🌍 Community Resource Developer – Build Bridges. Empower Refugees. Strengthen Communities!

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of refugee families across West Michigan? We’re seeking a passionate and resourceful Community Resource Developer to help expand support networks, build public awareness, and foster community engagement for our Refugee Services program in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.

In this dynamic role, you’ll cultivate sponsorships, mobilize volunteers, and connect refugee families with culturally responsive resources. You’ll be a key ambassador—building visibility, trust, and partnerships that help newcomers thrive.

📍 Service Area: Grand Rapids & Kalamazoo, MI

💼 Salary: $43,888 annually

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and maintain community sponsorships and volunteer networks to support refugee families.
• Identify and engage local organizations, faith groups, and businesses to expand resource access.
• Assist in building public visibility and awareness of the Refugee Services program.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate support.

🎓 Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or equivalent combination of education and refugee-related casework experience.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Proof of automobile insurance and reliable personal transportation suitable for transporting persons

Welcome to Samaritas Nation!

Samaritas is a Michigan-based human service organization that connects people with families and communities, empowers them to live their fullest life possible, and creates a ripple effect of transformation. The reference to the work of the Good Samaritan in our name is especially fitting as it is consistent with our mission, values and the services our faith-based company provides.  

APPLY TODAY!     #BeTheRock, creating ripples of positive transformation in the lives of those we are entrusted to serve! 

This position offers an annual salary of $43,888.00. Comprehensive benefits listed below are effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment. 

Develops potential sponsorships for refugee families, community and volunteer resources for refugee services and assisting in building the public visibility of the Refugee Services program.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Maintain current knowledge of program, educational, operational and financial needs and goals of refugee services and of the organization.
2. Plan and coordinate general information meetings for prospective sponsors. Expand contacts with social ministries associations and civic groups.
3. Perform ongoing sponsorship development for refugee arrivals, working closely with sponsors before arrival.
4. Maintain contact with prospective sponsors and conduct evening and Sunday morning church meetings and presentations to groups as necessary. Secure approximately 10-12 sponsorships a year.
5. Develop appropriate materials to publicize details of sponsorships; utilize various media sources for publicizing needs.
6. Inform prospective sponsors and volunteers about the Early Self-Sufficiency Employment Program; identify those who wish to provide assistance and refer them to the Program Manager.
7. Plan and develop relationships with apartment complexes and private home owners in regards to refugees' housing needs. Help with securing storage spaces.
8. Plan and conduct DHS and/or employer presentations and reconciliation meetings and community related contacts. Provide program manager with the outcomes.
9. Support volunteer program Coordinator, provide resources and assist in recruitment.
10. Develop resources for Outreach and Referral Manual, including vocational training information, services and resources available to low income persons. Supplement sponsor's efforts in areas of direct service when necessary.
11. Maintain reports and statistics relevant to program activity, providing weekly reports to Program Manager.
12. Assist in development of donation strategies.

Job Qualifications

Education, Training, and Licensure/Certification

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, community services, or related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Experience in refugee related casework and community services. Minimum one year of direct experience developing sponsorships preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability and willingness to work with refugees.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and patience towards persons served.
• Basic understanding of refugee services.
• Must be fluent in both English and the native language of refugee clients; ability to translate in both written and verbal forms.
• Must be able to work effectively in a cross-cultural context.
• Ability to work constructively with staff and clients.
• Strong public speaking skills with ability to relate creatively to representatives of various companies, community organizations and governmental agencies.
• Ability to identify needs, interests, aptitudes, skills and problems; refers clients to appropriate support services, agencies and programs.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team in achieving common goals.
• Ability to research, identify and recruit churches and volunteers in regards to sponsorships.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn various computer programs including spreadsheet and graphics programs.

Additional Work Requirements

• Valid unrestricted driver's license with a good driving record. Proof of automobile insurance. Reliable personal transportation suitable for transporting persons served.

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