Executive Director

Executive Director

The Little Tokyo Business Association (LTBA) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit social welfare organization dedicated to the growth and development of Little Tokyo as a vibrant, diverse, and multi-faceted district of Downtown Los Angeles.

Little Tokyo is a 142-year-old community consisting of approximately 400 mostly small businesses and is the largest of America's three remaining historic Japantowns. With two world-class museums, two theatres offering live performances, 100 restaurants ranging from Michelin-rated fine dining to snack shops, and the largest concentration of anime and manga stores outside of Japan, Little Tokyo has become one of the most dynamic districts in Downtown Los Angeles.

The district's ability to resurge after the pandemic and beyond earned Little Tokyo the L.A. Downtown News "Best Business Improvement District" and "Best Shopping" designations five years in a row, from 2020 to 2025.

LTBA has been responsible for managing the Little Tokyo Business Improvement District (LTBID) for over 21 years. In January 2026, the current merchant-based Business Improvement District (BID) converted to a property-based BID, consistent with many other districts in the City of Los Angeles. With a new budget of approximately $1.5 million, LTBA (a volunteer-run organization) will hire staff to oversee LTBID initiatives focusing on Little Tokyo's cleanliness, safety, and overall positive urban experience.

The Executive Director is an exempt, at-will position and will serve as the senior executive leader of LTBID, reporting directly to the LTBA Board President/Senior Vice President and working closely with the BID Advisory Committee, Board of Directors, business and property owners, community partners, and City stakeholders. The Executive Director will lead LTBID operations, including budget and contract oversight, personnel administration, strategic business planning and execution, marketing and communications, and compliance with City of Los Angeles BID guidelines.

The ideal candidate is a community-minded, hands-on leader who combines strategic vision with strong operational and people-management experience. Demonstrated experience working with and supporting a business community is essential, along with the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders, manage staff and vendors, and translate priorities into measurable results. The successful candidate will bring strong business acumen and the ability to strengthen Little Tokyo's economic vitality through marketing, communications, events, public-space activation, and partnerships that elevate the district's approximately 400 businesses and help attract new businesses and visitors.

Familiarity with Little Tokyo, its history, culture, and community is highly valued. Experience navigating City of Los Angeles rules, ordinances, and processes, particularly those involving Business Improvement Districts and the Office of the City Clerk, is also preferred. The Executive Director should appreciate Little Tokyo's unique character and identity while helping the community build toward a vibrant, safe, clean, and economically strong future.

Roles & Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Adhere to business improvement district operating requirements, in conjunction with LTBID's goals and objectives
• Develop and implement a strategic business plan to ensure LTBID requirements are properly managed, with key performance indicators
• Implement economic vitality and marketing goals to promote Little Tokyo business through economic and business development, creative events, and activation of public spaces.
• Responsible for full range of administrative duties, including but not limited to budget, contract, marketing, and personnel administration.
• Partner with the Board and Board President to support effective governance, decision-making, and implementation of Board priorities.
• Provide timely updates and information to keep the Board informed of organizational opportunities, challenges, and risks.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators tied to organizational and LTBID priorities.
• Regularly report progress, outcomes, financial performance, and emerging issues to the Board and appropriate stakeholders.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders across Little Tokyo to align clean-and-safe initiatives with organizational goals and build community awareness of LTBID.
• Represent LTBID and serve as the primary liaison with the Little Tokyo community, City partners, and other organizations to coordinate business efforts and response plans.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community and City partners, organizations and other governmental agencies to stay informed of evolving community issues and best practices.

Budget and Resource Management

• Oversee the annual budget process, working with program managers and other stakeholders to develop realistic and achievable budgets.
• Monitor performance against budget and provide regular updates and analysis to the Board President and Board of Directors.
• Oversee vendor and contractor performance, ensuring services meet contractual requirements, established standards, and performance expectations.
• Develop and maintain financial forecasting models that support long-term planning and decision-making.
• Ensure effective organizational systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls are in place.
• Identify and manage operational, financial, contractual, and compliance risks.
• Develop and manage LTBID budget and staffing, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources.
• Evaluate, recommend, and oversee procurement and implementation of office space, equipment, contracts and related administrative issues

Team Leadership

• Recruit, supervise, develop, and evaluate staff, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team.
• Establish clear goals, roles, and performance expectations for staff.
• Build a team committed to strengthening community relationships with the Little Tokyo community.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field. Significant work experience will be considered.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience managing business/community initiatives.
• Strong understanding of the Little Tokyo community and demonstrated commitment to community service preferred.
• Experience in overseeing medium to large teams on developing and implementing major initiatives that benefit a distinct community/market, with a measurable outcome.
• Experience in managing/coordinating City of Los Angeles BID function or commensurate City/County or public service function.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence and professionalism, with the ability to communicate thoughtfully, exercise sound judgment, navigate sensitive situations, and build trusting relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Compensation and Benefits

Little Tokyo Business Association offers a competitive executive compensation package commensurate with experience with a salary range of $100,000-$135,000 and comprehensive benefits.

Little Tokyo Business Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees, applicants and program beneficiaries. Little Tokyo Business Association does not discriminate against any person because of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, political affiliation or citizenship. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.