Director of Development
Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence
Boston, Massachusetts

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

As the domestic violence homicide rate continues to rise in Massachusetts, fewer abusers are receiving effective treatment, intervention resources are decreasing and survivors are turned away from shelters at an alarming rate. The Asian population in Greater Boston has increased by 70 percent over the past decade leaving a population with limited or no English skills few places to turn. Newly arrived Asian immigrants live in fear of job loss and deportation if they attempt to escape the tragedy of domestic violence. Compounding these fears are traditional Asian values emphasizing close family harmony, strong respect for authority, shame and honor. For these survivors, the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence (ATASK) is a safe haven offering a cultural home, a sanctuary from violence and hope for the future. ATASK, a leading nonprofit domestic violence agency devoted to preventing family violence and strengthening Asian families and communities for over 15 years, now seeks nominations and applications for a dynamic new Director of Development to manage and grow all aspects of ATASK’s philanthropic support and network of supporters.

Reporting to the President, the Director of Development has overall responsibility for ATASK’s individual, corporate, and foundation fundraising activities in support of ATASK’s $1.8 million operating revenue. In partnership with the President and the Board, s/he will devise a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the agency’s short and long-term strategic objectives, and develop and implement an annual development and communications plan that includes prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of existing and potential individual and institutional donors.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of seven years experience in nonprofit development and possess a demonstrated track record of raising funds from a broad range of sources, including direct experience in building a leadership/major gifts program; knowledge of the Greater Boston donor community and an understanding of national/international philanthropic resources; and an appreciation for ATASK’s mission. This is an exceptional opportunity for an entrepreneurial and strategic development professional with strong managerial and fundraising skills to capitalize on ATASK’s sound financial base and strong reputation, and to help guide the agency through its next stage of development.

This search is being conducted by the Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group.
 

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence (ATASK) has been working to provide hope to survivors and prevent domestic violence in Asian families and communities since 1992. Founded to address the inadequate resources available to Asian survivors of domestic violence, ATASK has managed New England’s only multilingual emergency shelter, advocacy services, outreach efforts and educational programs for families and their children.

With three service locations within Greater Boston and Lowell and a budget of over $1.8 million, ATASK has become a leader in educating and mobilizing social service organizations and the broader public on domestic violence issues specific to Asian communities, and has become a model organization in Massachusetts, throughout the United States and across the globe.

Advocates and staff from other domestic violence programs in California, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan have looked to ATASK’s unique family-centered approach as a model for rendering services to individuals and families. With over forty distinct Asian languages and cultures represented in the Greater Boston area, ATASK provides linguistically and culturally accessible resources, outreach, education, prevention and direct services to Asian American families in need.

ATASK works to accomplish its mission by providing direct services and shelter; creating an environment of intolerance to domestic violence; forging collaborations; and fostering leadership and strong advocacy for, social, economic and political change with regard to domestic violence and other critical issues that affect Asian families and communities. ATASK is dedicated to providing all survivors of domestic violence with individualized and culturally appropriate support, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or level of education. ATASK’s work extends beyond immediate assistance in crisis situations and is grounded in the belief that through education and advocacy domestic violence can be prevented. ATASK raises awareness about the prevalence and cultural origins of domestic violence and works in partnership with organizations, both regionally and around the world, who share its goals.

ATASK’s staff is sensitive to the cultural and ethnic differences of their diverse clients. Representing the rich diversity of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, ATASK’s primarily first-generation staff members speak more than thirteen Asian languages and dialects and deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate care, intervention and support to best address the needs of their clients. Advocates provide services in the following languages: Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and Toisanese), Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Nepali, Punjabi, Tagalog, Tamil, Urdu and Vietnamese.

LEADERSHIP

President Linda Chin joined ATASK in September 2008 and has already heightened ATASK’s brand, visibility and reputation as a quality provider of services and a premier non-profit in the Greater Boston area. She brings over two decades of management and consulting expertise to her role, drawing upon her experience as Senior Vice President for Planning, Marketing, and Public Relations at Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), Director of Network Development at New England Medical Center (now Tufts Medical Center) and as a health care management and strategy consultant.

Under Linda’s leadership, ATASK has in the last six months:

• Successfully completed its financial audit for fiscal year ending June of 2008.

• Celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the Silk Road Gala, securing more than $450,000 in net revenue in 2008.

• Received recognition as a finalist in the 2009 Innovation Awards of the Small Business Association of New England. ATASK is one of 20 organizations initially selected out of 182 nominations. A group of 10 winners will be announced in mid-May.

• Developed an advanced web site (to be launched at the end of June) with assistance from the Taproot Foundation. ATASK was one of 11 area non-profits selected by the Taproot Foundation to receive a service grant.

• Developed a marketing/public relations/development plan with consultation from Executive Service Corps and funding from The Boston Foundation.

• Introduced a new logo - the butterfly symbolizing the wings of hope ATASK gives survivors to rebuild their lives.

• Developed a new video and 30-second PSA that support ATASK’s social marketing initiatives.

• Designed the 1000 Cranes and 2000 Butterflies campaign to raise awareness and funds for ATASK’s upcoming 20th anniversary and broaden the agency’s base of support by engaging donors at the $100-$500 level.

The Board is planning to engage in a strategic planning process in June to chart the organization’s future direction. The goal will be to outline an effective three to five year plan that harnesses ATASK’s broad potential to fulfill its ambitious mission. The President will collaborate with and align staff and board resources to attain these strategic goals and will anticipate changing community needs with vision and imagination.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

To fulfill its unique mission of providing HOPE to survivors and preventing domestic violence in Asian families and communities, ATASK offers various programs and services including:

Emergency Shelter
Established in 1994, ATASK’s emergency shelter is New England's first and only domestic violence program for Asian survivors of domestic violence. It provides a 24-hour multilingual hotline, crisis intervention and temporary housing for families transitioning to permanent housing and a violence-free environment. The residential program offers clients a safe, welcoming and culturally sensitive setting that meets the linguistic needs of Asian survivors.

Community-Based Advocacy Services
Closely connected with the emergency shelter, these nonresidential services include advocacy, support, information and referrals to assist residential and nonresidential clients. The Life Skills/English for Speakers of Other Languages Program assists in clients’ successful adaptation to life in the United States. A new legal advocacy services component will offer clients immediate legal attention and coordinated care.

Children and Families Program
This program includes child and parent focused elements designed to address the complex needs of children who have experienced domestic violence. Activities include monthly excursions, individual and group counseling, referrals and a new art therapy program.

Lowell Advocacy and Outreach Program
Lowell is home to the second largest Cambodian population in the US, and a satellite office was opened in 2002. This program primarily serves Asian survivors of domestic violence in the Cambodian and South Asian communities in Greater Lowell. The Lowell Project integrates direct services with prevention, outreach, community organizing and education.

Life Skills/ESOL Program
For residential and non-residential clients ATASK teaches life skills, English, financial literacy and computer literacy. Our goal is to help clients become independent and economically self-sufficient.

Education and Outreach Program
This program aims to reduce the tolerance of domestic violence, encourages collaboration with other service providers and promotes community organizing in preventing family violence. Activities include the Multicultural Immigrant Coalition Against Violence, educational workshops and outreach events.

ATASK offers trainings to area youth (teen dating violence prevention), professionals (physicians, dentists, medical and dental students, police), and the public. ATASK staff participate as conference speakers on a host of topics.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FACING THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

With an operational budget of approximately $1.8 million, ATASK currently employs 30 deeply committed staff and is led by an active and well connected nine-member Board of Directors. As ATASK celebrates its 16th year of service, it seeks a strong and entrepreneurial development professional to move ATASK’s fundraising efforts into its next exciting chapter, expanding its positive impact on the lives of Asians in the Boston area and beyond.

The new Director of Development will work closely with the Board of Directors and staff on strategic planning, fundraising, marketing and community outreach, and staff and board development. S/he will face the following opportunities and challenges:

Developing a comprehensive fundraising strategy and spearheading fundraising efforts.
Working in partnership with the President and the Board with an eye toward ensuring ATASK’s long term financial health, the Director of Development will devise a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the agency’s short and long-term strategic objectives, and develop and execute an annual development plan. S/he will effectively steward existing individual and institutional donors while expanding development prospects through an annual giving campaign, a major gifts initiative, special events (including the celebrated Silk Road Gala), and oversight of foundation grants, and revenue from other institutional and government partnerships to strengthen operating reserves. S/he will ensure that development efforts are aligned with strategic planning efforts, program needs and deliverables.

Of the $1.8 million budget, nearly $1 million comes from government contracts and funds from the United Way and Tufts Medical Center. The remaining $700,000-$800,000 is raised through individual, corporate, and foundation support. This includes $350,000 which is generated annually through ATASK’s Silk Road Gala through corporate sponsorships and individual gifts and ticket sales,

The Silk Road Gala, is recognized as the premier event in the Boston Asian American community. The event capitalizes on the Board’s broad connections both in Boston’s Asian American community and among business and government leaders across Massachusetts. The signature event celebrates Boston’s diverse Asian American community and highlights the tremendous impact ATASK’s work has on the lives of Asian families throughout the region. The Gala is an exceptionally well branded event which supports ATASK’s programs and advocacy efforts in excess of 15 percent annually. The Gala presents an excellent vehicle for deepening the support of past donors, identifying and cultivating new prospects, engaging volunteer leadership, and building upon ATASK’s community and media outreach activities.

There is an exciting opportunity to achieve ongoing growth in current commitments of support as well as to cultivate relationships with new prospects. One key area of focus will be to build a major gifts program by researching prospects, visiting donors, and increasing the giving levels of existing donors who have financial capacity.

Building on a strong foundation, the Director of Development will continue to strengthen its relationship with and strategically draw upon the talent and resources of the Board of Directors by ensuring their active engagement in the mission of the organization to guide ATASK’s long- term financial health. S/he will engage leadership volunteers whenever appropriate to add value to solicitation strategies, increase philanthropic support and raise the visibility of the organization. The commitment of the volunteer leadership is reflected in its 100 percent Board participation. While no minimal giving requirement exists, the Director of Development will be tasked with maintaining the existing participation rate and encouraging greater levels of giving. The Director of Development will also work closely with the President and Board in identifying new board members who reflect the cultural diversity of those being served by ATASK.

Building brand identity and recognition among the community, stakeholders and supporters that will lead to new and effective collaborations.
The Director of Development will serve as an ambassador of the agency acting as a key liaison between ATASK and the community. S/he will partner with the President to orchestrate strategic meetings with state and local government, schools, colleges and universities, neighborhood organizations, community representatives, foundations, corporations and the media. S/he will oversee marketing and public relations efforts and coordinate promotional materials to raise ATASK’s profile and brand position as the leader in providing support services to survivors of domestic violence in the Asian community.

Assessing and building the capacity of development staff and working collaboratively across all levels of the organization.
The Director of Development will supervise a Grant Writer, Development and Communications Associate/Silk Road Coordinator, and select interns and volunteers. In the interim, ATASK has been working with development consultants from Executive Service Corps, who have been preparing some groundwork for a major gifts initiative. The Director of Development will implement best practices in performance review, program management, evaluation and staff coaching of the fundraising team. S/he will promote and model a positive atmosphere of open communication, shared responsibility, integrity and trust to a committed and passionate team. S/he will motivate and encourage by demonstrating a deep respect for and commitment to Asian American values and cultural traditions and the emotional investment domestic violence staff members make to their job.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

This is an exceptional opportunity for an entrepreneurial and strategic development professional with strong managerial and fundraising skills to capitalize on ATASK’s sound financial base and strong reputation, and to help guide the agency through its next stage of development. Responsible for the strategy and execution of all aspects of ATASK’s solicitation of philanthropic support from individuals, corporations and foundations, and through special events, the new Director of Development will be a passionate and articulate advocate for the agency and its diverse constituency balancing compassion, cultural sensitivity and fundraising expertise.

S/he will have a minimum of seven years experience in nonprofit development and possess a demonstrated track record of raising funds from a broad range of sources, including direct experience in building a leadership/major gifts program. While no one candidate will embody all the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes and experiences:

• Demonstrated track record in meeting fundraising goals; direct experience in developing a comprehensive fundraising plan and building and executing a leadership/major gifts program (gifts of $5,000 and higher). This includes the ability to effectively research, identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects and donors.

• Proven ability to establish and build donor relationships from a broad and diverse set of constituents, and to sustain and grow philanthropic support.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills. Sophistication and confidence necessary to be the organization’s public ambassador and advocate.

• A model of integrity and hard work that sets high expectations for self and others. Competence as a manager demonstrating an ability to build a staff culture of high performance and accountability while inspiring, motivating and empowering staff to reach their fullest potential in a manner that fosters a positive and productive team environment. Adeptness in clarifying roles and responsibilities and providing clear direction and priorities.

• Knowledge of the funding community in the Greater Boston area. Understanding of non-profit challenges and the ability to identify and leverage national/international philanthropic resources.

• Ability to establish strong alliances and partnerships to achieve targeted results. Facility to organize people and resources for maximum productivity and the negotiation skills to forge positive alliances on ATASK’s behalf. Possess an enterprising and entrepreneurial mindset acting on opportunities that further the interests of the organization.

• Appreciation of ATASK’s mission; a compassionate interest in the domestic violence field and its impact on individuals, families and communities. Familiarity with social and human service programs preferred.

• Knowledge of Asian cultures helpful, but not required.

• Bachelor’s degree required; higher education preferred.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

More information about the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence may be found at: http://www.atask.org/.

Nominations and applications are due by Friday, May 29. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications including a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, your resume (in Word format), salary history and where you learned of the position should be sent to:

ATASK-DoD@nonprofitprofessionals.com. In order to expedite the internal sorting and reviewing process, please type your name (Last, First) as the only contents in the subject line of your e-mail.

 

The Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and candidates of color are encouraged to apply.