ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: COME WORK WITH US! Help us provide hope, opportunity, and voice to thousands in our region by joining our team!

All candidates are welcome to apply especially those with diverse lived experiences who bring their perspective, personal identities, and history. We strongly encourage candidates who represent Asian & Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, intersectional communities to submit applications. These include those who identify as LGBTQIA+, Transracial Adoptee, those who are justice involved, multi-racial, multi-lingual, all abilities, South Asian, or are part of other underrepresented communities.

About ACRS: Since 1973, Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) has been working toward social justice and offering a broad array of behavioral health programs, human services and civic engagement activities for Asians, Pacific Islanders, and other underserved communities in King County and beyond.

Mission: Asian Counseling & Referral Service is a social justice organization that promotes the health and well-being of Asians-Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders (A-NH/PIs) and other communities by providing and advocating for responsive community-based services.

Vision: Hope, Opportunity, and Voice for All

Values

We are rooted in our Social Justice history and practice and advocate for and with those who are farthest from hope and opportunity.
Our actions are Client-/Community Centered.
We believe belonging is essential.
Compassion is at the heart of our work and approach.

ACRS seeks a full-time Chief Executive Officer who provides strategic direction and collaborative leadership to develop and execute the organization’s mission to serve the A-NH/PI community locally, regionally, and nationally under the direction of the Board of Directors (Board). The individual provides leadership, guides strategic planning, oversees all administrative, advocacy, program, and development efforts, and is responsible for the effectiveness and efficiency of organization operations. The Chief Executive Officer cultivates collaboration with community leaders and partner organizations, bringing together advocates, service providers, government agencies, the business community, donors, and volunteers.

Usual Schedule: Mon – Fri, with hybrid work flexibility based on agency needs. Typically, 3–4 days per week are spent in the office.

Competitive Benefits Package Includes

Pay range is between $245,000 to $275,000 annually and is based on experience with possible increases after 6 months from date of hire.
ACRS pays 75-85% of your medical and dental vision insurance on or coinciding with your date of hire
Vision insurance is available at a very minimal cost
ACRS pays 100% of your life, AD&D and long-term disability insurance on or coinciding with your date of hire
Employer paid commuter card and free parking available
Paid Time off:
- 8 hours of vacation accrued monthly from day 1, available to use after 6 months of employment
- 8 hours of sick leave, accrued monthly from day 1, available to use once accrued, no waiting period
- 1 floating holiday annually, available after 1 year of employment
13 paid holidays annually
IT equipment provided, with telecommuting reimbursement available
403b Retirement savings account
Simplified Employee Pension
Employee assistance program

Essential Job Functions

Strategic Vision and Leadership
- Leads the organization in working with the Board to establish and execute a long-term strategic plan for the organization
- Identifies changes and trends in the community served by the organization and incorporates evolving community needs in the strategic direction of the organization
- Serves as a leader and mentor for the leadership team of ACRS; serves as a role model in the community
- Establishes effective decision-making, values-based processes to ensure that ACRS achieves its goals
- Works with Board leadership to build a diverse and inclusive Board and Committees that are highly engaged; maintains strong working relationship with the Board and all Committees
Advocacy, Community Relations, and Policy Setting
- Champions equity and social justice for the A-NH/PI community, communities of color and all marginalized communities; represents the community and ACRS on issues locally, regionally, and nationally
- Drives policy setting at the local, regional, and federal levels
- Responsible for community building: forging coalitions, collaborative arrangements, and effective working relationships with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve organizational goals and support the A&NHPI community
- Engages stakeholders in supporting ACRS and the policies, regulations, and practices relevant to the A-NH/PI community
- Communicates effectively and passionately on the organization’s work within ACRS and in the community
Program Planning and Management
- Oversees the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization's programs and services
- Ensures that services offered by ACRS align with the organization's mission and community needs
- Collaborates and oversees strategic quality improvements to increase operational efficiency and to improve service delivery
- In collaboration with Executive Leadership, innovates in the design of organizational structure, strategies, and services
- Evaluates impact of legislation and the impact of trends in the fields of social and behavioral health services and civic engagement; plans accordingly
- Oversees planning, implementation, execution, and evaluation of special projects
Financial Oversight, Development and Communications
- Oversees the financial status and priorities of the organization including budget development and monitoring, long and short-range financial plans, ensuring that sound financial controls are in place and a successful completion of the annual audit
- Allocates resources across ACRS in support of the staff, the organization, and the needs of community
- Administers and monitors the funds of the organization according to the approved budget
- Monitors trends in sources of funding from federal, state, and local sources; proactively incorporates these into the strategies and management of ACRS
- Oversees the design and execution of marketing, communication, media relations, and development strategies
- Identifies new opportunities for funding and cultivates relationships with potential funders and donors
- Oversees development work with the Board to secure adequate funding
- Ensures the Board receives regular reports on ACRS revenues and expenditures
- Leads and fosters effective internal communications across the organization, ensuring transparency, alignment, and engagement among all levels of staff. Promotes a culture of open dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that employees are informed about organizational goals, priorities, and key decisions. Encourages feedback and communication channels that support a positive and inclusive workplace culture, while ensuring that leadership’s vision is clearly communicated and understood throughout the organization.
Human Resources Planning and Management
- Recruits, develops, retains and inspires a highly skilled, adaptive director level workforce
- Oversees staffing requirements at an elevated level for organizational management and program delivery
- Oversees the strategic implementation of human resource policies and practices that align with ACRS mission and values, ensuring the creation and maintenance of a diverse, positive, healthy, and safe work environment. Ensures that all HR initiatives comply with relevant legislation and regulations, while fostering a culture of inclusion and well-being that supports the organization’s long-term goals and vision.
Risk Management
- Oversees the Compliance Officer to ensure the organization remains in compliance with federal, state, and local financial, legislative, and regulatory requirements
- Analyzes the risks to the organization's people (clients, employees, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and oversees implementation of measures to control those risks
- Oversees comprehensive and adequate insurance coverage for both the Board and the organization, safeguarding against potential risks. Provides appropriate communication with the Board regarding the terms, conditions, and limitations of the insurance policies, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and protected
Supervisory Role
- Provides strategic leadership for and oversight of nine senior leaders: monitors, supports, and guides their performance, professional development planning, and conducts timely performance reviews
- Addresses any personnel issues and takes formal corrective action to ensure high quality performance and effective operations, including input to dismiss employees; resolves complaints and grievances lodged by supervisees
- Ensures the leadership team operates effectively to achieve the agency’s strategic objectives while maintaining high standards of accountability, equity, and performance across all departments
- Approves salary increases per agency budget and policies

Position Qualifications

Master’s degree or above in a related field (e.g., social services, public administration, nonprofit management, or similar) OR BA in related field, plus 15 years of experience
10 years of experience in cross-functional management and leadership
Director level experience in a not-for-profit organization
Experience working with boards
Deep knowledge of current A-NH/PI community challenges, social justice issues, and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization and experience working within the A-NH/PI community
Demonstrated leadership in and knowledge of policy development, advocacy, and community organizing, including experience engaging with local, regional, and federal legislative processes
Knowledge of federal and local legislation applicable to community-based, not-for-profit organizations
Proven expertise in fiscal management, including budgeting, fundraising, and sustainability planning for nonprofit organizations
Experience applying best practice leadership and management principles, with a focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and cultural competency. Deep understanding of human resources policies and practices.

Key Competencies

Accountability, ethical behavior, and integrity: Demonstrates an elevated level of responsibility by consistently modeling agency expectations in all areas of leadership. Takes ownership of decisions and actions, ensuring transparency and reliability in all professional activities. Upholds and promotes ethical behavior by adhering to both the organization’s values and legal standards, setting an example for others to follow. This includes fostering a culture of trust, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations, and addressing any misconduct promptly and appropriately
People-centered: Engages with various internal stakeholders within the organization and with community to achieve deeper understanding and shared goals. Positively influence and inspire others to achieve results in support of the community and ACRS and lead by centering others. Leads with empathy. Understands that ACRS’ ability to serve the community starts with healthy and engaged people. Works collaboratively to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness. Is committed to continuous learning to grow and advance people. Commitment to effective and respectful service to clients, employees, partners, and visitors of diverse cultural beliefs and practices
Community engagement & advocacy: Active engagement with A-NH/PI community, communities of color, and all marginalized communities. Anticipates, understands, and responds to community needs. Seeks feedback and involvement with internal stakeholders and the community to achieve deeper understanding and shared goals
Relationship building: Proven record of accomplishment of engaging others including community leaders, colleagues, staff, agencies, clients, and funders to work together
Effective communication: Communicates confidently, clearly, and persuasively on critical issues, both in public speaking and in writing; proficient in using digital platforms and social media
Strategic thinking: Be forward thinking in assessing options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and values of the organization
Values driven decision-making: Decisions are made based on organizational values and mitigates any impact/harm
Situational leadership: Positively influences and inspires others to achieve results consistent with ACRS goals and values. Tailors guidance to the capabilities of team members while allowing freedom in execution. Understands the balance between task orientation versus supportive oversight
Resilience & Innovation: Ability to adapt, innovate, and lead through change while fostering resilience in the organization. Ability to make and own difficult decisions. Can operate and lead in an uncertain or ambiguous environment. Is not deterred by challenges. Thinks boldly with a sense of purpose and urgency. Fosters continuous improvement and the development of new opportunities. Promotes and recognizes action that advance organizational goals

Working Conditions: The position requires regular mobility within the office or workspace, may involve sitting for extended periods throughout the day and the ability to handle objects, tools, or controls. Occasional lifting or moving of up to 20 pounds may be required. May involve tasks where visual acuity is beneficial. This position is hybrid, with work divided between remote and on-site locations. Approximately 40% to 60% of the work will be performed in person at various sites, while the remaining percentage will be conducted remotely (telecommuting). These hybrid work expectations are subject to change at the agency’s discretion. The noise level in the on-site work environment is moderate.

Applications received by January 15, 2025, will be prioritized for screening and interviews.***

LOCATION: Asian Counseling and Referral Service - Main Office

EOE STATEMENT: Asian Counseling and Referral Service is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay Service 711.

ACRS does not and will not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, creed, disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin, parental status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, use of a service animal, military or veteran status. Equal access to programs, services and employment is available to all persons. Those individuals requiring accommodation should notify ACRS in advance. ACRS is a Tobacco-Free Campus.

Know Your Rights & Responsibilities: Job Applicant Poster Viewing Center

ACRS is committed to ensuring that our job application process is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

If you require accommodation to assist with your job application, please contact recruiting@acrs.org. Our HR team is dedicated to providing alternative means and personalized assistance to ensure that your application can be submitted without undue hardship.

Our goal is to provide an accessible, fair, and inclusive application process, and we encourage you to communicate your needs so we can assist you effectively.

Asian Counseling and Referral Service

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