YCW New York

The New York Chapter of YCW was founded in 2014 and now hosts monthly events with expert speakers, cultural excursions and social meet ups.

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YCW New York is looking for New Directors!

Young China Watchers (YCW) is a dynamic, non-profit, volunteer-run global network of over 5,000 China-engaged professionals, academics, and emerging leaders. As the New York Director, you will lead one of YCW’s most active, influential flagship chapters.

This role is centered on people, programming, and presence. You will serve as the public face and convener of the NYC community—curating timely discussions, hosting engaging networking spaces, and building an inclusive, vibrant local network.The NY Director is an on-the-ground community builder who brings people together to foster nuanced, multi-disciplinary dialogue on China.

Key Responsibilities & Expectations

  • Community Engagement & Growth: Welcome new members, foster cross-industry connections, and build an inclusive, active local community spanning academia, policy, journalism, business, the arts, and civil society.
  • Event Programming & Production: Design, program, and execute a dynamic calendar of in-person gatherings—ranging from high-profile speaker panels and fireside chats to informal happy hours, reading groups, cultural outings, and networking roundtables.
  • Speaker & Topic Curation: Leverage your knowledge and network to identify compelling, diverse voices across China affairs, bringing fresh perspectives and timely debates to our local stage.
  • Local Partnerships & Sponsorships: Cultivate relationships with New York-based think tanks, universities, cultural centers, media outlets, and local venues to co-host events, secure event spaces, and expand YCW’s local reach.
  • Chapter Team Leadership: Join a small, passionate team of local chapter organizers/volunteers, providing creative direction, delegating event roles, and ensuring high-quality experiences.

As a Director, you will be expected to:

1. Regularly input into the organization (through group chats & meetings)
2. Regularly be around to help out at YCW events
3. Lead one speaker/panel event a year.

Why Join?

  • Community Leadership: Directly shape the dialogue and relationships of the next generation of China watchers in one of the world’s primary intellectual and financial hubs.
  • Unmatched Network: Build deep, lasting personal and professional ties with leading scholars, diplomats, journalists, executives, and global peers.
  • Creative Freedom: Bring your own vision, creative formats, and topical interests to the chapter’s programming.

See some of the events we were able to put on this year!

How to Apply

Please submit a brief CV and your proposal for a speaker event to newyork@youngchinawatchers.com.