Youth Organizer

Youth Organizer

Position Description

About ACER

African Career, Education & Resources, Inc. (ACER) engages and listens to African communities to identify and act on the issues that matter most, advancing racial and economic equity in the region and beyond. ACER’s work is grounded in racial equity, collective prosperity, cultural relevance, community solutions, and leaderful movements.

The role

ACER seeks a passionate, community-driven Youth Organizer to engage, support, and develop young leaders, aged 14-25 years, who are interested in making a difference in their communities. We are looking for someone who already has strong relationships with young people in the northwest suburbs of Hennepin county (Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Crystal, New Hope Robbinsdale, Maple Grove etc ) and can bring them into ACER's programs, organizing efforts, and ongoing advocacy and policy work.

The Youth Organizer will also build new and meaningful relationships with young people, listen to their experiences and concerns, and create opportunities for youth to develop leadership skills, participate in civic engagement, and organize around issues that matter to them.

This role focuses on building youth power by helping young people understand the systems that affect their lives, identify shared priorities, develop organizing strategies, and take collective action to create change. The Youth Organizer will also support youth-led programs, community events, storytelling, and advocacy efforts that amplify youth voices and strengthen their participation in community decision-making. Some of the impact areas include housing, health, tobacco and substance use, and mental health.

Organizational culture

Reports to: Director of Social Justice

Location: Brooklyn Park, MN

Time Commitment: A total of 500 hours between November 2026 to June 2027

Compensation: $20/hour

This is a part-time position that requires flexibility to work evenings and certain weekends to support youth engagement activities, community events, and meetings.

At ACER, strategy is a shared responsibility. Every staff member is expected to understand the organization’s mission, vision, and values; take ownership of their work; and support and coach colleagues so the organization can develop impactful, creative strategies together. Up to 20% of this role may involve stepping in to support other impact areas. ACER’s work for justice depends on organizing and transformation happening across the organization.

Key responsibilities

Community organizing and programming

• Use existing youth relationships and networks to recruit young people into ACER's programs and activities.
• Build new relationships with young people, particularly youth from African, immigrant, refugee, and other historically underserved communities.
• Support listening sessions to understand youth experiences, challenges, interests, and priorities.
• Recruit, engage, and retain young people in youth organizing and leadership development activities.
• Support youth-led campaigns, community initiatives, and advocacy efforts.
• Create opportunities for youth to engage with local leaders, policymakers, and community decision-making.
• Develop organizing campaigns that respond to community priorities and strengthen community power and voice.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead community events and activities in support of ACER’s work and community needs.
• Support organizing activities such as door knocking, home visits, canvassing, phone banking, and community meetings.
• Develop training materials and other resources to support community organizing.
• Partner with ACER staff to meet grant outcomes and coordinate organizing plans, events, and resources.
• Support building ACER’s overarching goal of building a community base of 200 leaders.

Staff support and engagement

• Work across ACER’s impact areas and support other community organizers in their work.
• Set development goals and strategies for the impact area and support the growth of staff and community members.
• Help build a team culture grounded in trust, accountability, and engagement.
• Support staff and leaders with planning and coordinating events, strategies, and community meetings.

Organization-wide collaboration

• Partner with the ACER’s leadership to develop strategies that support ACER’s overall growth.
• Support colleagues in their areas of responsibility and develop strategies that strengthen coordination across programs and departments.
• Help foster an engaged organizational culture among community members, partners, and staff.
• Build relationships with funders, community leaders, and government agencies around ACER’s goals and vision.

Qualifications

• Must have existing relationships with youth and the ability to recruit and engage them in ACER's programs and organizing work
• Availability to work evenings and weekends for youth engagement activities, community events, and meetings
• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree highly preferred.
• At least five years of progressive community organizing experience, including at least two years focused on building community power and supporting organizing efforts.
• Experience working with diverse communities, especially immigrant and refugee communities.
• A second language is preferred.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Workspace.

What success looks like

• Youth from the organizer's existing networks actively participate in ACER's programs, organizing activities, and advocacy campaigns
• Young people feel welcomed, respected, supported, and empowered.
• Youth strengthen leadership, communication, advocacy, and organizing skills.
• A consistent group of youth leaders takes increasing ownership of organizing activities.
• Youth identify priorities, develop strategies, and take collective action.
• Youth-led activities are purposeful, coordinated, and responsive to youth priorities.
• Youth perspectives meaningfully inform ACER’s programs and advocacy.
• Strong partnerships develop with schools and youth-serving organizations.
• Activities are documented and evaluated to strengthen future work.
• The organizer contributes to a collaborative, accountable, youth-centered team culture.

Working relationships

The Youth Organizer reports to the Director of Social Justice and works closely with staff members. The role is rooted in direct relationships with community members and leaders, including people from immigrant and refugee communities. The Youth Organizer also builds working relationships with community partners, funders, and government agencies. Regular communication with the Director of Social Justice helps the team share community feedback, coordinate plans, identify emerging needs, and keep organizing work connected to ACER’s broader goals.

To apply

Send a resume and cover letter to Arundhathi Sasikumar at asasikumar@acerinc.org