Director

Director – Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, Washington, DC

The Opportunity

The Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) seeks a Director to lead the organization in achieving its goal of establishing a dedicated space on the National Mall to feature the stories of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). The Director will represent and enhance public understanding of the heritage of Asian & Pacific Island Americans, and will be the external face of APAC, inspiring confidence and raising its profile.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership for the representation of the Asian American experience at the Smithsonian and through directing APAC.
• Direct APAC’s scholarly activities, exhibitions, educational and public programs, online presence, staff, advisory board, collaborative relationships, volunteers, fiscal resources, and compliance with Smithsonian policies.
• Raise funds for the Center and its activities, develop relationships with corporate and philanthropic sectors, and pursue government and foundation grants.
• Develop and maintain a distinguished advisory board and collaborate with other Smithsonian museums and external partners on projects and activities.
• Promote institutional partnerships with museums, universities, educational consortia, and community organizations.
• Serve as primary liaison with Asian and Pacific American community groups, national organizations, scholarly associations, and other stakeholders.
• Build public awareness of Smithsonian’s Asian and Pacific American programs and work with the Office of Public Affairs.
• Maintain active scholarly or professional standing through research, publication, or public presentations.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable subject and at least 10 years of senior‑level professional leadership in a museum, cultural institution, or educational arena.
• Advanced degree in a related field highly desirable.
• Experience leading a multi‑disciplinary, complex organization or a significant department/division.
• Strong executive leadership, communication, negotiation, and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated fundraising success and ability to develop relationships with donors and funding sources.
• Experience in managing a professional staff, complex budget, and diverse workforce.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and engage business, government, cultural, and community leaders.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to serve as the external face of Smithsonian and APAC.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range $300,000 – $400,000, with a generous benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.