Community Events Program Assistant at Rafiki Coalition – San Francisco, California

Company Description:

Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness is a San Francisco-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating health inequities and improving the lives of Black, African American, and marginalized communities in the Bay Area. For over 35 years, we have provided a safe, welcoming space where health, healing, and hope come together. We offer a holistic range of services, including free and low-cost health screenings, HIV prevention and care, mental health counseling, housing and economic support, fitness classes, and nutrition programs. Guided by a belief that wellness is more than the absence of illness, we embrace a whole-person approach that honors the cultural, social, and emotional needs of our community.

At Rafiki, we are more than a service provider. We are a trusted partner, advocate, and resource. Our work is rooted in compassion, cultural humility, and a commitment to social justice. Every day, our team stands with our community to dismantle barriers, amplify voices, and create pathways to health and opportunity.

If you're looking to join a mission-driven organization where your work directly empowers individuals and strengthens communities, Rafiki Coalition is the place to make a meaningful impact

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Events Program Assistant supports the planning, coordination, and execution of community outreach and engagement activities. This role assists with organizing events, managing logistics, supporting program operations, and ensuring a welcoming and positive experience for participants.

This position plays a key role in supporting Rafiki Coalition's community-based health initiatives, including HIV testing and prevention, harm reduction services, and behavioral health outreach. The role focuses on increasing access to services, reducing barriers to care, and building trust within the communities served.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Coordination and Support

• Assist in planning and organizing community events, workshops, outreach activities, and program-related gatherings
• Coordinate event logistics including venue setup, materials preparation, registration, and participant check-in
• Maintain event calendars and assist with scheduling activities and resources
• Support event promotion through outreach, community partnerships, and communication with participants
• Support on-site event operations including registration, volunteer coordination, and participant assistance
• Assist with outreach and coordination for health-focused events such as HIV testing days, harm reduction outreach events, and community wellness fairs
• Help ensure event environments are welcoming, inclusive, trauma-informed, and responsive to community needs

Community Engagement

• Serve as a welcoming point of contact for community members attending events or programs
• Help build and maintain relationships with community partners, volunteers, and participants
• Represent Rafiki Coalition in a professional, respectful, and culturally responsive manner at community events
• Engage community members in a way that builds trust, reduces stigma, and supports equitable access to services
• Support outreach strategies that prioritize underserved and historically marginalized communities

Public Health Program Support

• Assist with implementation of public health initiatives, including HIV testing and prevention services, harm reduction programs, and behavioral health outreach
• Support participant flow, registration, and coordination during testing events and outreach activities
• Help distribute harm reduction supplies and educational materials in alignment with program guidelines
• Follow established safety, confidentiality, and public health protocols
• Assist in connecting community members to available services, including testing, treatment, and behavioral health resources

Program Support

• Provide administrative support to program staff in the implementation of community initiatives
• Assist with tracking participation, maintaining program records, and preparing basic reports
• Help distribute program materials, supplies, and informational resources to participants and community partners
• Support follow-up communication with program participants and stakeholders
• Assist in tracking outreach outcomes and basic program metrics related to community health initiatives
• Support coordination across multiple programs to ensure consistency in service delivery and messaging

Administrative and Operational Support

• Assist with ordering and organizing program supplies and materials, including outreach and harm reduction supplies
• Support data entry and maintenance of participant databases or program tracking systems
• Help prepare presentations, outreach materials, and event documentation
• Ensure materials and communications are culturally relevant, accessible, and aligned with program goals
• Support compliance with program protocols, including confidentiality, data handling, and public health reporting expectations

Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Associate's degree or equivalent experience in public health, community development, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred
• At least one year of experience supporting events, outreach, or community-based programs preferred
• Experience working in community health, harm reduction, or behavioral health settings strongly preferred

Cultural Competency and Community Trust

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse communities, including communities disproportionately impacted by health inequities
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices
• Ability to build trust and rapport within underserved communities
• Experience working in community-centered, grassroots, or peer-based environments preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and community members
• Comfort working in community-based settings, including outdoor or non-traditional environments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events

Additional Information:

Working Conditions

• Combination of office, community, and event-based environments
• Regular work in community settings, including outdoor locations and partner sites
• Occasional evening and weekend work required

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move for extended periods during events
• Ability to lift and transport materials (up to approximately 25 pounds)

Application Instructions:

Provide your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in a job at Rafiki.