Executive Director

Founded in 1989, the Asian American Federation (AAF) is one of the strongest leadership voices advocating for better policies, services, and funding that lead to more justice and opportunity for 1.5 million Asian Americans in New York City. We do this in partnership with 70 community-based organizations.

Asians are the fastest-growing community in our city and state, and we advocate to ensure that our community is visible, our voices are heard, and our stories are told. Shaped by our research, we focus on community safety, mental health, economic empowerment, immigrant integration, and civic engagement to help connect Asian New Yorkers with the resources they need.

Overview:

AAF is seeking a full-time Executive Director, who will report to the Board of Directors, and be in charge of steering the strategic and operational efficiencies for AAF’s staff, initiatives, expansion, and execution of its mission to raise the influence of 1.5 million Asian New Yorkers. The ED is charged to increase the overall visibility of the organization by being the champion with the media, elected officials, and funders. They will understand the current trends and policies of New York City and Asian communities and set the tone for 70 diverse member and partner agencies.

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who can effectively champion the rights of Asian Americans and has the demonstrated commitment to AAF’s mission to support the pan-Asian American social services community.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership: In partnership with the Board of Directors, set the strategic vision and direction of the organization; and in partnership with the leadership team, execute on the strategic plan of AAF to advance the mission and vision of the organization.
• Act as a visionary leader who can develop, articulate, and oversee the agenda and vision to support the Asian community in New York City. Be able to operate in a fluid landscape, identify the strengths/weaknesses/opportunities/threats, and act accordingly on behalf of the diverse sectors of the Asian community.
• Lead efforts to engage and energize a broad, diverse mix of stakeholders – board members, volunteers, events committees, alumni, member organizations, ethnic media, small businesses, funders, and partners – to be active in coalition for AAF’s key strategic priorities.
• Build a high-performing senior leadership team and play an active role in the effort to attract, retain, and develop a best-in-class staff. Set the tone by developing and implementing a strong organizational “culture” of teamwork, accountability and equity.
• Stay up-to-date on policy and political issues that may require adjustments to AAF strategy and approach to solve systemic issues impacting AAF and the pan-Asian community. Identify emerging issues that impact the pan-Asian community, bring together stakeholders, and organize solutions.
• Fundraising: Lead AAF’s fundraising efforts, ensuring that the organization has sufficient resources to maintain a high level of programming and the financial health of the organization. Identify and expand revenue-generating and fundraising activities to support programs and operations, and ensure that services and funding relationships are robust enough to meet or exceed strategic goals and objectives.
• Lead efforts to identify, cultivate, and build relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies to garner new funding opportunities and ensure that AAF is at the forefront of research and advocacy organizations.
• Provide oversight of and partner with the development team in coordinating special events, including the annual gala; producing all necessary grant proposals and reports; and developing creative ways to engage AAF’s supporters.
• Fiscal & Administrative: Be responsible for the fiscal integrity of AAF, to include submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements that accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.
• Be responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position.
• Program & Membership: Play a key role in developing and overseeing the creation and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan.
• Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence, rigorous program evaluation, and consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, communications, and systems; recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve the strategic goals.
• Lead efforts to build and strengthen the AAF membership through coalition-building, research, technical assistance, policy platforms, and other leadership tasks of a convenor organization.
• Communications: Serve as the chief spokesperson for the organization and its agendas with media, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure significant print, earned, TV, and social media presence for AAF and its members.
• Oversee creative efforts to create positive narrative for the pan-Asian community in New York.
• Board Governance: Develop, maintain, and support a strong Board of Directors: serve as ex-officio of each committee, seeking and building board involvement with strategic direction.
• Act as a liaison to the Board and provide staff support to the Board and its active committees; engage the Board and facilitate its participation in fiscal, program, and policy oversight, as well as strategic planning, fundraising, and public relations initiatives.
• Work with the Board to identify, recruit, and train new members.

Candidate Profile:

• Proven track record of leadership, nonprofit management, program implementation, and fundraising.
• At least 5-7 years in a leadership position of a nonprofit organization or governmental agency, and experience managing nonprofit organizations.
• Knowledge and experience working with and influencing policymakers and public administrators, with the capability of leveraging established contacts and networks to further AAF’s mission.
• Experience working with government and elected officials, preferably in New York.
• Expertise in government budgeting, advocacy, and policymaking.
• Proven ability to implement and lead an aggressive fundraising strategy.
• Transparent and high-integrity leadership, with a strong work ethic and experience/ interest in implementing a strong organizational culture.
• Ability to oversee and collaborate with staff.
• Proven experience working with a Board of Directors.
• Excellent written and oral communication, public speaking and interpersonal relations.

Requirements:

All new hires must be vaccinated and must stay up to date with vaccines against the COVID-19 virus unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religion or disability. If you are offered a position with AAF, this requirement must be met by your date of hire, unless a reasonable accommodation for exemption is received and approved by AAF.

Compensation & Benefits:

This position is based in New York City, with a hybrid work environment. Salary for this position is between $200,000 to $250,000, commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package includes 100% employee health care, dental and vision coverage, disability insurance, commuter benefits, as well as a 403(b) plan and generous paid time off.

Contact:

Shelby Woods and Trisha Sutrisno of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

The Asian American Federation is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.