Managing Director

YS Kim Foundation envisions a world where people and communities grow and flourish with culture, creativity, opportunities, and connection. Our mission is to support, mobilize, and open new pathways of success for artists, children, young leaders, communities, and organizations. We do this by starting new initiatives and providing grants and scholarships to organizations, leaders and students.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) will be in charge of steering the strategic and operational efficiencies for YS Kim’s staff, initiatives, expansion, and execution of its mission.

YS Kim Foundation is seeking a dynamic and experienced MD to lead the Foundation's portfolio of projects aimed at supporting Korean American leaders in 2025 and beyond. The MD will play a critical role in expanding the Foundation's current nonprofit portfolio by developing detailed strategies to invest in leaders within politics, sports, and entertainment.

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record in designing and executing initiatives, who can operate with a high level of autonomy.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Vision

• In partnership with the Board of Directors and Foundation leadership, set the strategic vision and direction of the organization; and in partnership with the leadership team, execute on the strategic plan of YS Kim to advance the mission and vision of the organization.
• Act as a visionary leader who can develop, articulate, and oversee the agenda of the Foundation’s portfolio of projects supporting Korean American leaders in government and politics, sports, and entertainment.
• Provide an aligned vision with the Board and Foundation leadership to support the Korean American community.
• Lead efforts to engage and energize the board, stakeholders and staff to be active in coalition for YS Kim’s key strategic priorities alongside other like-minded foundations and philanthropic entities.
• Build a high-performing 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.

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Play a key role in developing and overseeing the creation and implementation of the organization’s strategic plan.
• Investment Thesis Development: Establish and lead an investment thesis to guide the direction of the Foundation's portfolio, supporting emerging Korean American leaders to improve representation in leadership roles.
• Political Sector Investment: Continue and enhance the Foundation's support for promising Korean American candidates at the federal level, particularly for the 2024 election cycle.
• Sports and Entertainment Exploration: Conduct research and develop strategies to support leaders in the sports and entertainment sectors, building on the Foundation's validated interest in these areas.

Fundraising

• Together with the Board and leadership, lead fundraising efforts, ensuring that the organization has sufficient resources to maintain 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.

Fiscal & Administrative

• Be responsible for the fiscal integrity of YS Kim, to include managing the annual budget and monthly financial statements that accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization, including all related entities and portfolios.
• 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.
• Oversee the operations of the foundation's existing and future entities, ensuring they align with the organization's mission, maintain efficiency, and achieve strategic goals.

Board Governance

• Develop, maintain, and support a strong Board of Directors.
• 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.

Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior-level executive role.
• Proven track record of leadership, nonprofit management, program implementation, and fundraising.
• Proven experience in designing and executing initiatives with a high level of autonomy.
• Proven experience working with a Board of Directors.
• Strong understanding of the political, sports, and entertainment landscapes, particularly as they pertain to Korean American representation.
• Excellent strategic planning and project management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with board members, leadership, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Ability to oversee and collaborate with staff.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Foundation.