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

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. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles , Principles of Community , and Strategic Plan .

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

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 June 23, 2026. 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.

Education / Training

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Preferred Qualifications

Education / Training

• Master's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website .

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $140,000.00 - $160,000.00. The full pay scale for this classification is $91,500.00 - $168,900.00.

• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is a 1-year, part-time (30 hours/week) Contract position eligible for UC benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This position is eligible for up to 2 days/week remote work within the United States. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and are subject to change.
• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

Misconduct

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

To apply, visit