Description
NOTE: Applications must be submitted through bit.ly/FLSExecApp. Only applications received through this form will be considered. To see the complete job description, visit www.flsseattle.org/get-involved
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. Building upon more than 15 years of trusted leadership, deep community relationships, and organizational success, the next Executive Director will have the opportunity to guide FLS through one of the most transformative periods in its history, including the successful completion and activation of the Little Saigon Landmark Project.
About Friends of Little Sài Gòn (FLS)
Friends of Little Sài Gòn (FLS) 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.
Established during a period of significant redevelopment and displacement pressures, FLS was created to ensure that the voices, experiences, and aspirations of the Vietnamese community help shape the future of the neighborhood. Today, Little Saigon serves as the social, economic, and cultural heart of the Vietnamese community in the Puget Sound region. More than forty years after the first Vietnamese businesses established themselves in the neighborhood, Little Saigon continues to be a vibrant gathering place that reflects the resilience, entrepreneurship, and rich cultural traditions of generations of Vietnamese Americans.
Over the past fifteen years, FLS has grown from a volunteer-led organization into a respected nonprofit with a dedicated team of 11 professional staff. Along the way, the organization has earned deep trust throughout the neighborhood and across Seattle by building authentic relationships, demonstrating thoughtful leadership, and consistently delivering community-centered solutions. FLS is widely recognized as a trusted leader in community and economic development and has cultivated strong partnerships with residents, small businesses, community organizations, philanthropy, and local and regional government.
Our Values
The Executive Director must be mission and values aligned. Our values comprise the set of principles and beliefs that guide how we lead, build relationships, make decisions, and serve our community, including:
- 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.
How to Apply
Candidates should submit their application by form at (bit.ly/FLSExecApp). Only applications received through this link will be considered. The application includes:
- A cover letter describing your interest in the position and how your experience aligns with the role.
- A current résumé or curriculum vitae.
- File Names should include your first and last name.
The application deadline is September 15, 2026 at 11:59pm PT. We intend to hire in December 2026. For questions, contact [email protected].
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.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
The successful candidate will bring a combination of leadership experience, nonprofit management expertise, and a demonstrated commitment to community-centered leadership. The ideal candidate will demonstrate many of the following:
- 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.
