Application Guide

How to Apply for SAH Deputy Director

at Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE)

🏢 About Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE)

Stop AAPI Hate, a coalition under Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality, is a national leader in tracking and responding to anti-Asian racism during the pandemic. The organization uniquely combines data collection with advocacy and community mobilization, making it a dynamic place to work if you're passionate about racial justice and multiracial solidarity. The role offers the chance to shape the strategic direction of a high-impact organization during a critical time.

About This Role

As Deputy Director, you will serve as the right hand to the Co-Directors, overseeing the coalition's day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and cross-functional alignment. This role is pivotal in ensuring that Stop AAPI Hate's rapid growth is matched by strong systems, clear priorities, and a cohesive team culture, directly advancing its mission to combat hate and promote equity.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a check-in with the Co-Directors to align on urgent priorities, followed by a budget review with finance. You might then join a coalition partner call to discuss a joint advocacy campaign, and later supervise senior staff on program implementation. The day could end with drafting a memo on risk management or reviewing a fundraising proposal.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE) Is Looking For

  • A seasoned leader with 10+ years in social justice, including 5+ years in senior management, specifically in complex, multi-entity environments (e.g., coalitions, federated structures).
  • Someone with deep ties to AAPI communities and a lived understanding of the civil rights issues they face, able to authentically represent the coalition.
  • A strategic systems-thinker who can balance big-picture vision with operational details like budget management, fundraising strategy, and staff supervision.
  • A collaborative yet decisive leader who can foster a values-driven culture and manage competing priorities across programs, communications, and operations.

📝 Tips for Applying to Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE)

1

Highlight your experience leading multi-partner coalitions; describe a specific example where you aligned diverse stakeholders toward a common goal.

2

Explicitly connect your lived or professional experience with AAPI communities to the role; avoid generic diversity statements.

3

Demonstrate your ability to scale operations: mention any experience building systems, managing growth, or overseeing budgets in a nonprofit context.

4

Tailor your resume to show 5+ years of senior management in a social justice context; use language from the job description (e.g., 'cross-functional coordination').

5

Include a cover letter that addresses how you would support the Co-Directors and advance the coalition's mission, not just your qualifications.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your vision for sustaining and scaling Stop AAPI Hate's impact, including how you'd strengthen internal systems and fundraising.", 'Specific examples of leading a coalition or multi-entity organization, emphasizing your ability to manage complexity and build consensus.', 'Your personal commitment to AAPI civil rights and multiracial equity, ideally with a story that shows lived experience or deep engagement.', 'How you would foster a values-driven, collaborative culture among senior staff and across the coalition.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Stop AAPI Hate's recent reports and advocacy campaigns to understand their current priorities and public messaging.
  • → Study the coalition's founding story and how it evolved from a reporting center to a national advocacy organization.
  • → Learn about the Co-Directors' backgrounds and public statements to understand their leadership style and expectations.
  • → Explore AACRE's broader mission and how Stop AAPI Hate fits within its portfolio of projects.
Visit Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE)'s Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach balancing the needs of multiple coalition partners while maintaining strategic focus?
2 Describe a time you managed a budget shortfall or reallocated resources in a social justice org; what was your process?
3 What is your leadership style, and how do you build accountability and trust within a remote team?
4 How do you stay connected to AAPI communities and ensure their voices shape your work?
5 What systems or processes would you implement to improve cross-departmental coordination at Stop AAPI Hate?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't underestimate the coalition's complexity; avoid suggesting simplistic solutions or ignoring the multi-entity structure.
  • Don't treat this as a standard nonprofit leadership role; emphasize your specific experience with social justice and AAPI issues.
  • Don't focus solely on anti-Asian hate; show your commitment to multiracial equity and intersectional approaches.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE)!

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