Project Development & Policy Support Volunteer

Position Overview

The Washington West African Center (WAWAC) is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Project Development & Policy Support Volunteer to support the advancement of the Futuristic West African Village Project—a transformative initiative designed to create a centralized, culturally responsive hub serving West African and immigrant communities across Washington State.

This volunteer will play a key role in helping WAWAC package, position, and advance the project for funding, partnerships, and implementation by developing high-quality materials, coordinating outreach efforts, and supporting stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Document Development

Develop a compelling Executive Summary tailored for funders, policymakers, and stakeholders

Compile and refine a comprehensive project package/policy document

Ensure all materials clearly reflect WAWAC’s mission, community impact, and strategic priorities (Housing Justice, Food Justice, Healthcare Access, and Community Power)

Align messaging across documents for consistency and professionalism

2. Presentation & Communications

Design a professional slide deck (PowerPoint or Google Slides) for presentations to funders, government agencies, and partners

Translate complex project details into clear, engaging, and visually compelling content

Support development of talking points and presentation narratives

3. Funding Research & Strategy

Identify and research diverse funding opportunities, including:

Grants (local, state, federal, and foundation)

Loans and community development financing

Corporate sponsorships and partnerships

Individual donor campaigns

Match funding sources to specific project components (housing, childcare, food systems, cultural spaces, etc.)

Track deadlines, requirements, and application strategies

4. Outreach & Partnership Development

Develop and coordinate outreach strategies to engage funders, policymakers, and community partners

Assist in building relationships with key stakeholders, including:

Architects and engineers

Community development organizations

Government agencies

Philanthropic partners

Draft outreach emails, partnership briefs, and follow-up communications

5. Stakeholder Engagement & Meeting Coordination

Support the planning and facilitation of meetings with potential partners and funders

Help organize stakeholder working groups and advisory teams

Prepare agendas, briefing materials, and meeting summaries

Track action items and support follow-through

6. Project Development Support

Assist in refining project timelines, phases, and implementation strategies

Support coordination between WAWAC leadership and external partners

Contribute to building a strong foundation for project execution

Preferred Qualifications

Background or strong interest in public policy, nonprofit management, urban planning, community development, or related fields

Strong writing, editing, and research skills

Experience creating professional reports, proposals, or presentations

Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, compelling narratives

Strong organizational and project coordination skills

Comfortable working independently and collaboratively

Passion for equity, immigrant communities, and culturally responsive development

Desired Skills (Bonus)

Experience with grant research or grant writing

Familiarity with real estate development, capital projects, or feasibility planning

Graphic design or presentation design skills

Experience engaging with diverse communities or cultural organizations

Time Commitment

Flexible (estimated 5–10 hours per week)

Duration: 3–6 months, with potential for extension based on project needs

Impact of the Role

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a transformational, community-led development project that will serve over 2,500 individuals annually. The volunteer’s work will directly support efforts to secure funding, build partnerships, and bring to life a long-term vision centered on dignity, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

What You Will Gain

Hands-on experience in community development and capital project planning

Exposure to policy, funding strategies, and stakeholder engagement

Opportunity to work closely with nonprofit leadership and community partners

A chance to contribute to a high-impact, culturally grounded initiative