Executive Director
Dear Community
San Francisco, CA
About Dear Community
Dear Community began as a grassroots response to anti-Asian hate during the pandemic, bringing people together to protect, heal, and uplift one another. As that moment evolves, so does our work.
We are now entering our next chapter: shifting from crisis response to building proactive belonging. We’re creating a world where Asian Americans feel deeply connected, proud, visible, and valued.
Our Vision: A proud, empowered, and safe Asian community
Our Mission: To uplift Asian pride and inspire new leaders through community building and activism
Today, Dear Community is a volunteer-led organization powered by a committed Board. We are ready to grow and are hiring our first Executive Director to help lead us into this next phase.
The Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a growing, mission-driven organization at a pivotal moment.
As a full time Executive Director, you will work closely with the Board to expand Dear Community’s reach and sustainability. At this stage, the organization operates with a lean structure, and this role will serve as the primary day-to-day driver of the organization’s work, with the support of an engaged Board and volunteer community.
The role is primarily focused on fundraising (70%), alongside program strategy and execution (30%).
This role is ideal for an entrepreneurial leader who is excited to both set vision and roll up their sleeves, and who is deeply passionate about building community and advancing Asian American belonging.
Location: Candidates must be based in or willing to relocate to the Bay Area, ideally San Francisco. This role requires regular in-person engagement across San Francisco and the broader Bay Area, including events, meetings, and community gatherings. Dear Community maintains access to a shared office space in San Francisco with a partner nonprofit, which the Executive Director can use.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & Revenue Growth (70%)
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Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy
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Cultivate and manage relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners
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Secure funding through individual giving, grants, brand partnerships, and events
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Build and manage a sustainable revenue pipeline to support organizational growth
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Lay the financial foundation to hire future staff and scale operations
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Provide regular fundraising updates at monthly Board meetings
Program Strategy & Execution (30%)
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Partner with the Board to lead strategy and execution of Dear Community’s core programs
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Manage development, logistics, and marketing for community-building events across San Francisco
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Ensure programs align with the organization’s mission and long-term strategy
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Help evolve programs that turn participants into contributors and emerging leaders
What We’re Looking For
Core Qualifications
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Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising or business development
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Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate independently and build from scratch
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Strong relationship-builder with excellent communication skills
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Experience in community-building, events, or mission-driven work
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Ability to think strategically while executing tactically
Personal Qualities
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Deep passion for Dear Community’s mission and vision
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Self-starter who thrives in ambiguity and early-stage environments
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Creative, resourceful, and action-oriented
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Collaborative and comfortable working closely with a volunteer Board
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Excited to grow into a long-term leadership role as the organization scales
Compensation & Structure
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Position Type: Full time
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Annual Base Salary: $100,000
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Incentive Compensation: 20% of funds raised
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Contract Term: Initial 1-year contract
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Initial Review Period: First 6 months
The first six months will serve as a mutual evaluation period, allowing both the Executive Director and the Board to align on goals, working style, and long-term fit.
This structure is designed to reward impact and provide strong upside for a high-performing leader who can grow the organization’s funding base.
This role requires availability some weekday nights and weekends.
Why Join Dear Community?
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Lead an organization at a pivotal moment of evolution and growth
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Shape the future of Asian American community-building in San Francisco and beyond
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Partner closely with a passionate and committed Board
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Build something meaningful with real, lasting impact
How to Apply
Please email the following materials to team@dearcommunity.org:
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Your resume
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A brief statement sharing why you’re excited about Dear Community and this role
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A sample of external-facing content you’ve created that demonstrates your ability to succeed in this position
Dear Community is an equal opportunity organization and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
