Business Development Director

Bonsai Leadership Group is pleased to partner with the Japanese American Citizens League to identify its next Business Development Director.

Founded in 1929, JACL is the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American and Pacific Islander civil rights organization. Its mission is to secure and maintain the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry. Its leaders and members work to promote cultural, educational, and social values and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American community.

JACL helped lead the Japanese American redress movement, which culminated in the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. Today, the organization advances civil and human rights through policy advocacy, community education, and chapter-driven engagement. Learn more about JACL  and pacific citizen.org.

The Business Development Director plays a central role in securing the resources that protect civil rights, preserve legacy, and position JACL for its second century of impact, beginning with its centennial in 2029. With JACL’s development function at an early stage, this leader has a rare opportunity to build and shape the strategy, systems, and relationships that will sustain JACL for generations.

Reporting to the Executive Director and working alongside the National Board, the Director will lead JACL’s national fundraising and membership growth strategy, strengthen and diversify revenue, convert member engagement into sustained philanthropic investment, and advance a culture of philanthropy aligned with JACL’s civil rights mission. The Director will be supported by one direct report, the Membership Program Manager.

JACL seeks a strategic builder and relationship-driven fundraiser with strong marketing instincts. This is someone who can articulate why JACL matters in a shifting philanthropic landscape and turn that story into compelling cases for donors, sponsors, and members, while honoring JACL’s history, values, and multigenerational community.

JACL is building its development function with intention. Success in year one is measured by clarity, momentum, and a strong foundation rather than immediate revenue L’s leadership is committed to giving this leader the space to learn the organization and build relationships.

• Build and execute a multi-year revenue strategy that grows and diversifies JACL’s funding streams, with clear targets, budgets, and accountability for the development function’s contribution to annual revenue goals.
• Partner with the Finance Director on revenue forecasting, regularly assessing pipeline performance and adjusting projections.

• Lead JACL’s major gifts program, personally managing a portfolio of donors and prospects, closing five- and six-figure gifts, and growing the portfolio year over year.
• Work with board members and chapter leaders to identify members and prospects with capacity for greater giving.
• Convert members and qualified prospects into mid-level and major donors through a compelling case for support and structured moves management.
• Build stewardship systems that strengthen retention, increase lifetime giving, and deepen engagement.
• Grow JACL’s Legacy Planning Program, building a pipeline of bequests and estate gifts.

• Build JACL’s institutional fundraising strategy across foundations, corporations, and strategic partners.
• Manage the full grant lifecycle, from prospect research and proposal development through reporting and renewal.
• Design, price, and secure sponsor ships and corporate partnerships for the biennial National…