The initial application deadline has passed, and the Search Committee has begun interviewing candidates. We will keep the position posted until it is filled, and interested candidates are still welcome to submit application materials. Please note that applications received after the priority deadline will be considered only as the search process allows, and we cannot guarantee review or a response.

 

Executive Director

We are looking for a strategic, relationship-driven leader who can strengthen organizational capacity, inspire a broad network of volunteers and partners, and expand philanthropic support while positioning ASCI as Austin's premier convener for international engagement through business, education, and culture.

Click here to view full details about the Executive Director role and opportunity

WHERE AUSTIN MEETS THE WORLD

Austin is one of the world's most dynamic cities—a global center for technology, creativity, entrepreneurship, music, education, and innovation. Every day, people from around the world come to Austin to exchange ideas, launch businesses, experience its culture, and build connections. As the city continues to grow in global influence, so does the opportunity—and responsibility—to cultivate meaningful international partnerships that strengthen Austin and the communities it connects with around the world.

Since 1968, Austin Sister Cities International (ASCI) has been at the heart of that work. As the nonprofit partner supporting the City of Austin's international engagement efforts, ASCI builds bridges across borders through citizen diplomacy—the belief that lasting peace, prosperity, and understanding begin with relationships between people. Working alongside the City of Austin, Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, Opportunity Austin, Chamber of Commerces, Visit Austin, UNESCO, higher education institutions, businesses, cultural organizations, and hundreds of volunteers—including the dedicated volunteer leaders who guide ASCI's Sister City Committees, ASCI transforms international relationships into a network that strengthen Austin's economy, culture, education, and civic life.

Today, ASCI's work extends far beyond traditional cultural exchange. Through programs and partnerships spanning business, education, and culture, the organization supports Austin's network of 14 Sister Cities and two one Friendship Cities across six continents. Whether welcoming global leaders during SXSW, partnering with artists to create lasting public works, connecting universities and entrepreneurs, or facilitating city-to-city collaborations, ASCI serves as a catalyst for relationships that generate enduring cultural, educational, civic, and economic impact.

Building on nearly six decades of volunteer leadership, expanding partnerships, and increased investment from the City of Austin, ASCI is poised for its next era of growth. The organization is evolving from a highly successful volunteer-led nonprofit into a stronger operating organization with the capacity to expand its programs, deepen its community impact, and serve as Austin's leading convener for international engagement. Through strategic partnerships, philanthropic investment, and organizational growth, ASCI is positioned to strengthen Austin's global relationships, welcome new Sister Cities, and become the premier hub connecting the city with communities around the world.

As its first Executive Director, you will have the opportunity to lead that transformation while building on an extraordinary foundation of civic leadership and volunteer commitment.

Lead the next chapter

For nearly 60 years, Austin Sister Cities International has built something extraordinary. Through the leadership of dedicated volunteers, committed community partners, and generations of passionate advocates, ASCI has earned a reputation as a trusted convener, relationship builder, and champion for Austin's global engagement. This work has been driven by the shared belief that meaningful relationships can strengthen communities and create opportunity around the world. We are looking for the professional leader who will simultaneously steward and stoke that premise.

As the organization's first Executive Director, you will provide the consistent leadership and strategic direction needed to build on decades of momentum. Working alongside an engaged Board, volunteer-led Sister City Committees, and influential civic, business, and community leaders, you will provide the leadership that aligns and strengthens a broad civic network dedicated to Austin's international engagement through citizen diplomacy.

Success will mean more than sustaining a remarkable legacy. It will mean building the organizational capacity, visibility, and partnerships necessary for ASCI to convene international leaders, grow Austin's network of Sister City relationships, and become the recognized home for global engagement in one of America's most internationally connected cities.

This role calls for a leader who earns trust, creates opportunity, and brings people together around a shared vision. Success will be measured not only by strong programs and sound financial stewardship, but by enduring partnerships, expanded organizational capacity, and a culture of collaboration that positions ASCI to thrive for decades to come.

This is an opportunity to honor an extraordinary legacy while helping shape Austin's future on the world stage.

The Executive Director will build on ASCI's remarkable foundation while leading the organization through a period of intentional growth. Partnering with the Board, volunteers, donors, and community leaders, the Executive Director will strengthen organizational capacity, expand strategic partnerships and philanthropic investment, and elevate ASCI's role as Austin's premier convener for international engagement and citizen diplomacy.

THE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

BUILD THE FUTURE

Lead and strengthen the civic network that powers Austin's global engagement.

  • Partner with the Board to implement a shared vision and establish priorities for the organization's future

  • Lead a collaborative network of volunteer leaders, civic institutions, and community organizations to position ASCI as an indispensable partner in Austin’s international engagement and citizen diplomacy

  • Lead planning, budgeting, and day-to-day operations to ensure the organization delivers on its commitments and enable sustainable growth

  • Strengthen collaboration among the Board, volunteer-led Sister City Committees, volunteers, and community partners

STEWARD TRUST

Serve as a trusted leader and steward of ASCI's relationships, resources, and reputation.

  • Nurture strong working relationships with the Board, City of Austin leadership, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners

  • Support and empower volunteer-led Sister City Committees as ambassadors for Austin's international relationships.

  • Ensure sound financial management, transparent operations, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources

  • Support effective governance by partnering with the Board on planning, policy, and organizational priorities

  • Communicate openly, follow through on commitments, and foster a culture of professionalism and accountability

  • Preserve the collaborative, volunteer-driven spirit that has defined ASCI for nearly 60 years

CONNECT COMMUNITIES

Represent ASCI to strengthen the relationships that connect the city to the world.

  • Welcome international delegations and serve as ASCI's ambassador at civic, cultural, business, and community events

  • Cultivate relationships with Sister Cities while developing new partnerships to advance ASCI's mission

  • Convene leaders and organizations across ASCI's core pillars of business, education, and culture to advance Austin's international engagement.

  • Work with volunteer-led Sister City Committees and community organizations to expand participation in ASCI's programs and events

  • Tell ASCI's story to inspire engagement, collaboration, and support for citizen diplomacy

GROW IMPACT

Expand the resources, partnerships, and visibility that will shape ASCI's future.

  • Secure philanthropic support and revenue streams through individual giving, sponsorships, foundations, and corporate partnerships to sustain and expand our mission

  • Identify new opportunities that strengthen Austin's international relationships and increase community engagement

  • Build strategic partnerships that expand ASCI's reach, visibility, and long-term sustainability

  • Measure success through stronger partnerships, expanded participation, sustainable funding, and organizational growth

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY IS DIFFERENT

Few executive leadership opportunities offer the chance to shape how an internationally recognized city connects with the world.

As Austin Sister Cities International's first Executive Director, you'll lead an organization that sits at the intersection of civic leadership, international engagement, philanthropy, education, business, and cultural exchange. You'll help welcome international delegations, strengthen relationships with Sister Cities around the world, cultivate partnerships that benefit Austin, and work alongside volunteers, civic leaders, and community partners to advance the city's global presence.

Unlike many executive roles, success comes not from building a large internal staff, but from inspiring, aligning, and mobilizing an extraordinary network of volunteers, civic leaders, institutions, and partners working toward a shared vision for Austin's global future.

This is more than leading an organization. It's an opportunity to help shape how one of America's most innovative cities connects with communities around the world.

OUR NEXT LEADER

Our next Executive Director is a relationship-builder, strategist, and ambassador. You inspire confidence through integrity and follow-through, bring people together around a shared purpose, and are energized by the opportunity to help shape Austin's connections with the world.

The following qualities and experiences represent the capabilities we believe are most important in our next Executive Director.

You build trust.

You lead with integrity, communicate openly, and earn confidence through consistency.

  • You have successfully led organizations, initiatives, or teams with professionalism and accountability.

  • You build trusted relationships with boards, volunteers, donors, staff, and community partners.

  • You exercise sound judgment, diplomacy, and confidence when navigating complexity.

You think strategically.

You see the big picture and know how to turn vision into action.

  • You have established strategic direction, set priorities, and delivered measurable results.

  • You strengthen organizations through thoughtful planning, effective systems, and sound operational leadership.

  • You adapt quickly, remain curious, and make thoughtful decisions in a changing environment.

You connect communities.

You thrive in collaborative environments and comfortably align volunteers, boards, partners, and community leaders around a shared vision.

  • You build partnerships across business, government, education, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector.

  • You communicate with authenticity and convene diverse stakeholders around shared goals.

  • You value international engagement, cultural exchange, and citizen diplomacy.

You grow impact.

You know how to turn ideas into momentum by expanding partnerships, securing resources, and inspiring others to invest in a shared mission.

  • You have secured philanthropic support through individual giving, sponsorships, grants, strategic partnerships, or other revenue sources.

  • You tell compelling stories that inspire investment, engagement, and long-term commitment.

  • You approach opportunities with an entrepreneurial mindset grounded in mission, innovation, and sustainable impact.

You believe in the mission.

You believe that connecting people across cultures strengthens communities.

  • You are passionate about civic engagement, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

  • You are excited to help Austin strengthen its global relationships.

  • You are inspired to steward ASCI's legacy and shape its future.

The ideal candidate will bring many of the following experiences and qualifications:

  • Progressive executive or senior leadership experience in the nonprofit, public, higher education, business, or civic sectors.

  • Experience leading through influence, collaboration, and partnerships across complex stakeholder environments.

  • Experience leading organizational growth, including strategic planning, team leadership, operational management, and organizational development.

  • A track record of securing resources through fundraising, sponsorships, grants, corporate partnerships, business development, or other revenue-generating strategies.

  • Strong financial and business acumen, including experience managing budgets, stewarding resources, and making sound organizational decisions.

  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire confidence, build consensus, and represent ASCI with professionalism and diplomacy.

  • A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant leadership experience. Advanced degrees are welcomed but not required.

  • The ability to work throughout the Austin community, including occasional evenings, weekends, and domestic or international travel in support of ASCI's mission.

The details:

  • Salary: $80,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience

  • Full-time, exempt

  • Flexible work environment with remote work and regular in-person meetings and events throughout the Austin area

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Monthly health benefits stipend

  • Opportunities for local, domestic, and occasional international travel

  • The Executive Director must reside in the Austin metropolitan area and be available to participate in meetings, events, and community activities throughout the region, including occasional evenings and weekends.

JOIN US 

If you're inspired by the opportunity to build trusted relationships, strengthen Austin's global connections, and help shape the future of Austin Sister Cities International, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply online by August 18, 2026 with the following information:

  • A resume,

  • A cover letter describing your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with ASCI's mission, and

  • Responses to application questions included in the online application form.

APPLY TO BE OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Equal Opportunity

Austin Sister Cities International is committed to creating an inclusive organization that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Thank you

Thank you for your interest in Austin Sister Cities International. We appreciate the time and care that goes into exploring a new leadership opportunity and look forward to learning more about you.