- Serica Initiative
- Aug 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 29
Position Summary: Chief Development Officer - The Serica Initiative
Founded in 2018, The Serica Initiative has centered its work on building bridges and fostering understanding between and among diverse communities and the Asian diaspora in America. The organization’s greatest asset has always been its vast network of AAPIs across sectors and geographies. Through innovative programs (like its video series collaboration with The WNET Group’s ALL ARTS public television) and signature events, the Serica Initiative is helping to foster deeper understanding and more meaningful engagement in an increasingly complex world.
The Chief Development Officer will be a relationship-driven fundraising professional with a passion for The Serica Initiative’s mission. Reporting directly to the Founder, Chair and CEO, and with a dotted line to the Executive Director, the CDO will lead donor engagement efforts and play a key role in advancing Serica’s visibility and philanthropic support within the community.
The successful candidate will bring experience in donor research, cultivation, and stewardship, and will demonstrate high emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and a collaborative spirit. The CDO will be responsible for identifying new donor opportunities, deepening relationships with existing supporters, and crafting engagement strategies that reflect the values and aspirations of the Serica community.
This is a mission-driven role ideal for a self-starter who is energized by people and believes in the power of dialog, storytelling, and convening as effective means to raising awareness of AAPIs in the broader American culture.
Ideal Experience
Extensive experience in development, fundraising, donor engagement or relationship management.
Demonstrated success in cultivating, nurturing and developing gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations and community partners
Prior experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations preferred.
Familiarity with or strong interest in Asian and Asian American communities and cultures.
Experience working in close collaboration with executive leadership and external stakeholders.
Experience and success in working in a dynamic, small-team environment. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, with a strong attention to detail.
Candidate Profile
Demonstrates a proactive, results-oriented approach with a strong bias for action— drives initiatives forward with urgency and accountability.
Brings a deep understanding of philanthropic culture and donor motivations.
The ideal candidate will be hands-on and ready to operate in plug-and-play mode, bringing the experience and initiative needed to step in immediately and drive results.
Warm and engaging personality; strong interpersonal skills.
High EQ and cultural sensitivity; collaborative and inclusive style.
Enthusiastic about Serica’s mission; values-driven and ethical.
Energetic, proactive, and organized with strong follow-through.
Preferred candidates will have established connections and actionable relationships in the NYC philanthropic community, reside within a commutable distance of NYC, and be prepared to activate their networks to drive fundraising outcomes quickly.
Strong organizational and project management skills to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously and deliver results.
A flexible approach to supporting special events and donor engagements, including some activities outside of traditional business hours, is expected, reflecting a strong commitment to partnership development and an ability to engage meaningfully with stakeholders when opportunities arise.
Reporting Structure
Reports to: Anla Cheng, Founder, Chair and CEO
Dotted line to: Andrea Louie, Executive Director
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising and Donor Engagement
Develop and implement strategies to cultivate, nurture, and generate a portfolio of donors and prospects.
Identify new funding sources and lead outreach efforts to individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partners.
Apply to grants as necessary on an ad hoc basis
Maintain and expand donor database through DonorPerfect and our website, track touchpoints, and produce impact updates and engagement materials.
Ensure that all donors receive timely and meaningful engagement and reporting.
Strategic Partnership Development
Work closely with the CEO and Executive Director to support overall fundraising goals and program initiatives.
Contribute to planning and attending donor-facing experiences, including Serica’s public programs, annual benefit gala, cultivation events, and campaigns.
Support the CEO and Executive Director in activating the Board of Directors as ambassadors for fundraising through strategy sessions, Board Fundraising Committee work, and training, as needed.
Coordinate engagement activities aligned with Serica’s programs and mission.
Strictly Confidential
Communication and Culture
Serve as a representative of Serica’s values and work in all donor and partner interactions.
Collaborate across the team to ensure that fundraising efforts are aligned with communications, programming, and operations.
Foster a culture of stewardship and gratitude in all aspects of donor relations.
Desired Outcomes
Drive meaningful revenue growth by expanding and diversifying the organization’s fundraising portfolio, including major gifts, institutional funding, and innovative development strategies, especially in the New York City area.
Build deeper engagement pathways with donors aligned to Serica’s mission and programs.
Contribute to a culture of philanthropy within the organization.
Support the CEO and Executive Director in shaping sustainable fundraising strategies.
Develop and deliver an impactful fundraising budget by establishing clear revenue objectives that support Serica’s mission, then actively set, monitor, and achieve these targets through a robust fundraising strategy.
Preferred Candidate Location
Preference to be based in or within 25 miles/commutable distance of New York City; local knowledge and networks will be key to success.
Hybrid with 3-4 days of office time per week expected.
Preferred Additional Qualifications
Proficiency in an Asian language (e.g., Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, etc.) is a plus, but not required.
Experience working with culturally diverse communities or international nonprofit organizations.
Compensation & Benefits
100,000 - 130,000 salary
Work from home flexibility + monthly stipend
Digital support with CRM and other tools as needed
Health Insurance coverage
Enthusiastic team and work support
