CAREERS - AFRICAN COLLABORATIVE NETWORK

Welcome to ACN! We are excited to invite you to be a part of our vibrant team, dedicated to attracting and nurturing exceptional talent from diverse backgrounds. As a collaborative network, we focus on advocacy, dialogue and partnerships to provide essential resources and opportunities for the African community in West Michigan. Together, we can unite and empower individuals as stakeholders, driving cultural, social, economic development. Join us in creating a dynamic, inclusive where your contributions will make a meaningful impact!

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

ACN is an equal opportunity organization. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected category. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout the volunteer process and in service.

POSITIONS

1. Volunteer

Part-Time (1+ hrs/week) | Hybrid (Grand Rapids, MI preferred)

About ACN

The African Collaborative Network (ACN) uplifts and empowers African immigrants and refugees in Michigan through community building, leadership development, and access to opportunity. We partner with community members, cultural leaders, schools, employers, and service providers to build pathways to belonging and economic mobility.

The Role

Position Title: General Volunteer
Reports to: Volunteer Coordinator / Program Manager / Site Lead

Time Commitment: Flexible

Time Commitment Options:

Volunteers may serve as little as 1 hour per month or as many hours as they are available, based on organizational needs and scheduled opportunities.

Opportunities may include one-time events, seasonal support, or ongoing weekly/monthly shifts.

Purpose of the Role

General Volunteers support the organization’s mission by assisting with programs, events, outreach, and administrative needs. Volunteers help ensure services are welcoming, efficient, and community-centered.

Key Responsibilities (may include):

Support event setup/teardown, guest check-in, hospitality, and logistics
Assist staff with program activities and participant support
Help with outreach: flyers, phone calls/texts, tabling, community engagement
Provide administrative support: data entry, organizing materials, copying/filing
Support communications tasks: taking photos (with permission), basic social media support, distributing announcements
Help prepare and distribute resources (packets, food, supplies, information)
Maintain a respectful, safe, and welcoming environment for all participants
Follow organizational policies on confidentiality, safety, and professionalism

Qualifications

Commitment to the organization’s mission and values
Reliable, respectful, and able to follow directions
Comfortable working with diverse people and communities
Ability to communicate clearly and work as part of a team
Basic organizational skills; willing to learn

Physical Requirements (as applicable)

May occasionally lift and carry up to 25 lbs (e.g., supplies, resource bins, event materials).

Items heavier than this (typically 40–50 lbs) will be moved using a team lift and/or equipment, when needed.

Alternative volunteer tasks are available for individuals who prefer not to lift/carry.

Preferred (Nice to Have)

Experience in customer service, community outreach, events, or admin support
Multilingual skills
Comfort using basic tools like email, Google Forms/Sheets, or sign-in apps

Volunteer Benefits

Meaningful community impact and skill-building
Orientation/training and ongoing support
Volunteer verification letters (upon request)
Networking and references based on performance and availability

How to Apply / Get Started

Complete the volunteer intake form, attend a brief orientation, and sign the volunteer agreement and confidentiality policy (as applicable).

APPLY NOW

2. Program Coordinator (Volunteer) — African Collaborative Network (ACN)

Volunteer | Hybrid (Grand Rapids, MI preferred) | ~6–10 hrs/week |3 - 6 month commitment

Overview

The African Collaborative Network (ACN) is seeking a Volunteer Program Coordinator to help us deliver community programs that empower African immigrants and refugees in Michigan. This role supports logistics, participant experience, and basic data tracking for leadership, cultural exchange, and workforce initiatives.

What You’ll Do

Coordinate program logistics (scheduling, reminders, materials, room/Zoom setup).
Support participant recruitment, onboarding, and event-day check-in.
Track attendance, collect feedback, and help with simple reports.
Assist with workshops, forums, and community gatherings.
Communicate with partners and volunteers as needed.

What You Bring

Strong organization and follow-through; comfortable with checklists and timelines.
Clear communication and people skills; culturally aware and respectful.
Comfort with Google Workspace (Docs/Sheets/Drive) and Zoom.
Experience in program coordination or community outreach a plus (not required).

What You Get

Volunteer role (unpaid). Mileage reimbursement for preapproved local travel.
Training, mentorship, and professional references upon successful service.
Leadership development opportunities and access to ACN events/trainings.
A pathway to expanded responsibility (and eligibility for future paid roles if funding allows).

Q&A

Email info@africancollaborativenetwork.com with subject: Program Coordinator (Volunteer) – Your Name. Include a resume (or LinkedIn) and 2–3 sentences on why you’re interested.

APPLY NOW

3. Community Engagement Manager (Volunteer) — ACN

Volunteer | Hybrid (Grand Rapids, MI preferred) | ~6–10 hrs/week | 4–6 month commitment

Overview

The Volunteer Community Engagement Manager builds relationships with African immigrant and refugee communities, grows ACN’s visibility, and supports outreach for programs and events.

What You’ll Do

Lead neighborhood and partner outreach; table at events (as available).
Represent ACN in community coalitions and meetings.
Collect stories and feedback to inform programs.
Support social media posts and monthly newsletter content.
Help mobilize volunteers for events and projects.

What You Bring

Warm connector with strong cross-cultural communication.
Experience in community outreach/organizing a plus (not required).
Comfortable speaking at small gatherings; reliable and proactive.
Familiarity with West Michigan immigrant communities is helpful.

What You Get

Volunteer role (unpaid). Mileage reimbursement for preapproved local travel.
Training in outreach, coalition work, and community storytelling.
Professional references; leadership opportunities within ACN.
Eligibility for future paid roles if funding permits.

Q&A

Email info@africancollaborativenetwork.com with subject: Community Engagement (Volunteer) – Your Name. Include a resume (or LinkedIn) and 2–3 sentences on your interest/availability.

APPLY NOW

4. Development & Grants Officer (Volunteer) — ACN

Volunteer | Remote/Hybrid | ~5–8 hrs/week | 3–6 month commitment

Overview

The Volunteer Development & Grants Officer helps research funders, draft proposals, and support donor stewardship to strengthen ACN’s sustainability.

What You’ll Do

Research grant opportunities; maintain a simple grants tracker.
Draft proposal sections (org overview, need, outcomes) and assemble attachments.
Help with grant reports (collect metrics and stories from program leads).
Support light donor stewardship (thank-you notes, updates).

What You Bring

Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
Comfortable working from templates and examples.
Prior grant/development experience a plus (not required).
Organized, deadline-aware, collaborative.

What You Get

Volunteer role (unpaid). Mileage reimbursement for preapproved local travel (if any).
Grant-writing coaching, templates, and review.
Professional references and writing samples for your portfolio.
Pathway to more responsibility and eligibility for paid roles if funding permits.

To Apply Click the apply button below:

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5. Internship & Volunteer Coordinator (Volunteer) — ACN

Volunteer | Hybrid (Grand Rapids, MI preferred) | ~5–8 hrs/week | 4–6 month commitment

Overview

The Volunteer Internship & Volunteer Coordinator helps recruit, onboard, and support volunteers and interns so they have meaningful experiences contributing to ACN’s mission.

What You’ll Do

Post roles, screen interest forms, schedule intros.
Onboard volunteers/interns; match to projects; track hours and feedback.
Coordinate orientations and occasional trainings.
Build relationships with colleges, faith groups, and community orgs.

What You Bring

Organized, people-centered, able to motivate others.
Comfortable emailing, scheduling, and tracking details in Sheets/CRM.
Any HR/volunteer coordination experience is a plus (not required).

What You Get

Volunteer role (unpaid). Mileage reimbursement for preapproved local travel.
Training in volunteer management + professional references.
Leadership pathway and eligibility for future paid roles if funding allows.

Follow-up Questions After Applying

For questions about this role, email Info@africancollaborativenetwork.com with subject: Volunteer Coordinator (Volunteer) – Your Name. Include your resume (or LinkedIn) and your weekly availability.

APPLY NOW

6. Now Recruiting: Purpose-Driven Board Members for the African Collaborative Network (ACN)

Location: Grand Rapids, MI (Hybrid/Remote participation possible)
Commitment: Part-Time Volunteer | Monthly Meetings | Committee Involvement

Do you believe in the power of community, cultural visibility, and generational progress?

The African Collaborative Network (ACN) is seeking passionate, engaged, and action-oriented Board Members to help drive our mission of uplifting African immigrants and refugees in Michigan through leadership development, economic mobility, and cross-cultural advocacy.

We are especially seeking change-makers who can serve as:

✅ Doers – skilled professionals ready to contribute their time and expertise
✅ Donors – individuals who can support or secure financial resources
✅ Door Openers – networked leaders who can connect us to new opportunities

About ACN

ACN strengthens and advocates for Michigan’s African immigrant and refugee communities through culturally responsive programs in economic development, civic engagement, cultural education, and community wellness. We believe in representation, community-centered leadership, and the transformative power of collaboration. ACN strongly encourages applications from women, youth, and leaders representing diverse African nations, languages, and lived experiences.

Board Member Responsibilities
Attend and actively participate in quarterly board meetings (virtual and/or in-person)
Serve on at least one standing committee, such as:
Finance & Fundraising
Marketing & Communications
Programs & Impact
Governance & Nominations
Champion ACN’s mission within your networks and spheres of influence
Participate in strategic planning and oversight of organizational goals
Support fundraising efforts through personal giving or external connections
Help identify partnerships, sponsorships, or grant opportunities
Provide governance, leadership, and accountability in collaboration with staff

Ideal Candidates Will Have:

A passion for immigrant justice, community empowerment, and equity in action
Expertise or lived experience in one or more of the following: nonprofit leadership, finance, law, marketing, public health, community organizing, education, or small business development
Connections to African diaspora communities or immigrant-serving sectors (preferred, not required)
Strong collaboration, communication, and decision-making skills
Commitment to ACN’s values of respect, resilience, belonging, and purpose

What You Gain as a Board Member

A direct impact on the growth and sustainability of one of Michigan’s leading African immigrant organizations

Opportunities to shape strategic vision and influence meaningful change

Collaboration with a diverse network of change-makers, professionals, and community leaders

Recognition as a community advocate and steward for inclusion

A chance to give back while developing personally and professionally

Interested in becoming a board member or nominating someone else?
Click the button below to apply. please upload a brief statement of interest and a résumé or LinkedIn profile. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Let’s build together. Join a network of change-makers advancing African immigrant leadership, belonging, and success across Michigan. ACN strongly encourages applications from women, youth, and leaders representing diverse African nations, languages, and lived experiences.

Follow-up Questions After Applying

For questions about this role, email Info@africancollaborativenetwork.com with subject: Board Member (Volunteer) – Your Name. Include your resume (or LinkedIn) and your weekly availability.

APPLY NOW

Equal Opportunity & AccessibilityACN is an equal opportunity organization. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected category. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout the volunteer process and in service.

Interested In Joining Our Team?

Please complete the intake form if you’re interested in giving back your time and resources in a unique way that isn’t reflected in the options above.