Hamkae Center seeks a strategic, justice-driven Executive Director to guide the organization through a critical period of growth and opportunity. As Asian American communities in Virginia grow in number and political influence, Hamkae Center is building collective power to advance immigrant, racial, and economic justice.
The Executive Director will lead with integrity, inclusiveness, and vision—ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, driving programs and strategy, strengthening internal culture, and securing resources to sustain and grow our impact. They will also serve as a key leader within the NAKASEC national network and lead our sister 501(c)(4), NAKASEC Action Fund Virginia
Core Responsibilities
Organizational Strategy & Vision
- Lead the implementation and evolution of Hamkae Center’s strategic plan in partnership with staff and stakeholders.
- Stay informed on shifting local, state, and national dynamics to identify opportunities for bold, power-building campaigns.
- Facilitate collaborative annual goal-setting with staff, board, and key partners.
- Ensure strong representation in coalitions at the local, state, and national levels.
Staff Leadership, Organizational Development, and Culture
- Directly manage the leadership team; support strategic decision-making through regular check-ins and coaching.
- Foster a healthy, high-performing organizational culture rooted in collaboration and purpose.
- Oversee inclusive hiring, onboarding, team-building, and performance evaluation processes.
- Support staff professional development and leadership growth.
- Improve internal systems and structures to enhance team coordination and goal achievement.
- Facilitate regular team meetings, retreats, and culture-building opportunities.
Fundraising & Financial Stewardship
- Lead and oversee all fundraising efforts: institutional (foundations, government, corporate), grassroots, and individual donors.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with funders and partners.
- Guide the organization’s financial planning and ensure sound fiscal oversight.
- Expand revenue strategies to support programmatic and operational growth.
- Oversee development of fundraising materials, grant proposals, and reports.
Communications & Public Presence
- Serve as a public spokesperson and represent Hamkae Center in key external forums.
- Oversee the development and execution of a communications strategy that uplifts powerful narratives from Virginia’s AAPI communities.
- Ensure alignment across digital, media, and community-facing messaging.
Board Engagement
- Support board development and coordination through regular meetings and engagement.
Network & Affiliate Leadership
NAKASEC National Network
- Actively engage in NAKASEC network decision-making, strategy development, and campaigns.
- Attend network meetings, retreats, and serve on NAKASEC’s Board of Directors.
- Ensure Hamkae Center constituents are reflected in national initiatives and communications.
NAKASEC Action Fund Virginia
- Serve as Director of the state chapter of NAKASEC Action Fund.
- Lead campaign and program implementation to advance policies benefiting marginalized Asian American and broader communities.
- Attend and support NAKASEC Action Fund board meetings as needed.
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years of professional experience, including senior-level leadership in nonprofits or aligned sectors.
- Success in strategic planning, team leadership, program oversight, and community organizing.
- Experience fundraising six-figure grants, contributions, contracts. Familiarity with foundations, funders and developing relationships with funding personnel.
- Experience managing diverse teams, including director-level staff.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build trust, resolve conflicts, and work with empathy and accountability.
- Understanding of the range of experiences individuals have with diversity, equity, and inclusion. Experience in supporting individuals and teams with their DEI learning journeys.
- Having a deep cultural competency/understanding of Virginia AAPI communities, and a commitment to immigrant justice and power-building.
Preferred Qualifications (not required)
- Policy and legislative advocacy experience, particularly in immigration.
- Proficiency in an Asian language.
Hamkae Center recognizes that no applicant will have every single criteria checked for this role. The organization encourages applicants with a majority of the desired skills, experiences, and qualifications
Additional Details
- Location: Northern Virginia (hybrid with 2 days in Northern Virginia office)
- Job Type: full-time, FLSA exempt, regular employment, hybrid
- Reports to: Executive Director
- Pay: $100k-$120k (commensurate w/ experience)
- Benefits:
- Full health, dental, and vision insurance 100% coverage individual, 70% coverage for family
- Simple IRA matching program after 2 years of employment.
- Paid time off, vacation, sick days (if you, a partner, or a family member are sick), and other leave time customized to your unique circumstances. We close the week of July 4th and between December 25 – January 1 for reflection and rejuvenation.
- Support: In addition to support from the Hamkae Center Advisory Board, as an Executive Director within the NAKASEC network, support from network Executive Directors through monthly meetings and biannual in-person retreats.
To Apply
Send your resume and cover letter (PDF) via the Movement Talent Opportunity Board application portal by clicking the “Apply To This Job” button:
Priority deadline: October 3, 2025
Please provide three professional references who can speak about your character and work/volunteer experience. We would prefer it if one of the references had a supervisory relationship with you, and one who is a former direct report.
When sending reference information, please include the reference’s:
- Full name
- Phone Number and/or Email address
- Short description of your professional relationship with the reference
Deadline to apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and will be kept open until filled.
Hamkae Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People from a wide range of backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to a diverse workplace and supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities.
About Hamkae Center
Hamkae Center organizes Asian Americans in Virginia to achieve social, economic, and racial justice. Through community organizing, public policy advocacy, civic engagement, and youth leadership development, Hamkae Center works to build a future in which low- and middle-income, immigrant, people of color, and marginalized communities can fully participate in U.S. society and work together as makers of lasting change. We are the Virginia affiliate of the NAKASEC Network.
Hamkae Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People from a wide range of backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to a diverse workplace and supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities.
