Vice President of Programs

THE OPPORTUNITY

Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) is the only national membership-based organization in philanthropy dedicated to advancing racial equity by expanding and mobilizing resources for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Anchored by national staff and strong membership and chapter networks, AAPIP works to build power, strengthen leadership, and move money in service of a more just and equitable society.

AAPIP seeks a highly collaborative, emotionally intelligent, and strategic Vice President of Programs (VP) to lead the organization’s comprehensive program vision, strategy, and implementation. Reporting to and serving as a thought partner to the President & CEO, the VP will design, lead, evaluate, and sustain programs and initiatives that advance AAPIP’s mission with a clear focus on strengthening philanthropy’s capacity to effectively support AANHPI communities in the current social, political, and funding climate.

POSITION SUMMARY

The VP will provide strategic leadership across AAPIP’s program portfolio, ensuring programs are responsive to community needs, aligned with philanthropic trends, and positioned to influence and equip funders to advance equity and justice for AANHPI communities. While informed by community and stakeholder perspectives, this role is centered on program strategy, design, and impact, with a clear focus on strengthening philanthropy’s capacity to effectively support AANHPI communities through systems-level change. This work will be shaped by close partnership with internal teams, philanthropic partners, and field leaders, as well as ongoing analysis of emerging issues and opportunities within social justice philanthropy.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES & IMPACT

Strategy Development & Innovation

• Lead the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of AAPIP’s program portfolio, ensuring programs strengthen philanthropy’s capacity to effectively support AANHPI communities in the current social, political, and funding climate
• Lead programmatic work under AAPIP’s two pillars of 1) Community of Care for AANHPI philanthropic professionals and 2) Philanthropic Advocacy. Identify and pursue new programmatic opportunities and innovative approaches that advance racial and gender justice, promote cross-racial and multi-ethnic solidarity, and deepen AAPIP’s measurable impact
• Strengthen philanthropic support for AAPIP’s communities by strengthening strategic partnerships with philanthropic and community-centric organizations, including community and private foundations, public funds, giving circles, family and corporate funders, regional and national philanthropic vehicles, and AANHPI-community based organizations
• Engage regional chapters and leverage their work on the ground to effectuate AAPIP’s national priorities
• Identify opportunities for program development or expansion aligned with funder opportunities and initiatives
• Ensure all programs are outcome-driven, evidence-informed, and aligned with funder expectations and organizational priorities

Program Leadership & People Management

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the development, implementation, and evolution of AAPIP’s programs in alignment with its strategic framework, ensuring programmatic excellence and accountability to clearly defined impact outcomes, performance metrics, and strategic priorities aligned with AAPIP’s mission and organizational goals
• Ensure program design and implementation are informed by community and stakeholder perspectives while remaining centered on philanthropic systems, funder engagement, and field-level influence
• Provide direct supervision to 3 staff, offering clear direction, coaching, mentorship, and performance management. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, learning, and professional growth within the programs team

Organizational Thought Leader / Manager

• Serve on the three-member Senior Leadership Team, along with the President & CEO and the VP of Communications & Partnerships. Work together to build out organization-wide systems, policies, and practices that support staff wellbeing, culture, and impact
• Proactively build on and strengthen AAPIP’s thought leadership and relationships with other relevant philanthropic intermediaries, social justice funders, giving circles, and community leaders in the field to foster regular sharing of critical information, lessons learned, strategies, and tactics
• Serve as a leader and public face for AAPIP with stakeholders and the public, including relationship cultivation, coalition building, presentations, and public speaking
• Share insights, lessons learned, and emerging trends to advance the field’s understanding of effective strategies supporting AANHPI communities
• In service to racial equity goals and transformative change, develop the necessary systems, processes, reports, and tools to better support the facilitation, collection, and sharing of knowledge generated through AAPIP’s programs, partnerships, and field engagement
• Integrate cross-program learning and collaboration to strengthen organizational effectiveness and field-level influence

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Outstanding candidates will bring many of the following skills and experiences. AAPIP encourages applications from highly skilled and experienced candidates who canbring knowledge and transferable skills.

Experience & Education

• 12+ years of experience in philanthropy or closely related fields, reflecting seniority in program and organizational leadership.
• Experience working directly with or within philanthropic institutions, including private foundations, community foundations, public funds, giving circles, or philanthropic intermediaries.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of AANHPI communities and/or community-based organizations
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in a relevant field preferred, or equivalent lived and professional experience.
• Experience using systems and tools such as Google Suite, Zoom, Slack, Asana, and Neon CRM

Skills & Competencies

The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced, and mission-driven environment. They bring a strong programmatic lens, deep philanthropic fluency, and the ability to lead with clarity, empathy, and accountability while working collaboratively across a small, entrepreneurial organization.

Mission & Values Alignment

Deep belief in and commitment to AAPIP’s mission, with demonstrated experience advancing racial and gender equity and justice, particularly within philanthropic and systems-change contexts.

Strategic Program Leadership

Proven ability to lead the development, execution, and evaluation of complex programs that strengthen philanthropy’s ability to serve AANHPI communities and respond effectively to evolving social and funding landscapes.

Executive & Cross-Functional Leadership

Demonstrated success collaborating closely with executive leadership and contributing to organizational strategy, long-term program vision, and decision-making at a senior level. Comfortable exercising autonomy, sound judgment, and discretion in complex situations.

People Leadership & Team Development

Ability to motivate, coach, and manage staff at multiple levels and experiences, fostering a culture of accountability, learning, and collaboration. Skilled at translating strategy into clear priorities and actionable goals for teams.

Relationship Building & Thought Leadership

Exceptional relationship-building skills with experience engaging funders, philanthropic intermediaries, community leaders, and partners. Ability to serve as a credible thought partner and representative of AAPIP in public and professional settings.

Communication & Emotional Intelligence

Outstanding interpersonal, emotional intelligence, and communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, persuasively, and diplomatically across diverse audiences, including staff, board members, funders, and external stakeholders.

Results Orientation & Adaptability

Strong track record of achieving measurable outcomes and leading teams through change. Able to pivot in response to emerging opportunities or challenges while maintaining focus on strategic priorities.

Judgment, Integrity & Accountability

Exceptional professional judgment, integrity, and discretion, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and serve as a trusted partner to the President & CEO and a steward of AAPIP’s mission and impact.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $165,000-195,000, commensurate with experience plus a generous benefits package that includes health, retirement and paid time off.

Health, retirement and paid time off.