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. Executive Director – African Collaborative Network (ACN)
Part-Time (≈20 hrs/week) | Hybrid (Grand Rapids, MI preferred)
Compensation: ~$35/hr (20 hrs/wk) | Exempt* | At-Will
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
The Executive Director is ACN’s senior leader—responsible for strategy, revenue, programs, operations, compliance, and culture. This is an ideal opportunity for a mission-aligned builder who can grow a small-but-mighty nonprofit into its next chapter.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
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Set and implement a 3–5 year strategy aligned with community needs and ACN’s mission.
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Monitor trends affecting African/immigrant communities; adapt plans accordingly.
Fundraising & Partnerships
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Lead grants, donor cultivation, sponsorships, and campaigns; meet annual revenue goals.
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Build/steward relationships with foundations, corporations, government, and partners.
Operations, Finance & Compliance
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Oversee budgeting, monthly closes, reports to board/funders, and annual filings/audits.
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Maintain policies, risk management, HR compliance, and documentation (state/federal nonprofit).
Programs & Impact
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Supervise programs (leadership development, cultural engagement, economic opportunity).
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Drive data/evaluation, participant feedback, and continuous improvement.
People & Board
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Hire, coach, and support staff/contractors/volunteers; foster a healthy, inclusive culture.
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Partner with the Board on governance, planning, and sustainability.
External Affairs & Communications
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Serve as primary spokesperson; represent ACN in coalitions and public forums.
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Oversee brand, media, email, social, and storytelling; ensure consistent messaging.
Other Responsibilities
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Revenue: Deliver/secure a balanced budget within 12 months; diversify revenue (e.g., 2+ new institutional funders).
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Programs: Launch or scale 1–2 core programs with clear metrics and participant feedback loops.
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Operations: Implement lightweight CRM/PM tools; close each month on time; clean annual audit/990.
Required Qualifications
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5+ years in nonprofit leadership, social impact, or community organizing.
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Proven success in fundraising (grants + donors) and partnership development.
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Budget management and operational oversight experience.
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Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills.
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Commitment to immigrant communities; cultural humility and service orientation.
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Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (nonprofit mgmt, public policy, business, social work) preferred.
Preferred Attributes
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Coalition-building, movement leadership, or policy/advocacy experience.
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Knowledge of issues facing African immigrant/refugee communities in Michigan.
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Multilingual and/or strong cross-cultural communication skills.
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Lived experience as an immigrant or member of the African diaspora strongly valued.
Compensation & Benefits
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Pay: ~$35/hour.
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Schedule: Part-time (~20 hrs/week) with flexibility; some evenings/weekends for events.
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Benefits: Health stipend, professional development (subject to budget/board approval).
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Location: Hybrid; Grand Rapids, MI preferred (regional travel as needed).
* Note on FLSA: Exempt classification depends on duties + salary basis tests; final status will follow legal guidance.
Equal Opportunity & Accessibility
ACN is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any protected category. We provide reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process and on the job.
Work Authorization
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
To Apply (Rolling)
Click the button below to apply. Also include 1–2 short work samples (e.g., a successful grant excerpt, campaign plan, or annual report section).
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
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Coordinate program logistics (scheduling, reminders, materials, room/Zoom setup).
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Support participant recruitment, onboarding, and event-day check-in.
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Track attendance, collect feedback, and help with simple reports.
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Assist with workshops, forums, and community gatherings.
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Communicate with partners and volunteers as needed.
What You Bring
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Strong organization and follow-through; comfortable with checklists and timelines.
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Clear communication and people skills; culturally aware and respectful.
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Comfort with Google Workspace (Docs/Sheets/Drive) and Zoom.
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Experience in program coordination or community outreach a plus (not required).
What You Get
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Volunteer role (unpaid). Mileage reimbursement for preapproved local travel.
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Training, mentorship, and professional references upon successful service.
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Leadership development opportunities and access to ACN events/trainings.
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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.
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
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Lead neighborhood and partner outreach; table at events (as available).
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Represent ACN in community coalitions and meetings.
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Collect stories and feedback to inform programs.
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Support social media posts and monthly newsletter content.
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Help mobilize volunteers for events and projects.
What You Bring
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Warm connector with strong cross-cultural communication.
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Experience in community outreach/organizing a plus (not required).
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Comfortable speaking at small gatherings; reliable and proactive.
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Familiarity with West Michigan immigrant communities is helpful.
What You Get
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Volunteer role (unpaid). Mileage reimbursement for preapproved local travel.
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Training in outreach, coalition work, and community storytelling.
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Professional references; leadership opportunities within ACN.
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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.
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
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Research grant opportunities; maintain a simple grants tracker.
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Draft proposal sections (org overview, need, outcomes) and assemble attachments.
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Help with grant reports (collect metrics and stories from program leads).
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Support light donor stewardship (thank-you notes, updates).
What You Bring
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Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
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Comfortable working from templates and examples.
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Prior grant/development experience a plus (not required).
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Organized, deadline-aware, collaborative.
What You Get
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Volunteer role (unpaid). Mileage reimbursement for preapproved local travel (if any).
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Grant-writing coaching, templates, and review.
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Professional references and writing samples for your portfolio.
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Pathway to more responsibility and eligibility for paid roles if funding permits.
To Apply Click the apply button below:
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
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Post roles, screen interest forms, schedule intros.
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Onboard volunteers/interns; match to projects; track hours and feedback.
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Coordinate orientations and occasional trainings.
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Build relationships with colleges, faith groups, and community orgs.
What You Bring
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Organized, people-centered, able to motivate others.
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Comfortable emailing, scheduling, and tracking details in Sheets/CRM.
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Any HR/volunteer coordination experience is a plus (not required).
What You Get
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Volunteer role (unpaid). Mileage reimbursement for preapproved local travel.
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Training in volunteer management + professional references.
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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.
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.
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Board Member Responsibilities
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Attend and actively participate in quarterly board meetings (virtual and/or in-person)
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Serve on at least one standing committee, such as:
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Finance & Fundraising
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Marketing & Communications
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Programs & Impact
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Governance & Nominations
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Champion ACN’s mission within your networks and spheres of influence
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Participate in strategic planning and oversight of organizational goals
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Support fundraising efforts through personal giving or external connections
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Help identify partnerships, sponsorships, or grant opportunities
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Provide governance, leadership, and accountability in collaboration with staff
Ideal Candidates Will Have:
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A passion for immigrant justice, community empowerment, and equity in action
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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
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Connections to African diaspora communities or immigrant-serving sectors (preferred, not required)
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Strong collaboration, communication, and decision-making skills
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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.
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.
Job Application
Please complete the form to apply for a position with us.