JOB DESCRIPTION
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS
Location:Hybrid, minimum 2 days per week at the Serica Initiative Manhattan office
Reports To:Executive Director
Employment Type: Part Time or Full Time
Salary:$95,000 - $150,000 if Full Time, commensurate with experience
ABOUT THE SERICA INITIATIVE
Mission Statement: The Serica Initiative raises awareness of the Asian diaspora in America through dialogue, storytelling, and convening power.
Pillar 1: Evolving Narratives
Stories and projects that celebrate, interrogate, and illuminate the diversity and breadth of the Asian diaspora and AAPI experience to advance positive social change.
Pillar 2: Preserving Legacies, Empowering New Generations
Innovative programs that empower next-generation leaders to preserve the legacies of trailblazers across sectors and to break new ground in their communities.
Pillar 3: Forging Alliances
Programs and partnerships that amplify AAPI histories, foster greater inclusion, and encourage allyship and understanding between and among diverse communities.
History and Background: Founded in 2018, the Serica Initiative has centered its work on building bridges and fostering understanding between and among diverse communities and the Asian diaspora in America. The organization’s greatest asset has always been its vast network of AAPIs across sectors and geographies. Through innovative programs (like its video series collaboration with WNET public television) and signature events (such as its beloved annual Women’s Gala), the Serica Initiative is helping to foster deeper understanding and more meaningful engagement in an increasingly complex world.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Director of Development & Communications is a key leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the Serica Initiative’s fundraising and communications strategies. As part of a small but mighty team, this individual will partner with the CEO & Executive Director to raise approximately $1M per year to help the organization deliver impact. They will lead and manage individual and institutional fundraising, support the CEO & Executive Director in managing donor relations, oversee the brand's identity, and ensure effective communication across all channels. The role requires a dynamic professional with a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, relationship building, and significant hands-on experience to drive the organization’s growth and impact. Occasional evening and weekend work required for special and public events.
Primary Function - Fundraising Strategy and Execution:
- Lead the development and execution of the organization’s fundraising strategy in partnership with the CEO & Executive Director. Create and implement an ambitious fundraising plan designed to grow the organization’s annual operating budget, diversify funding streams, and prioritize multi-year opportunities.
- Oversee base donor relationship management, ensuring that all donors receive timely and meaningful engagement and reporting, growing our number of individual donors from 50 to 250+ over two to three years
- Design and execute 1-2 fundraising events per year, raising a total of $500K to $1M
- Develop, cultivate, and manage institutional fundraising relationships with public grantmakers and private foundations; partner with the Executive Director and Deputy Director in the preparation of grants; oversee and maintain an annual grants calendar; and appropriately steward and manage grant deliverables and reports
- Help develop and implement the organization’s major donor strategy, cultivating, and maintaining strong relationships with 50+ key supporters in partnership with the CEO and Executive Director
- Support the CEO and Executive Director in activating the Board of Trustees as ambassadors for fundraising through strategy sessions, committee work, and training, as needed, to develop a culture of philanthropy
- Develop and manage sponsorship strategies, securing corporate partnerships that align with the organization’s mission in partnership with the CEO and Executive Director
- Establish and oversee the organization’s donor database and ensure accurate and up-to-date records; generate reports and analyze fundraising data
Secondary Function - Communications Strategy and Execution:
- Develop and lead the organization's brand strategy, ensuring consistent and compelling messaging across all platforms in partnership with the Executive Director and Events Director
- Design and lead comprehensive marketing and advertising strategies to increase visibility and engagement among the organization’s community of current and potential supporters in partnership with the Events Director
- Design and lead a communications strategy that effectively reaches and resonates with the organization's key audiences in partnership with the Executive Director and Events Director
- Lead public relations efforts in partnership with the Executive Director to enhance the organization’s reputation and manage its presence in the media
- Oversee all communications materials to maintain a high standard of quality and alignment with the brand, including email and social media
- Manage the content and functionality of the organization’s website in partnership with the Events Director and website management vendor, ensuring it is up-to-date, user-friendly, and effective
Core Competencies:
- Fundraising: Expertise in developing and executing a variety of successful fundraising strategies—including major donors, foundation grants, email marketing/fundraising, and sponsorships—with a strong understanding of donor behavior and motivation
- Donor Relations: Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with donors and supporters, especially major donors
- Donor Management Software: Proficiency in donor management software to track and report on relationships, donations, and campaign effectiveness
- Email Marketing: Proficiency in email marketing strategies, tools, and vendor management
- Writing and Editing: Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to create and refine content for various audiences
- Public Relations: Experience in managing or supporting public relations efforts, including media relations and crisis communication
- Leadership: Ability to inspire, guide, and collaborate with a small team, fostering a positive and productive work environment
- Values Alignment: A commitment to Serica’s values and mission
- Project Management: Strong organizational and project management skills to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously and deliver results on time and within budget
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in fundraising and/or communications
- Proven track record of successful fundraising and donor engagement, raising $1M+/year preferred
- Strong leadership and project management skills; experience in managing staff and/or cross-departmental projects; experience in and comfort with working in a small-team environment
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated interest and commitment to AAPI communities and issues a plus
Application Instructions / Public Contact InformationTo apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to info@sericainitiative.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
