San Francisco, California, United States, November 2025 – Jacob Smith Yang has begun a new chapter as the Director of Human Resources at the Asian Art Museum, where he will lead HR strategy, build organisational capability, and strengthen culture for one of the world’s foremost institutions dedicated to Asian and Asian American art and culture. In this pivotal role, he will shape people practices that support the museum’s mission, vision, and expanding engagement with global audiences.
Before joining the Asian Art Museum, Jacob served for six years as Director of Human Resources and Administration at Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus, where he oversaw people operations, HR systems, and organisational development across one of the nation’s most influential civil rights organisations. His leadership helped enhance workplace culture, operational efficiency, and employee experience within a mission-driven environment.
Prior to this, Jacob spent nearly seven years as Senior Director of Capacity Building at Capacity for Health, where he designed and delivered training, technical assistance, and organisational capability programs to strengthen the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum. His work supported community health organisations across the region, enabling stronger advocacy, systems support, and community impact.
Earlier in his career, Jacob led a decade-long journey as Executive Director at MAP for Health, a nonprofit advancing fairness, inclusion, and healthcare access for Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander communities. He directed strategic planning, fundraising, public health initiatives, policy advocacy, and multi-state coalition building, while also serving as the organisation’s public spokesperson.
Jacob’s professional foundation was shaped through impactful roles across multiple organisations, including Interaction Institute for Social Change, AIDS Action Committee, Boston AIDS Consortium, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), JRI America, and Gay Community News. Across these experiences, he contributed to organisational development, public policy, legal advocacy, grassroots mobilisation, training, media engagement, and community health initiatives—building a career deeply rooted in equity, community empowerment, and social impact.
About Asian Art Museum
The Asian Art Museum, located in the heart of San Francisco, is home to one of the world’s most remarkable collections of Asian art, comprising more than 18,000 artworks spanning ancient masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary installations. The museum hosts dynamic exhibitions, cultural festivals, and public programs that bring Asian and Asian American stories to life, fostering discovery and dialogue across generations.
Guided by its vision—where experiences of Asian and Asian American art and cultures inspire and connect us all—the Asian Art Museum celebrates, preserves, and promotes the artistic heritage of Asia for global and local audiences. Through its mission, the museum serves as a vibrant platform for exchange, collaboration, creativity, and understanding.
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