Position Title: Development & Outreach VISTA
Employment Status: AmeriCorps VISTA
Benefits: (all provided through AmeriCorps): Health Coverage, Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend, Training, Stipend, Relocation Allowance.
Schedule: 35 hours per week, including occasional evening and weekend hours as needed
Reports to: Community Engagement Manager
About the WDRC: The WDRC is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, operating in the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples. With a vision for Whatcom County to be a community in which people approach conflict in creative and healthy ways, and a mission of providing and promoting constructive and collaborative approaches to conflict, we integrate the values of kindness, impartiality, empowerment, collaboration, communication, equity, diversity, sustainability, and integrity, across our organization.
Working Conditions: The WDRC continually strives to provide a supportive, healthy, and productive work environment. Every staff member plays an active role in contributing positively to our organizational culture. Staff serve the public through a variety of programming both onsite within WDRC owned and rented facilities, and in public and private spaces. Given the nature of the WDRC’s mission and services, the possibility of exposure to escalated emotion and offensive language from the public exists. The WDRC expects staff to respond to these instances with diplomacy, tact, and compassion.
Position Description: The VISTA will assist in developing and implementing outreach calendars, print materials, and social media strategies and content, as well as participating in outreach activities such as tabling and giving presentations. They will help to analyze outreach activities to determine reach and effectiveness, including analyzing client demographics, online reach, and in-person reach to assess who and where our communications are reaching, and where improvement is needed. Helping to plan and implement fundraising events will be a key aspect of this role. The VISTA will work with the Community Engagement team to organize 3 or more events over the year. They will also assist with grant applications and reporting, as well as individual-based fundraising. The VISTA will help to maintain and increase functionality of 1 or more CRM systems. Finally, the VISTA will help to grow and retain our pool of dedicated volunteers.
Required Skills and Experience
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including comfort with public speaking
● A knack for connecting with people, conveying information in a pleasant and accessible manner
● Creative and personable
● Self motivated and entrepreneurial
● Ability to learn about WDRC protocols and procedures
● Strong attention to detail and strong organizational skills
● Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality
● Strong ability to successfully perform delegated tasks with minimal oversight, while also being able to work autonomously ● Ability to prioritize competing tasks and make strategic decisions promptly
● Reliability and ability to maintain regular hours but flexibility when special needs arise
● Ability to be flexible and willingness to “roll up your sleeves” as needed
● Proficiency with MS Windows and Office Suite, Google Workspace, and solid keyboard skills
● Proficiency with basic office equipment, including computers, copiers, printers
● Ability to move at least 25 lbs.
● High school diploma or GED
Other Desired Qualifications:
● Access to a vehicle and ability to travel throughout Whatcom County
● A belief in the value of alternative dispute resolution
● Knowledge of Whatcom County communities and geography
● Graphic design and/or communications experience
● Proficiency with relational database systems
● Relevant work or volunteer experience in the nonprofit sector
● Experience working with people of diverse ages, skills, ethnicities & belief systems
● A sense of humor and compassion
To apply: Applications must be submitted online via the AmeriCorps application portal. The application deadline is December 18th, 2024. Anticipated start date for selected applicant will be 1/13/2025.
Apply now: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=124999
Questions? Contact Celine Parton, Development & VISTA Program Specialist: celineparton @ oppco.org
for a full list of benefits/health coverage options, please visit: https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/vista/benefits
