Feiro Marine Life Center

Friends of Little Sài Gòn (FLS) is seeking an inspiring, collaborative, and community‑centered Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of impact, growth, and community stewardship.

Friends of Little Sài Gòn is a community‑based nonprofit with a mission to preserve and enhance the cultural, economic, and historic vitality of Seattle’s Little Saigon. Since its founding in 2011, FLS has worked alongside residents, small business owners, artists, and community partners to ensure that Little Saigon remains a thriving cultural and economic center where Vietnamese heritage, entrepreneurship, and community leadership continue to flourish.

Our Values

• Cultural Stewardship
• Community‑led solutions
• Deep Accountability & Integrity
• Active Transparency
• Inclusive Respect

About the Position

The Executive Director will embrace the responsibility of preserving and enhancing the cultural, economic, and historic vitality of Little Saigon while helping to shape a future in which the neighborhood, its residents, artists, entrepreneurs, and future generations continue to thrive. Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership & Vision
• Team Leadership & Organizational Culture
• Organizational & Operational Leadership
• Fundraising, Financial & Organizational Sustainability
• Community, Partnerships & Public Representation
• Landmark Project & Organizational Readiness

Compensation & Benefits

• Full salary range: $99,111 - $156,660. Anticipated hiring range: $99,111 - 127,886.
• 100% employer‑paid medical and dental insurance for employees.
• Paid time off, including: 18 vacation days annually with additional vacation accrual based on years of service; 7 paid sick days annually; 10 paid holidays annually; and 5 paid bereavement days annually.
• ORCA Passport, provides unlimited access to public transportation throughout the Puget Sound region.
• Paid professional development opportunities, including conferences, trainings, leadership development, and continuing education aligned with organizational priorities and individual growth.

Equal Opportunity Statement

FLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate under federal, state, or local laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, political ideology, physical or mental disability, military, or veteran status.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, with at least five years in a senior leadership or executive management role within a nonprofit, public sector, philanthropic, community development, or mission‑driven organization.
• Demonstrated experience leading and supervising multidisciplinary staff teams while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing organizational culture.
• Proven success in fundraising over $1M annually, including cultivating relationships with foundations, government agencies, corporate partners, major donors, and community supporters.
• Experience developing and managing organizational budgets of $1-2M, financial planning processes, grants, contracts, and organizational resources.
• Demonstrated success building strategic partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, elected officials, philanthropic partners, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience working collaboratively with a Board of Directors, including supporting governance, strategic planning, organizational accountability, and board engagement.
• Has completed at least one strategic plan cycle from development through implementation, with the ability to guide organizations through periods of growth and transition.
• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, facilitation, and public speaking skills, with the ability to effectively represent the organization in a variety of public and community settings.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, community‑centered leadership, and culturally responsive practices. Ability to balance strategic leadership with day‑to‑day organizational management while maintaining a strong focus on mission, relationships, and long‑term sustainability.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, professional experience, and lived experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of, or strong connection to, the Vietnamese American community and an appreciation for the history, culture, and significance of Little Saigon.
• Professional or lived experience working with immigrant, refugee, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or other historically underrepresented communities.
• Experience in community development, equitable development, neighborhood revitalization, cultural preservation, economic development, housing, public policy, or advocacy.
• Experience leading organizations through periods of significant organizational growth, leadership transition, or strategic change.
• Experience overseeing capital projects, facility development, community‑centered real‑estate initiatives, or preparing organizations for the operation of new facilities.
• Familiarity with local, regional, or state government systems, public policy, and cross‑sector partnerships.
• Experience working within Seattle, King County, or the broader Pacific Northwest philanthropic and nonprofit landscape.
• Demonstrated experience supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, or culturally specific community organizations.
• Ability to communicate in Vietnamese or another language commonly spoken within the communities served by FLS is welcomed but not required.
• Master's degree or other advanced professional training in nonprofit management, public administration, community development, urban planning, business, public policy, or a related field.
• Availability to work the weekends and evenings, as needed.