan and China—including members of the Japanese Diet, government ministries and agencies, as well as senior officials at both central and local government levels in China, regulatory authorities and other relevant policymakers—to advance Fanatics’ priorities.
- Provide Executive-Level Legislative Intelligence: Keep Fanatics leadership informed with timely, in-depth analyses of current and proposed legislation affecting the retail, sports, sports betting, and e-commerce sectors across key APAC markets, ensuring proactive and informed decision-making.
- Shape Policy and Drive Advocacy: Monitor the legislative and regulatory landscape across the APAC region, assess potential business impacts, and develop tailored, forward-thinking strategies that position Fanatics for success.
- Craft Persuasive Policy Communications: Develop compelling policy documents, including executive summaries, position papers, and advocacy briefs, that clearly articulate Fanatics’ policy positions to key stakeholders.
- Lead Cross-Functional Collaboration: Manage external consultants, engage internal stakeholders, and oversee special projects that align with and advance Fanatics’ policy and business objectives.
- Advocate with Authority: Present Fanatics’ policy positions to government officials, trade associations, coalitions, and industry stakeholders, across the APAC region, ensuring alignment between corporate priorities and broader legislative and market trends.
- Strengthen Industry Influence: Enhance partnerships with trade associations, advocacy groups, and community organizations, reinforcing Fanatics' role as a thought leader in the retail and sports ecosystem.
- Innovate and Push Boundaries: Develop and execute creative advocacy strategies that challenge the status quo and unlock new opportunities for Fanatics in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
- Showcase Fanatics’ Impact: Organize immersive site visits, retail events, and media engagements for elected officials to deepen their understanding of Fanatics’ business model, innovation, and community contributions.
What We’re Looking For:
- Policy Expertise & Thought Leadership: Deep understanding of public policy, with the ability to distill complex regulatory issues into clear, actionable insights.
- Extensive Experience: 10+ years of relevant experience in government, public policy or government affairs, including experience working in government, parliament, public administration or regulatory authorities and/or in government affairs roles within companies, trade associations or public affairs consultancies.
- APAC Expertise: Strong knowledge and understanding of the political, legislative and regulatory environments across the APAC region, particularly in Japan and China.
- Language Skills: Fluency in English, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese is required.
- Political Acumen & Agility: Highly adaptable, with the ability to anticipate and respond to shifting political and regulatory landscapes.
- Compelling Communicator: Exceptional writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively articulate Fanatics' policy positions and influence diverse audiences.
- Master Negotiator & Influencer: Proven ability to navigate complex policy challenges, persuade stakeholders, and drive favorable outcomes.
- Strategic & Innovative Problem Solver: A visionary approach to advocacy, with the ability to develop creative solutions that advance Fanatics' objectives.
- Proven Leadership & Execution: Demonstrated success in leading teams and managing projects from strategy development through execution.
- Self-Starter with a Collaborative Mindset: Highly motivated, able to work independently while fostering cross-functional collaboration to drive impact.
- Storytelling & Brand Amplification: Passion for shaping and elevating the corporate narrative through strategic communications.
- Unwavering Integrity & Professionalism: Commitment to the highest ethical standards, confidentiality, and professional excellence.
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