YouthBuild USA seeks AmeriCorps VISTA members to inject energy, talent, and a spirit of service into our work of increasing the number out of school young adults between the ages of 16-24 who attain a GED/ high school diploma, enter college, and gain meaningful employment. This position will focus on securing funding, developing corporate partnerships, and enhancing internal fundraising systems and tools as YouthBuild looks to expand and improve the services offered to our students.
Service Activities
Activity 1: Submission of at least 10 grant proposals
Step 1: Write clear and compelling narratives for grant proposals; gather and prepare supporting materials and attachments in accord with grant guidelines.
Step 2: Consult with Director on drafts in progress, and request
feedback to edit and finalize narratives and attachments.
Step 3: Prepare final proposals for Executive Director approval and signatures, and submit to prospective funders in accord with grant guidelines.
Step 4: Document and track the status of upcoming deadlines and pending grant
applications; update at least monthly.
Activity 2: Contribute to the planning and execution of at least 2 fundraising
events.
Step 1: Assess current materials, ideas for events, and create master calendar for
fundraising/outreach materials and events.
Step 2: Create a task list and timeline of activities for implementation of events.
Step 3: Publicize events with contributors, volunteers, partners, corporate sponsors, and media.
Step 4: Provide a written update for Director covering all aspects of event planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Step 5: Follow up after events with potential contributors and thank board and vendors for their involvement
Step 6: Write a review of the event documenting the planning process and identifying areas of success and challenges.
Activity 3: Develop Corporate Partner Relationships.
Step 1: Create an asset map of current partners and potential partners.
Step 2: Using identified priorities and materials/stories, initiate contact with potential donors/ funders, set up meetings to develop and secure new corporate sponsors and partners.
Step 3: Identify possible corporate volunteer opportunities as a strategy to engage partners.
Step 4: Develop a system to track and record requests and donations.
Step 5: Develop relationships with local businesses and organizations through volunteers opportunities.
Step 6: Document and evaluate. Identify successes, challenges, and opportunities
Activity 4: Communications/PR Development
Step 1: Review current Heart of Oregon Corps communications.
Step 2: Review communications activities at other YouthBuild programs.
Step 3: Develop external and internal monthly newsletter format and content
Step 4: Develop a social media strategy covering Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Step 5: Obtain information from staff and students about activities and accomplishments
Step 6: Create and submit regular press releases for upcoming events that will alert appropriate media outlets of notable activities.
Step 7: Write articles for submit print articles in appropriate publications regarding the program.
Step 8: Evaluate impact of communications: press highlights, social media tracking, etc.
Member Activity: Activity 5: Enhance development databases and systems
Step 1: Evaluate funder and donor lists and to make sure all contacts info is current and accurate. Be sure to check for duplicates
Step 2: Update the checklist/procedure documenting steps for processing gifts and grants
Step 3: Generate correspondence for donors, funders, and supporters
Step 4: Contribute to a funder donor communications strategy to create specific communications for varying groups. If necessary, create new lists in database.
Step 5: Document process for updating/adding to database creating a training resource so the database can be maintained after service is completed.
Community Need Addressed
Increased high school dropouts
Position Outcomes
Student numeracy and literacy advancement
Increased educational achievement (GED or high school diploma)
Increased access to college
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance
Skills you will gain
Project management, time management, writing and communications
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions
Teamwork
Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Understand and anticipate the needs of others