Overview

The Council of Korean Americans is a national nonprofit dedicated to developing, connecting, and mobilizing Korean American leaders to strengthen our community’s national voice and influence. We are always looking for talented, mission-driven people to join our work as staff, interns, and volunteers.

Listing Status

Open accepting applications now
Ongoing accepting interest year-round
Coming Soon details to be announced

Rolling Review

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early.

Equal Opportunity

CKA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds.

Current Opportunities

Director of Membership

Location: Washington, D.C. (in-person / hybrid)
Salary: $85,000 per year
Reports to: President
Direct report: Community Engagement Manager

Role Mission
The Director of Membership manages national recruitment, engagement, and communications for CKA’s member network. Reporting to the President and working closely with the Managing Director of Programming & Strategy, this role grows the membership and deepens each member’s long-term commitment to CKA’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

Growth & Enrollment

  • Design and manage a national recruitment strategy to bring accomplished Korean American leaders into CKA membership.
  • Build nomination and referral pathways through current members, the board, and partner organizations.
  • Set annual goals for membership growth, retention, and renewals, and report on progress.

Engagement & Cultivation

  • Create high-touch engagement (convenings, affinity groups, one-on-one outreach) that connects members to CKA and to one another.
  • Develop pathways for members to deepen their involvement over time, from participation to leadership to sustained investment in CKA’s future.
  • Partner with the President and development colleagues to steward the relationships that support CKA’s long-term sustainability.

Communications

  • Guide the voice, cadence, and standards for all member-facing communications, campaigns, and updates.
  • Oversee execution of member communications in coordination with the Communication & Social Media Manager.
  • Ensure membership records, renewals, and data are accurate and well maintained.

Team Leadership

  • Manage and mentor the Community Engagement Manager, who supports daily member outreach, event coordination, and database management.

Ideal Candidate

  • A relationship-builder at ease engaging senior leaders across industries.
  • Familiarity with the Korean American community and its national civic landscape.
  • Sound judgment and discretion in working with prominent members.
  • A clear, professional writing voice.
  • An organized manager who develops talent.

Requirements

  • 5–7+ years in membership, external relations, or constituent engagement.
  • Experience managing staff or leading team-wide projects.
  • A track record of building relationships that grow into long-term organizational support.
  • Based in or willing to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area.

Benefits
Benefits and perks include, but are not limited to:

  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Mental Health Week: the office is closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s
  • Industrious co-work space membership
  • Access to CKA member-exclusive content

How to Apply
Please send a résumé and brief cover letter with the subject line [Job Title, Your Name] to careers@councilka.org. Include your salary requirements and a link to your LinkedIn profile in the body of the email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C.
Compensation: Paid hourly
Hours: Part-time (20 hours per week for 12–16 weeks)
Reports to: Program Coordinator

Program Mission
The CKA Internship is an experience designed for motivated college students, graduate students, and recent graduates. Moving beyond traditional administrative tasks, this program offers interns a project-based incubator and unique access to a national network of changemakers, investing directly in the next generation of Korean diaspora leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Event Production & Program Assistance

  • Gain hands-on operational experience by supporting high-visibility CKA initiatives, signature events, and national webinars.
  • Assist with virtual and in-person event logistics, run-of-show execution, and audience engagement.
  • Learn and practice high-level community building, executive protocol, and donor/member etiquette.

Marketing & Digital Storytelling

  • Contribute to CKA’s national brand presence by supporting social media campaigns and public-facing content.
  • Help design, write, and curate digital assets that highlight the stories and impact of the Korean diaspora.
  • Build a meaningful, professional portfolio through direct project ownership.

Leadership & Professional Development

  • Actively participate in curated educational sessions, including access to leadership literature and professional webinars.
  • Receive direct mentorship from CKA staff and intentional engagement opportunities with prominent Korean American leaders.

Ideal Candidate

  • A motivated student or recent graduate with a passion for community building and the Korean diaspora landscape.
  • Strong written, verbal, and digital communication skills.
  • An organized, adaptable self-starter who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
  • High level of professionalism, discretion, and reliability when interacting with senior leaders and organizational stakeholders.

Eligibility

  • Currently enrolled undergraduate/graduate student or recent graduate.
  • Commitment of 20 hours per week for 12–16 weeks in Washington, D.C.

Application Deadlines by Cohort

  • Spring 2027 Cohort (January – April 2027): December 4, 2026
  • Summer 2027 Cohort (May – August 2027): April 4, 2027
  • Fall 2027 Cohort (August – November 2027): July 4, 2027

Benefits

  • Direct mentorship from national leaders and nonprofit executives.
  • Access to CKA member-exclusive webinars, panel discussions, and events.
  • Professional portfolio development and portfolio-worthy project leadership.
  • Flexible hybrid working schedule and modern co-working access (where applicable).

How to Apply
Email your résumé, cover letter, and one reference (academic or professional) to EmergingLeaders@councilka.org with the subject line [CKA Intern – Cohort Term] Your Name (e.g., [CKA Intern – Spring 2027] Jane Doe). Include a link to your LinkedIn profile in the body of your email. Qualified candidates will be invited to a virtual interview to discuss their interest in the Korean diaspora and relevant skill sets.

For questions about the internship program, please contact EmergingLeaders@councilka.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers help power CKA’s programs and events across the country, from signature gatherings to community initiatives, while connecting with a growing network of Korean American leaders.

Interested in volunteering? Share your interest through our volunteer form and our team will be in touch.

Please contact careers@councilka.org for any further questions.