About Us

About China Institute:

Founded in 1926 by Chinese reformers Hu Shi and K.P. Wen, and U.S. educators John Dewey and Paul Monroe, China Institute is the leading non-profit organization in America to focus exclusively on China. Its mission is to advance a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, art, and business. The Institute provides a vital forum for dialogue, connecting, and learning through its School of Chinese Studies, the China Institute Gallery; and Public Programs.

This is a transformative time at China Institute with the Lower Manhattan headquarters’ ground-floor buildout nearing completion and the expansion of programs and activities to serve this critical mission and achieve greater impact. It is an excellent opportunity to collaborate with senior leadership to grow the brand of China Institute (CI), its reach and impact, through increased and sustainable corporate philanthropic support and visibility.

About the Role:

This leadership role requires an experienced and entrepreneurial fundraising professional who is comfortable engaging and calling on a range of corporate executives. This individual should be a self-starter, able to work independently and also as a key CI team member, to create and implement corporate membership and sponsorship strategies to reach individual, department and organizational goals. The ideal candidate will bring a portfolio of contacts in the corporate world. The position will report to the Director of Development (DoD) and will work closely with the President and senior team.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the corporate membership and sponsorship revenue goal, managing a portfolio of approximately 50+ corporate members and prospects to increase engagement and giving.
• Grow the corporate membership with an aim to increase support in anticipation of CI’s 100th anniversary in 2026. Provide thought leadership and strategy to support the anticipated growth
• Drive prospect identification and research to expand the base of corporate members and sponsors through unrestricted, restricted, and in-kind support, as well as space rentals
• Create compelling presentations and solicitation materials, including corporate fundraising decks, proposals, and acknowledgment letters for corporate members and prospects in support of CI public programs, special events, exhibitions, corporate conferences and capital campaign
• Research and collaborate with the DoD on selecting corporate prospects for honorees and sponsors for CI’s annual Blue Cloud Gala
• Manage and work with the Board of Trustees’ Corporate Engagement Committee and gather new prospects, introductions, and connections from the CI Trustees.
• Maintain, develop, and expand relationships and execute deliverables to corporate members
• Collaborate with other departments to identify areas of opportunity to maximize fundraising efforts with corporate partners
• Leverage industry expertise, market trends, and a knowledge of corporate needs to generate growth
• Tap into corporate CSR programs and develop materials to engage support
• Record interactions with corporate members and prospects in CI’s fundraising database, Raiser's Edge
• Manage corporate revenue and expenditures to keep within budget goals
• Monitor industry trends to maximize CI’s reach to new prospects. Establish annual work plans, revenue targets and key performance indicators in close collaboration with the DoD and President
• Prepare closing reports for corporate sponsors
• Supervise corporate development interns
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree highly preferred
• A minimum 7-10 years of relevant experience and record of increasing responsibility in a nonprofit fundraising or corporate marketing position
• Knowledge and/or experience of China is a plus; as is fluency in Chinese
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills, both oral and written
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, able to meet tight deadlines
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while being a good team player
• Excellent presentation and negotiation skills
• Proficiency with Raiser's Edge, MS Office Suite, and CRM systems.

Salary and Benefits:

• The salary minimum for this position is $80,000; salary range is dependent upon qualifications. China Institute offers competitive compensation and benefits package, including 403(b) pension plan and generous paid time-off.

To apply:

• Please include a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and salary requirements and send to [email protected]. No calls please.

China Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information, please visit: chinainstitute.org/about-us/mission-history/

About China Institute:

Founded in 1926 by Chinese reformers Hu Shi and K.P. Wen, and U.S. educators John Dewey and Paul Monroe, China Institute is the leading non-profit organization in America to focus exclusively on China. Its mission is to advance a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, art, and business. The Institute provides a vital forum for dialogue, connecting, and learning through its School of Chinese Studies, the China Institute Gallery; and Public Programs.

This is a transformative time at China Institute with the Lower Manhattan headquarters’ ground-floor buildout nearing completion and the expansion of programs and activities to serve this critical mission and achieve greater impact. It is an excellent opportunity to collaborate with senior leadership to grow the brand of China Institute (CI), its reach and impact, through increased and sustainable corporate philanthropic support and visibility.

About the Role:

The Director of Public Programs creates and manages the full spectrum of public-facing programs at CI. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in Chinese arts, culture and business, with a specialization in at least one of these areas, as well having a portfolio of contacts in this fields. This individual will be the outward face of the public programs for CI and develop world-class, cutting-edge programs and events that advance a deeper understanding of China. This position reports to the President and works closely with him and other senior staff members, as well as managing a growing team of 2-5 people.

Responsibilities:

• Create the vision for the Public Programs department in alignment with CI’s mission
• Direct, manage and deliver world-class programs and events, both in person and online
• Identify and arrange for top-tier speakers and thought leaders for a range of public programs
• Provide thought leadership and strategy on growing audiences and increasing engagement; monitor the reach and impact of public programs and events
• Oversee the expansion of programming into cuisine, as part of our new Cuisine Center at CI in our ground-floor Washington Street space
• Design and implement CI’s annual US-China Executive Summit, a 2- day business conference
• Establish annual work plans and key performance indicators in collaboration with the President
• Develop and maintain relationships with a broad spectrum of cultural organizations and businesses, both in the US and in China. Leverage industry expertise and market trends
• Liaise with staff, Board, and other stakeholders, in US and China, to achieve public program and event objectives
• Work with the Marketing and Development departments on public relations, communication and fundraising strategies
• Manage and work with the Board of Trustees’ Public Programs Committee and assist on the Corporate Engagement Committee
• Collaborate with the Development department selecting corporate prospects for honorees for CI’s annual Blue Cloud Gala
• Ensure database management including speakers and attendee information and mailing lists
• Manage an annual departmental budget

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree highly preferred
• A minimum 7-10 years of relevant experience in the US and/or China with demonstrated increasing responsibilities
• Knowledge and experience of China is required; experience with US/China business climate is a plus
• Fluency in Mandarin is a plus
• Background in marketing, fundraising, and/or non-profit sector is an advantage
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills, both oral and written
• Self-starter, detail-oriented, ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously
• Outstanding management, networking and presentation skills
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, non-profit databases, and CRM systems. Ability to do web-based research

Salary and Benefits:

• The salary is dependent upon qualifications. China Institute offers competitive compensation and benefits package, including 403(b) pension plan and generous paid time-off.

To apply:

• Please include a resume, cover letter, 2-page writing sample, and salary requirements and send to [email protected]. No calls please.

China Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information, please visit: chinainstitute.org/about-us/mission-history/

An exception among its peers, China Institute Gallery is the only major exhibition space in the United States that exclusively showcases Chinese art. Since 1966, the Gallery has been a New York cultural icon, and is one of the best destinations in our City for learning about Chinese art. Its trailblazing exhibitions--attended by local, national, and international audiences--covers all of the country's art forms and illuminates 5,000 years of Chinese history. Known for the originality of its thematic approach, the depth of its scholarship and the beauty of its presented artworks, China Institute Gallery is a symbol of excellence worldwide. Its scholarly publications and education initiatives expands the impact of its programming far beyond our Gallery’s doors.

Discover China Through Art (DCTA), China Institute Gallery’s innovative art education program, was created in 1992. DCTA serves K-12 schools, universities, senior populations, and the general public. Participants receive interactive docent-led gallery tours accompanied by informative video presentations and hands-on art workshops. Since 2020, the program has expanded its reach, offering its education workshops virtually and offsite.

About the Role:

China Institute Gallery seeks candidates for the position of Gallery Docent. After receiving training in exhibition content and reference materials, the docent will lead gallery tours and workshops tailored to meet the needs of the following: K-12 students; university students; senior groups, and general audiences. The program is usually comprised of a gallery talk, video presentation and hands-on art workshop. The docent will commit two hours for each DCTA program, to consist of preparation; content presentation; and program wrap-up/cleanup. The docent will receive a flat fee for each DCTA session given.

Responsibilities include:

• Mastering exhibition content and background material
• Presenting each element of DCTA sessions (gallery talk, video presentation and hands-on workshop)
• The ability to modify DCTA sessions to serve specific age groups
• Maintaining cleanliness in the Gallery and in art workshop classrooms

Hours:

This is an on call position offered on an as-needed basis; the number of assigned tours depends on the number of tours booked. For each specific tour and workshop offered (usually a minimum of three months), the docent is expected to make a commitment at least of four to eight days per month.

Generally, tours are held from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, Monday – Friday. Evening and weekend hours may also be required. Docents will be required to attend a half-day training session for each new exhibition and/or workshop design.

Qualifications:

• Prior teaching experience required
• BA in Art Education, History, Studio Art, Museum Studies, or related field, master’s preferred
• Flexibility to tailor tours depending on the ages of participants (especially in the K-12 age range)
• Availability 2 days per week, occasional weekend availability
• Willingness and eagerness to learn about Chinese art and culture
• Bilingual Mandarin preferred
• Strong time management skills

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “Gallery Docent” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

China Institute in America is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Minority/Female/Veteran/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

China Institute seeks an experienced capital campaign and major gifts fundraiser with demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating and stewarding both capital campaign gifts ($100,000 and higher) and major gifts (ranging from $2,500 - $25,000+). The Director of Capital Campaign and Major Gifts will work closely with the President, Director of Development and Board of Trustees to set the next phase of the Capital Campaign schedule and drive the momentum in achieving the campaign goal. The Director will set and meet annual fundraising goals, serve as a front-line fundraiser for a portfolio of donors and prospects, and support Trustees and senior staff in their fundraising efforts during a period of ambitious growth for the organization.

This position reports to the Director of Development and works in close partnership with the President and other senior staff.

Responsibilities

• Capital Campaign:

  • In collaboration with the President, Director of Development, Board of Trustees, and Capital Campaign Committee oversee the planning and implementation of a multifaceted capital campaign through the identification of capital campaign prospects, development of cultivation strategies and acquisition of major gifts to reach established campaign revenue goals;
  • Working closely with the President, Director of Development and Capital Campaign Committee, develop a capital campaign strategy, managing all stages of the campaign through to completion;
  • Drive the Capital Campaign and deliverables; review and update pipeline; gift range and follow-up, track prospects and maintain timelines;
  • Manage the Capital Campaign committee, produce agenda and materials and ensure completion of action items for bi-weekly meeting;
  • Research and identify corporate, foundation and individual prospects;
  • Develop and execute targeted cultivation plans and solicitation strategies, including meeting requests, meeting follow up and preparation of proposals;
  • Prepare and provide campaign collateral for solicitations providing guidance and coaching when necessary including being present during solicitations when required;
  • Devise and direct cultivation and recognition events ensuring donor acknowledgement, stewardship and, as appropriate, public recognition;
  • Manage Capital Campaign budget tracking and reporting, both expenditure and contributed revenue;
  • Work collaboratively with the Director of Marketing to drive the development of the campaign's communications and collateral materials, including print, web and social media platforms;
  • Oversee process for gift recognition, correspondence, gift pledge payments & reminders, and proper implementation of naming opportunities.
  • Represent the organization at evening and weekend China Institute programs, lectures and at 3 annual Galas.

• Gifts

  • Create, implement, and manage a comprehensive major donor fundraising plan;
  • Create and implement strategies to achieve major gift goals through a multidimensional appeal schedule that utilizes a variety of mediums (e.g., electronic solicitation, direct mail appeals, face-to-face solicitations);
  • Manage a robust portfolio of individual donors by creating and executing strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of current and new donors;
  • Conduct personal cultivation, briefing and solicitation meetings with individual prospects monthly in collaboration with the Director of Development;
  • Pro-actively fundraise for three key annual fundraising events through individual solicitations, in collaboration with the Director of Development and Events Department;
  • Develop key metrics and design effective processes and meaningful reports that identify current donor trends and measure team performance to inform future actions;
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• At least seven (7) years’ experience and record of increasing responsibility in nonprofit development, preferably at a high-profile cultural institution;
• Demonstrated success as a Capital Campaign and front-line fundraiser, managing a portfolio of prospects and donors;
• Fluency in Chinese, knowledge of Chinese philanthropic community and China desired;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as analytical skills;
• Proven ability to organize and manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, to work collaboratively, and to adapt quickly to changing priorities;
• Strong organizational skills and broad understanding of all functions of a development office;
• Possesses high competency in research tools and methodology;
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, able to meet tight deadlines, and work independently and collaboratively;
• Proficiency with Raiser's Edge, MS Office Suite, and Constant Contact and/or Mail Chimp.

To Apply, please email your cover letter and resume to [email protected]

China Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We All Live in the Forbidden City (WALFC) is a dynamic educational program about the history,
culture, architecture, and life of imperial China as seen through the lens of Beijing’s Forbidden City, one of the world’s most fascinating landmarks.

We are looking for energetic, creative, and dedicated adults to work with children in grades 3-5 in a series of thematic workshops about the Forbidden City.

Specific Responsibilities

• Study and implement WALFC lesson plans for the children’s workshops
• If needed, tailor lessons and activities so that they are appropriate to students with various abilities
• Review program work plans with the WALFC Children’s Workshop Consultant and Program Coordinator for effective implementation
• Evaluate the effectiveness of workshops and activities
• Create a fun and safe learning environment
• Instruct students on the safe and proper use of supplies and equipment, when applicable
• Maintain classroom order
• Interact professionally and appropriately with parents, teachers, and staff

Qualifications:

• B.A. or M.A. in Childhood Education, East Asian Studies, Drama, Dance, History, or related fields
• 1 to 2 years of prior teaching experience preferred, especially with school aged children in an academic or recreational setting
• Ability to speak before both large and small groups, and to articulate ideas in a clear, animated and dynamic manner
• Strong interest in Chinese culture
• Ability to speak, write, and read in Mandarin Chinese desired
• Some knowledge of Chinese imperial history preferred
• Prior experience working with diverse cultures will be useful; ability to respect, value and honor diversity of children and families a must
• Ability to independently supervise a class size of 15-20 students
• Strong time management skills
• Willingness to travel to schools, libraries, and institutions in the five boroughs; occasional trips out-of-state to conduct workshops at special events
• Ability to work flexible hours, especially in the afternoon; occasional work on weekends

This is a freelance position on an as-needed basis. The number of workshops assigned to an instructor is dependent on the number of workshops scheduled. Generally,
workshops will be one-hour long and will be held in the afternoon.

Compensation Type

Instructors will be paid a set rate per workshop. Travel-related costs will
be covered for workshops held outside New York City.

China Institute in America is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

To Apply:

Send cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “WALFC Instructor: YOUR LAST NAME” in subject line.

No phone calls please. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted

The China Institute Children and Youth Programs is offering internship opportunities for reliable and self-motivated college-level students and recent graduates. Interns primary focus will be on the We All Live in the Forbidden City (WALFC), a dynamic educational program about the history, culture, architecture, and life of imperial China as seen through the lens of Beijing’s Forbidden City, one of the world’s most fascinating landmarks.

Interns will see how a non-profit educational and cultural institution operates from the inside by working closely with staff at China Institute, receiving practical training in program development.

Specific Responsibilities

• Create and develop kid-friendly activities related to the Forbidden City
• Support preparations for the WALFC workshops in classroom and online
• Assist workshop marketing effort including social media and post-workshop evaluation
• Other administrative support as needed.

Education and prior experience most suited for this internship:

• College students, recent graduates, and graduate students in humanities, education, or marketing
• Previous teaching experience a plus
• Excellent attention to detail
• Reliable self-starter and problem-solver who is able to plan independently to meet deadlines
• Flexibility and ability to multi-task
• Friendly personality
• Ready to commute to schools within all boroughs of New York City Skill and experience using social media as a marketing tool
• Proficiency using photography and video equipment a strong plus

Candidates are required to commit to a minimum of 12 weeks and at least 8 hours a week. Availability during the weekends may be requested.

China Institute sponsors OPT for future employment opportunities upon performance evaluation.

China Institute in America is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

To Apply:

Send cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “WALFC Intern: YOUR LAST NAME” in subject line.

No phone calls please. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.

School of Chinese Studies China Institute in America, a non-profit, non-partisan, educational, and bi-cultural organization based in NYC, is seeking experienced part-time Mandarin teachers for its Children and Youth program. Grouped by ages two and up, children learn a dynamic mix of Chinese language and culture through a whole language approach in active classroom environments. Classes are taught using simplified characters.

Successful candidates should be native speakers of Chinese who have teaching experience using simplified characters and who have a very good command of spoken English. They should be vivacious in the classroom and eager to nurture children’s learning and growth. They must feel comfortable creating their own unit plans, lesson plans and finding materials to suit classroom needs, levels, and abilities. Teaching assignments may entail classroom teaching or private tutoring and may be onsite, offsite in other schools, or in students’ homes.

Qualifications:

• Educational background in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, Bilingual Education, Applied Linguistics, or related areas
• Native proficiency level in spoken and written Chinese
• Previous teaching experience of children in group settings in the U.S.
• A good command of using simplified Chinese characters
• Fluency in spoken English

To apply, please send cover letter and CV, including employment authorization status, to:
Yonglian Xiao
Director of Children & Youth Program
School of Chinese Studies
Email: [email protected]

China Institute
100 Washington Street
New York, NY 10006

China Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

School of Chinese Studies at China Institute in America, a non-profit, non-partisan, educational, and bi-cultural organization based in NYC, is seeking experienced part-time instructors to teach introductory courses on Chinese culture and/or business etiquette to non-Chinese adult students with a variety of professional or corporate backgrounds.

Qualifications:
• B.A. degree minimum, majoring in history, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science with a focus on China or East Asian preferred;
• Excellent presentation and speech skills in English with a good command of spoken and written Chinese language;
• Familiarity with Chinese culture in corporate/business settings;
• Knowledge of differences between US-China corporate/business practices;
• Previous experiences in managing group classes and engaging dynamic discussions with adult students;
• Working experience in corporate/business sectors in the US preferred.

Please send cover letter and CV, including employment authorization status, to:
Wanling Zhang
Associate Director of Education
School of Chinese Studies

China Institute
100 Washington Street
New York, NY 10006
Email: [email protected]
China Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

China Institute in America, a non-profit, non-partisan, educational, and bi-cultural organization based in NYC, is seeking experienced Mandarin teachers within the tri-state region for its Adult Language Program. Positions currently available include teachers for our group classes, and tutors for our private and corporate tutoring programs.

Successful candidates should be native speakers of Chinese who speak standard Mandarin with clear diction and who have a good command of spoken English. They should be comfortable with dealing with students from diverse backgrounds within the business world and private sector; be presentable in appearance and disposition; punctual; enthusiastic in their instruction and, for private tutoring, must be able to choose materials suited for each students’ needs, level, and abilities. Minimum educational requirement: B.A. degree.

Group classes are held onsite at China Institute. All classes use pinyin and simplified characters. Most tutoring assignments are offsite and held at our students’ office or home with some assignments taking place onsite at China Institute. Competitive hourly wage available. Applicants must have permission to work.

Please send cover letter and CV, including resident status, to:

Wanling Zhang
Associate Director of Education
School of Chinese Studies

China Institute
100 Washington Street
New York, NY 10006

Email: [email protected]

China Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

No phone calls please. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.