Join Us as a VISTA Worker

The Service Collaborative of Western New York, which oversees AmeriCorps programs for the region, has awarded us a one-year VISTA position, starting this summer.

The federal government founded VISTA in 1964 as the Volunteers in Service to America program. The program fights poverty by helping local organizations exp》and their capacity to make change.

VISTA workers gain experience and leadership skills through activities such as fundraising, grant writing, research, and volunteer recruitment. The opportunity, which is open to workers 18 and older, prepares members for service in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Together with the Service Collaborative, we are recruiting a VISTA worker to join us for a year, working 35 hours a week at our shared workspace, Commonspace Work, 201 E. Jefferson St.

Job responsibilities:

• Develop training and work procedure guidelines. These materials will help us better orient and guide new interns and volunteers and will also provide guidance for future administrators.
• Recruit youth workers, interns, volunteers, and board members from disadvantaged backgrounds. Help orient, train, and oversee these team members.
• Develop and cultivate partnerships with other community groups.
• Raise funds. Develop an annual member-based fund-raising campaign. Write grant applications for special initiatives that provide cultural opportunities for low-income communities.

Qualifications:

• Age 18 or older. In addition to young adults, the program welcomes those seeking midlife change or wanting to explore a second careers.
• Appreciation of art, poetry, and the role of public art in building community.
• Communication skills. Good speaking, phone, and writing skills.
• Competence in office technologies, including Microsoft Word and the basic Adobe programs (Photoshop, InDesign).
• Enterprise and self-motivation.

Benefits:

Living allowance, stipend, relocation allowance, childcare assistance if eligible, health coverage, training, choice of education award or end of service stipend.

To apply:

Send a brief e-mail summarizing your interest and skills to work@posterproject.org. Submit a formal application through the my.americorps.gov site. Find our job listing here. Interviews and selections take place in July for a placement to begin in August—by Aug. 30 at the latest.