Sounds of Africa Festival (SOAFEST) Logistics Assistant

This community-based learning position helps WAWAC bridge the gap between West African families and essential resources. It supports our mission by making learning accessible and culturally relevant, empowering community members to navigate systems, build confidence, and stay connected. It’s how we turn support into long-term strength for our people.

Sounds of Africa Festival (SOAFEST) Logistics Assistant
Washington West African Center (WAWAC)
The Washington West African Center (WAWAC) is seeking a highly organized and proactive SOAFEST Logistics Assistant to support the successful execution of our 3rd Annual Sounds of Africa Festival (SOAFEST 3.0) on August 15–16, 2025. This vibrant, two-day celebration honors the cultures, music, art, and people of West Africa. The Logistics Assistant will play a hands-on role in managing critical set-up, transportation, and operations tasks during both the day-before and day-of-event. Under the direction of the Event Coordinator and Executive Director, you will assist with coordinating equipment and supply transport, vendor placement, stage readiness, and general site logistics—all to ensure a safe, efficient, and culturally rich experience for attendees and participants alike. The ideal candidate is reliable, responsive, detail-oriented, and excited to work behind the scenes of a large, energetic community event.

Key Responsibilities:
Planning for Pre-Event Setup (Friday, August 15):
● Help plan the set up of large items including bouncy house, banners, tables, tents, and
audio/stage equipment.
● Prior-Help assist with flyer distribution/plan for locations for media team to distribute
● Assist in planning the coordination of parking, vendor arrivals, and equipment offloading.
Planning for Day-of Event Operations (Saturday, August 16):
● Help plan the logistics throughout the day, including stage readiness, vendor needs, water and
supply distribution, and maintaining setup areas.
● Plan for the transportation and logistics team to move food, merchandise, and performance
materials.
● Plan for vendors and guests to be in appropriate locations, support crowd flow, and help ensure
accessible entry points.
Ongoing Duties:
● Before the event, help research to improve different logistics to the event (set up vendor booths
that require food permitting, signs to be made, schedules, security, power etc).
● Work closely with the staff you are assigned to provide support and complete tasks asked to the
fullest extent.
● Provide logistical support for performers, fashion show coordinators, food distribution, and
youth programming.
● Support the safety team and ensure compliance with event guidelines.
● Coordinate closely with volunteer teams across different shifts to ensure timely coverage and
clarity of duties.

For this position, a student should possess the following skills:
● Coordination & Time Management – to support a fast-paced event with many moving parts and
time-sensitive tasks.
● Team Communication – to collaborate with volunteers, vendors, and performers, and respond to
needs as they arise.
● Adaptability & Initiative – to manage last-minute changes, troubleshoot logistics, and maintain a
calm, solutions-focused approach.

As a SOAFEST Logistics Assistant, you are instrumental in helping build a joyful, safe, and culturally rich event that celebrates West African heritage. Your work behind the scenes empowers our performers, vendors, youth, and guests to fully experience the festival. By supporting setup, logistics, and coordination, you help WAWAC bring the community together in unity, expression, and cultural pride.

WAWAC is Monday-Friday usually 9am-5pm, After-school program Lynnwood (Wed/Fri 4:30pm-7:00pm), After-school program Federal Way (Tues/Fri 4:30pm-6:30pm). Additionally there are weekend events sometimes Saturdays which are optional for any UW students if they’re available.

The prime location for planning and implementation of all events shall be at the following address; Washington West African Center, 19203 36th Ave W SUITE 210, Lynnwood, WA 98036. However, where a certain program requires it, a more ideal location shall be sourced. Location There are opportunities both at the Lynwood hub as well as at a new after-school youth program in Renton.

Contact point for position: Email both Pa Ousman Joof (Executive Director) pajoof@wawac.org AND Zainab Jibril (Volunteer Coordinator) complianceofficer@wawac.org for an orientation, you’ll then be followed up by the Volunteer Coordinator Zainab Jibril for scheduling.