Program Director, Asian American Research Center (7547U), Institute for the Study of Societal Issues

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff. As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic, and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice.

Departmental Overview

The Institute for the Study of Societal Issues (ISSI) is UC Berkeley's hub for interdisciplinary social justice research. Since 1976, the Institute has been fostering qualitative and quantitative interdisciplinary research on the issues central to social stratification and inequality while training and supporting new generations of social justice scholars.

The Asian American Research Center (AARC) is housed within ISSI. Launched in 2020, the Asian American Research Center at UC Berkeley is a preeminent research center for the study of Asian Americans/Asian diasporas in national, hemispheric, and global contexts. It brings together a vibrant, innovative, and dynamic assemblage of scholars, researchers, policy-makers, community organizers, and cultural producers to address a multiplicity of interests and concerns. The Center works to raise public awareness of Asian American/diaspora issues and advance cutting-edge research, develop innovative curricula, and promote community-campus engagement.

Position Summary

This newly created Program Director position will build and deliver a cohesive development strategy for the Asian American Research Center (AARC). This is an exciting opportunity for a creative development professional to partner with the Faculty Chair to support the next phase of our growth through the active engagement with current donors as well as the identification, cultivation and solicitation of funding from a variety of potential new sources including foundations, corporations, government, and individuals. The Program Director will inspire, grow and execute a fundraising vision and strategy to sustain AARC and will also lead the planning and implementation of AARC events, programs, initiatives, and communications to showcase AARC's work to (prospective) donors and other internal and external constituencies.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is 2026-06-23. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

Plans, schedules, and implements fundraising and alumni relations projects and programs, including the annual fund, alumni relations outreach, corporate, foundation, and individual donor search activities, etc.
Provides analysis and information of complex results or activities, and makes recommendations to upper management for program changes or development of new programs as required.
Designs, organizes, and implements AARC events, including special fundraising events and has direct interaction with alumni and other donors.
Develops strategies within existing policy guidelines.
Participates in short- and long-range strategic planning.
Ensures that predetermined fundraising goals of $750,000/year are met.
Identifies, cultivates, solicits and / or stewards donors.
Assists in detailed planning of fund development and annual solicitation programs.
Supports faculty on grant-writing and works with faculty to communicate their research to (prospective) donors and other internal and external constituencies.
Recruits, trains, and supports key volunteers who assist in advancement efforts.
Attends functions, meetings and serves on internal / external committees as a representative of AARC.
In collaboration with the AARC Faculty Chair, leads planning of AARC initiatives, working groups, meetings, and other programs, including coordinating a seed grant program for faculty and students. Implements these programs and activities and other duties as assigned.
Plans and implements campus partnerships with community and regional organizations to create faculty and student opportunities for community-engaged research.
Communicates AARC's programs and activities to internal and external constituencies including developing and assessing new communications strategies to boost AARC's visibility.
Manages AARC budget.

Required Qualifications

Thorough working knowledge of fundraising, donor relations, and public relations concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques.
Thorough working knowledge of and/or ability to learn about all aspects of AARC, including current issues of concern for Asian American and Pacific Islander studies, the campus and throughout.
Strong knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, etc.
Strong written and interpersonal communication skills to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies.
Ability to make persuasive and compelling presentations of goals and objectives for AARC in order to secure gifts.
Strong organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills, including skills in creative and effective decision-making and problem identification / avoidance / resolution, and project management skills.
Strong skills in maintaining confidentiality.
At least 15 years experience in fundraising and/or program development including grant writing and management and budget management.
Demonstrated track record in successful revenue growth from foundations, corporations and individuals, including general operating support, for a mission-driven organization.
Knowledge of academic research and ability to communicate across academic audiences and communicate academic research to non-academic audiences.
Event planning experience.

Program Director, Asian American Research Center, Institute for the Study of Societal Issues

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