Chief Executive Officer

About the job

Location: Hong Kong (on-site), relocation expenses will be provided

Type: Full-time, travelling within Asia is required

About the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS)

Since its establishment in 2013 in Hong Kong, the mission of CAPS has been to improve the social investment sector in Asia by identifying and disseminating best practices, models, policies, and strategies that contribute to positive community and systemic change. With a presence in and a strong network throughout 18 economies, CAPS has become a pre-eminent thought leader in private social investment in Asia. CAPS influences the adoption of rigor and tools in the charitable sector and works closely with philanthropists and corporate donors to enhance the impact of their investments.

CAPS is committed to improving the quality and quantity of private and public resources to assist in doing good throughout Asia. The organization does this through four main mechanisms:

• Policy Research: Helping stakeholders understand how to facilitate private and public capital flows into the social sector through evidence-based findings
• Applied Research: Providing insights and tools to drive impactful investments addressing social needs
• Advisory and Commissioned Research: Offering tailored strategies for philanthropists, foundations and government bodies
• Convening: Curating events that foster a learning community among philanthropists and stakeholders

About the Role

CAPS is seeking a new visionary leader to guide the organization strategically into its next growth chapter. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in building and leading successful organizations and the ability to maintain and develop a deep network of foundations, high net-worth individuals, corporates and academic organizations in Asia. With an appetite and intellectual curiosity to expand their knowledge in philanthropy and be one of the leading thinkers in the region. The CEO reports to CAPS' Board of Governors.

Key Responsibilities of the CEO

• Strategic Development: Develop the strategic roadmap for CAPS which includes but is not limited to conceiving and designing new projects, new programs in research, conferences, advisory and new fundraising opportunities
• Fundraising: Raise money via various channels with a focus in Asia including grant-making foundations and networking with existing and potential donors
• Relationship Management: Identify, maintain and develop a network of relationships with donors and partners across Asia
• Be an Ambassador: Lead the ecosystem building around social development sector in Asia. Represent CAPS in the media and at various conferences, talks and other speaking arrangements. Moreover, shape communications for social media and articles and op-ed pieces to disseminate research findings
• Leading the Organization: Manage the CAPS team including overseeing and directing the legal representative status in India, China and Hong Kong. Oversee administrative aspects of CAPS including but not limited to operations, finance, HR and conference organizing
• Research: Guide research projects, including idea generation, recruiting representatives to be interviewed for studies, research methodology, analysis and key findings
• Advisory: Lead efforts to provide advisory services on various subject matters to family and corporate foundations

Core Competencies of the CEO

• Shaping Strategy: Have a clear understanding of the business drivers of the CAPS and a track record of developing a long-term strategic vision whilst effectively translating strategy into operational reality across the region. Must be able to frame strategic options in the context of people, issues, and regulations in Asia
• Delivering Results: Strong execution and a track record of sustained success, creating positive impact on an organization. Demonstrated fund raising capabilities alongside operational excellence, a growth mindset and a commitment to quality. Strong multi-tasking, project management and planning skills
• Leading the Team: Inspire the hearts and minds of the organization through visible, authentic, engaging and decisive leadership. Be the role model of CAPS values and will harness the capabilities of the team to deliver higher performance in a dynamic and complex environment
• Influencing Collaboratively: Ability to influence people within the CAPS team and the wider organization but will also be effective in partnering across different external parties including donors and research partners
• Working with the Board: Develop and maintain a constructive working relationship with the Board in general and the Chair in particular, using their wisdom and connections wisely and keeping them informed as require. Building trust and confidence is fundamentally important

CAPS Aspires to

• Be a thought leader that influences how Asian-based donors and high-net-worth individuals think about philanthropy
• Have a lasting positive impact on global issues through high-quality research and continuous education
• Serve as a bridge between organizations and influential donors in Asia
• Develop a sustainable business model to support long-term projects

More information about CAPS can be found at www.caps.org