Program Director

APACE and APACEvotes is looking for a Program Director who is passionate about developing and implementing programs to expand racial, economic and political equity in the electoral process. The Program Director will lead new tactics that transform mainstream organizing in order to expand the representation of AAPIs in electoral politics. If building grassroots power in communities of color and organizing campaigns gets you out of bed in the morning, then you are encouraged to apply!

About us: While Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are among the fastest growing communities in our state, we lack access to the economic and political power other communities have. Our diverse AAPI communities are disproportionately impacted by poverty, racial inequity, declining health outcomes, low graduation rates and limited job security. These inequities are multiplied, by low rates of AAPI political and civic engagement, that further limit our influence on the policy solutions to these problems.

APACE believes AAPI communities must be brought into the political process, have access to decision-making power, and ultimately champion progressive policy that will elevate the well-being of our entire region.

We work to expand our democracy by engaging our diverse AAPI communities in civic engagement and political action. We increase access and participation in electoral and civic affairs by registering, educating and protecting AAPI voters, and strive to create an active and powerful AAPI community that is well-educated on the issues, informed of the political process, and mobilized to participate in our democracy.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed illustrate various types of work that may be performed but are not intended to be a final statement of work.

General

• Develop and implement the annual work plans for APACEvotes and APACE;

• Provide oversight on all program budgets, contracts, and reporting requirements;
• Manage campaign staff, interns and volunteers to achieve goals and objectives;
• Implement community outreach and engagement efforts;
• Track all activities and compile an annual report for our constituencies;

 

Community Organizing and Civic Engagement

• Design and launch multi-lingual voter education campaigns and advocacy efforts;

• Utilize the Voter Action Network (VAN) database to segment targets, cut turf, track and evaluate voter data

• Work with ethnic media outlets and various vendors on media production and purchases;
• Develop, implement, and evaluate various community outreach strategies in the AAPI communities;
• Mobilize community members and allies to advocate on issues;
• Work closely with other civic organizations and groups to advocate for AAPI voter education and protection and increase AAPI voter registration and GOTV initiatives;

• Identify and engage key community leaders who share and promote our vision and messages.

 

Capacity Building

• Collaborate with Board of Directors and staff to increase organizational capacity;
• Manage the organizational database, build and maintain various volunteer lists;
• Expand community support through recruiting, training, and supporting a community of volunteers;
• Implement community outreach and brand marketing strategies to increase the visibility of APACEvotes and APACE;
• Collaborate with community agencies and civic engagement efforts to share and leverage resources.

 

APACE (501c4) Only – Political and Legislative Engagement:

• Work directly with political candidates through the APACE’s endorsement process;
• Work directly with policymakers to push APACE legislative priorities;
• Work effectively with coalitions on community, policy and political tables;
• Facilitate process in developing legislative agenda;
• Direct and participate in candidate field operations, from canvasses to phone banks and social media component of campaigns;

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least two years of non-profit or campaign experience
• Prior experience organizing in communities of color and immigrant and refugee communities
• A highly motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently
• Keen strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent verbal, listening, and written communication skills
• Flexibility to accommodate some evenings and weekends
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and social media tools
• Access to reliable and flexible transportation and Driver’s License
• Experience working with political candidates, policymakers, and media
• Familiarity with the legislative process and how public policy impacts AAPI communities
• Familiarity with and understanding of AAPI community issues and key leaders
• Strong commitment to racial equity and social justice

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Four-year degree in a related field or relevant experience
• Bi-lingual skills in AAPI languages
• Proficiency with Voter databases
• Experience with group facilitation and coalition-building

 

COMPENSATION

Salary range between $50,000 and $60,000, Full time exempt 40hr/wk. Benefits include medical, dental and retirement, holiday, vacation and sick leave.

 

TO APPLY

Deadline: Position Open Until Filled

 

Send a cover letter and resume with three references to Christina Shimizu at Christina@apace-votes.org

 

In your cover letter, please answer the following supplemental questions:

1. How has your personal and professional background prepared you for this position? Please highlight how you meet or exceed the qualifications.
2. What does civic engagement mean to you?
3. What is your understanding of racial justice and what do you believe the role is of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in advancing this work?