Director of Development and Communications

About the Asian Cultural Council

Headquartered in New York City, the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) is a leading nonprofit organization

working to foster cultural exchange between Asia and the U.S. to advance international dialogue, mutual

understanding, and respect. Individual fellowships and organizational grants are awarded to support

research, study, and creative work by leaders practicing 16 disciplines in the arts and humanities in the

U.S. and 25 countries and regions in Asia. Since its incorporation as a nonprofit in 1980, ACC has

awarded more than $100 million in grants and has supported nearly 6,000 exchanges.

As a grantmaking and grant-seeking organization, ACC raises funds from individuals, foundations, and

corporate donors.

ACC has a current annual operating budget of approximately $4.5 million. Revenue sources include

charitable contributions, special events, a biennial gala, and investment returns. The organization has an

endowment with a current market value of approximately $53 million. ACC staff in New York work

closely with four affiliate offices in Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo, and Manila.

All ACC staff currently work in a hybrid environment (minimum of three days in-office). The Director of

Development and Communications will be expected to live within reasonable commuting distance to

New York City for regular in-person meetings with prospective donors, patrons, Trustees, and staff.

Position Summary

The Director of Development and Communications serves as a member of ACC's leadership team and is

responsible for the strategic direction, management, and execution of the organization's comprehensive

fundraising and communications program. The Director provides leadership for all aspects of

philanthropic development, including annual giving, major gifts, foundation and corporate relations,

donor stewardship, and development communications.

The Director is responsible for identifying and pursuing new funding opportunities while developing and

implementing comprehensive cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to strengthen

relationships with individual, corporate, foundation, and institutional donors.

The Director is accountable for raising a minimum of $2 million annually in philanthropic support

(exclusive of annual trustee dues) and for increasing philanthropic revenue over time. The position also

provides strategic leadership for ACC's $20 million endowment campaign, which has raised $11 million

to date and is scheduled for completion in 2028, as well as other special fundraising initiatives.

The Director oversees the organization's communications strategy, ensuring consistent messaging,

effective donor engagement, and increased visibility for ACC's mission and impact.

The Director fosters a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization by partnering with

leadership, staff, and the Board of Trustees to integrate fundraising and donor stewardship into

organizational priorities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development and Communications supervises a

Development Specialist and a Marketing and Communications Officer. The Director also works closely

with and supports Board members and serves on the Development Committee of the ACC Board.

The following list of duties represents the core responsibilities of this position. Additional tasks,

projects, or duties may be required as requested by the Executive Director.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

• Serve as a strategic adviser and partner on philanthropy to the Executive Director.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees, develop, implement, and lead ACC’s annual and long-term development and communication strategies, continuing to chart the future course in fund development while ensuring that efforts are conducted in keeping with ACC’s mission, vision, and plans.
• Provide fundraising leadership and support to the Executive Director, helping to identify resource cultivation goals and support needs, prospecting donors, and leading and/or participating in asks, as appropriate.
• Engage and collaborate with diverse internal and external constituencies, including ACC Trustees, staff, alumni, donors, and patrons.
• Maintain a working knowledge of best practices and significant developments and trends in philanthropy relevant to ACC and adapt fundraising strategies and tactics, as necessary.
• Serve as an ambassador for ACC in the community.

Board Relations

• Provide support for the ACC Board Chair in their role as leader and spokesperson.
• Support the Chair and Trustees on the identification, recruitment, and nomination of new Board members. Advise, consult, and facilitate the Board candidate nominating process.
• Provide committee reports and brief the Board Chair.
• Actively engage with the Board to identify and cultivate new potential donors.

Philanthropy/Development

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the development and communications team and its program.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit new individual, corporate, and institutional funding sources to broaden and diversify ACC’s donor base and identify board-level contacts to leverage relationships.
• Provide leadership for all fundraising activities, including solicitation of support from individuals, corporations, and foundations, as well as events and benefits.
• Serve as a frontline fundraiser with an active portfolio of major donor prospects.
• Ensure oversight of gift acknowledgement process and final review of written communication for donors and donor groups.
• Design and oversee recognition and benefits for individual and foundation donors and corporate sponsors.
• Conceptualize and review major grant and sponsorship proposals and budget presentations.
• Monitor calendar of proposal and report deadlines.

Communications

• Manage ACC’s public image and reputation through development of strategic communications plans and oversight of media relations, news and story development, multimedia content, if applicable, and social media.
• In collaboration with the team, oversee all communications and marketing for ACC to elevate
• public awareness of ACC and to deliver compelling messaging and outreach strategies and tactics.
• Oversee the development and production of all collateral materials and publications for donor
• cultivation and solicitation. This includes annual reports, newsletters, event materials, and ACC photos and videos.
• Oversee content for the organization’s digital communication channels, including websites and social media platforms. This involves ensuring the development of engaging content, monitoring of online sites, and leveraging digital tools for effective communication.
• Work in collaboration with the Program Department team; identify opportunities to showcase alumni and grantees.
• Establish clear goals and metrics to evaluate the implementation of strategy and tactics and assess the overall effectiveness of the development and communications program.

Team Management

• Support and motivate the development and communications team.
• Provide leadership and mentoring and encourage professional development.
• Assess the team to ensure that the department is effectively structured and staffed.
• Oversee team performance measures and monitor results.
• Monitor departmental budget. Work closely with the Director of Finance & Operations to track contributed revenue, manage expenses, and maximize internal and external resources.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in development for not-for-profit institutions, with a strong preference in the cultural arts.
• Proven track record of soliciting and closing major gifts from both individual and institutional supporters.
• Knowledgeable about the full range of fundraising tools and tactics including major gifts, institutional gifts, planned giving, and special events.
• Experience working with an engaged board.
• Demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines and fundraising goals through effective project management, from planning to implementation and completion of campaigns and initiatives.
• Experience driving philanthropic growth for a not-for-profit cultural or educational organization.
• Knowledgeable about the New York City, national, and global philanthropic, social, and business communities.
• Exceptional communication skills; able to articulate a compelling case for support for ACC to different donor segments.
• Experience in cultivating and managing donor relationships at all levels.
• Experienced in effectively leading teams and developing talent.
• Proven track record of effectively incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of the of the work environment and working productively across lines of difference.
• Proficient working knowledge of information systems that support fundraising and marketing.

Attributes and Skills

• Resourceful, results-oriented; and able to think strategically to generate new ideas, prioritize, plan, multitask, and set and achieve goals and objectives. An appreciation for the Asian Cultural Council mission.
• A global citizen, culturally sensitive, and able to work with a broad range of individuals.
• Those who have spent time in Asia or who have a predilection for Asian culture may find this opportunity to be of particular interest but is not required.
• A hands-on approach and, can-do mentality.
• Charismatic with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Able to thrive in a collaborative environment that is conducive to open and direct communication with individuals of varying degrees of involvement with ACC and its work.
• Confident, with the ability to engage others toward a common goal.
• A natural relationship builder and networker, who enjoys and excels at engaging with existing partners as well as cultivating new partnerships.
• Sound judgment and discretion in maintaining the strictest confidentiality of donor information.
• Ability to attend evening/weekend events to cultivate/steward key donors and prospects.
• Availability to travel occasionally in the U.S. and to Asia

Expectations of All ACC Positions

• Commitment to Mission and Goals. Demonstrate understanding of and dedication to ACC’s mission of fostering international dialogue through cultural exchange; be mindful that program goals should drive work priorities and plans; value the work of ACC grantees and be a resource for grantees in Asia and the U.S.
• Prudent Use of Resources and Accountability. Be mindful of resource limitations and manage resources to effectively carry out ACC’s mission in a fiscally responsible manner, while striving to maximize the funds available for charitable activity; recognize the importance of development activities to the organization’s long-term sustainability and contribute to a culture of fundraising across all departments.
• Teamwork and Professionalism. Appreciate the value of diversity, inclusion, and equity in all work relationships; be willing to help as well as learn from co-workers in the U.S. and Asia, regardless of job title or seniority; work collaboratively with colleagues toward shared goals and objectives; be willing to perform tasks outside of one’s job description; embrace a positive and collaborative spirit that motivates and inspires others to work for the good of the organization.
• Adaptability. Seek out opportunities to improve the quality and impact of ACC’s work; remain open to new ideas and ways of working and innovations in the field; support diverse ways of thinking or doing and suggest new approaches in accordance with a dynamic organization that is faithful to its mission; be open to change and new ideas for improving outcomes.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Jennifer Krauss at Jen@Jenniferkrauss.com. For

additional information, please visit our website at www.asianculturalcouncil.org

Compensation and Application Process

The Asian Cultural Council is an equal opportunity employer and invites applications from candidates

regardless of race, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religion. The

compensation for this role is $145,000 and comes with a very generous benefits package. In addition to

robust health, dental and vision plans, ACC offers an outstanding retirement plan.