We see communications as a critical component of organizing and are seeking a Development Associate plays a key role to ensure NAKASEC and our network have the critical resources needed to support movement building, organizing, advocacy campaigns and infrastructure development. The position is ideally based in Chicago, IL. This role requires regular travel an estimated 25% of the time based on active campaigns and organizational needs. The salary for this position ranges from $55,000 to $60,000with an exact salary depending on experience. We also offer excellent benefits such as 100% employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance as well as a retirement plan and 3% matching. Paid time off, vacation time, and sick days are offered. We close between December 25 - January 1 for reflection and rejuvenation. For the rest of the year, staff members are expected to work in the office at least two days/week in this hybrid role.
NAKASEC staff are represented by the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), and the Digital Organizer is a member of the group of employees represented by the Union.
Who We Are
Founded by local community-based organizations in 1994, NAKASEC's mission is to organize Korean and Asian Americans to achieve social, racial, and economic justice. NAKASEC is a network of affiliates and partners, and our base is multilingual and multigenerational. Through political education, community
organizing, direct action, public policy advocacy, and civic participation, the NAKASEC network ensures that our most marginalized community members can impact progressive change rooted in our values. We are a small team within a large network and work closely with each other and our affiliates to reach our objectives. We work to resist racism, patriarchy, homophobia, classism, ableism, and other forms of structural and institutional oppression within and through our work.
NAKASEC is a leading Asian American organization advocating for progressive systemic change at the local, state and federal levels. NAKASEC's affiliates are HANA Center (Illinois), Woori Center (Pennsylvania), MinKwon Center for Community Action (New York/New Jersey), Hamkae Center (Virginia), and Woori Juntos (Texas).
What You'll Do
The Development Associate position involves a high volume of writing. Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and research skills are needed in this position. The Development Associate reports to the Director of Development and will have the following responsibilities:
Grant Research, Writing, and Reporting
Work within a development team to draft and edit grant proposals and reports for NAKASEC and affiliates.
Meet with NAKASEC and affiliate staff as needed to collect information for grant applications and reports.
Interview organizations to which NAKASEC provides subgrants to collect information for grant applications and reports.
Research demographic and other relevant information to strengthen grant proposals and potential funders for NAKASEC and affiliates.
Update NAKASEC's grant calendar to ensure that deadlines are met.
Organize and maintain grant files for NAKASEC and affiliates.
Regularly attend staff and strategy meetings to obtain information for grant writing, reporting, and fundraising purposes.
Individual Giving
Assist and lead segments of work for NAKASEC fundraising campaigns, including events (in-person and virtual)
Help track sponsors and individual outreach for fundraising events.
Administer gift acknowledgements.
Draft copy for social media posts, email, and direct mail appeals
Donor Cultivation & Appreciation
Assist in managing fundraising database and tracking systems.
Coordinate end-of-year donor and volunteer appreciation.
Assist in creating and writing content for donor newsletters.
Answer inquiries from donors.
Travel to funder meetings as needed
Who You Are & Keys to Success (Qualifications)
Strong vision of community empowerment and deep commitment to changing the world with marginalized communities.
At least two years of nonprofit administrative experience; development work preferred.
Strong research and writing skills.
Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
Ability to be a creative thinker, resourceful, proactive, and deft at problem solving.
Ability to execute day-to-day tasks and work independently.
Enjoys both listening to and sharing ideas and opinions.
Ready to resist racism, patriarchy, homophobia, transphobia, classism, and ableism.
Ability to regularly travel to meetings, retreats, actions, affiliate galas, and other NAKASEC and affiliate events.
Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
Working knowledge of Google Workspace / Microsoft Office; experience with CRMs preferred
COVID-19 vaccination required to work at NAKASEC.
Bilingual in English and an Asian language a plus.
Join Our Movement!
Ready to turn your social media savvy into real change? Join us and help shape a fairer, more equitable world. Apply now and become part of something truly transformative!
We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes and encourages diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.