Chief Executive

About Kundiman:

Founded in 2004, Kundiman is dedicated to nurturing generations of writers and readers of Asian American Pacific Islander literature. Our organization creates a space where Asian American Pacific Islanders can explore, through art, the unique challenges that face the new and ever changing diaspora. We see the arts as a tool of empowerment, of education and liberation, of addressing proactively the legacy we will leave for our future. For more information, go to www.kundiman.org.

Role Summary:

The Chief Executive serves as the visionary leader and chief advocate for Kundiman. This role demands a passionate individual with a deep appreciation for the power of literature and the unique narratives of the Asian American Pacific Islander community. The Chief Executive will spearhead strategic planning, fundraising, community engagement, technical advancement and program development to ensure the organization's growth and its impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development and Management:

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the organization's programs and services, ensuring they meet the needs of the community and align with the organization's goals.
• Foster innovation in program offerings to engage a broader audience and address emerging needs within the Asian American Pacific Islander literary community.

Strategic Leadership:

• Cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the Executive Board and seek their active involvement in strategic planning, governance, policy decisions and fundraising.
• Execute a strategic plan that aligns with the organization's mission, vision, and goals, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

Fundraising and Financial Management:

• Lead fundraising efforts, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and developing new revenue streams, to support the organization's programs and operations.
• Oversee financial management, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring the organization's fiscal integrity and accountability.

Community Engagement and Advocacy:

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization, articulating its mission, vision, and programs to various stakeholders, including writers, readers, donors, media, and the broader community.
• Strengthen partnerships with other literary organizations, cultural institutions, and community groups to enhance the organization's visibility and impact.

Organizational Development:

• Promote a culture of high performance, continuous learning, and inclusivity within the organization.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain a diverse and talented team committed to the organization's mission and values.

 Technology and Innovation: 

• Leverage emerging technologies to enhance organizational efficiency, program delivery and community engagement. Implement innovative digital solutions for collaboration, events, and community-building platforms tailored to the needs of Asian American Pacific Islander writers.
• Employ best-in-class project management techniques and tools to ensure the timely and successful execution of organization-wide initiatives. Use agile methodologies to adapt to changing priorities and stakeholder needs. Utilize project management and productivity applications to track progress, manage resources, and facilitate communication among team members and the Board, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and budget. Foster a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing project outcomes and implementing lessons learned to optimize future initiatives.
• Implement interactive data visualization structures to regularly monitor and present key performance indicators, enhancing decision-making and organizational transparency.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 3 - 5 years of senior administrative leadership experience, preferably in the arts, culture or advocacy.
• Demonstrated passion for and commitment to Asian American Pacific Islander literature and the arts.
• Proven track record in fundraising, financial management, and program development.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, coupled with a collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Advanced degree in a related field (e.g., Creative Writing, Literature, Arts Administration, Advocacy, Nonprofit Management) preferred.
• Must be able to commute to New York City for various organization initiatives.