AmeriCorps VISTA at Next Step Network

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Organization Background
Next Step is an innovative social venture that mobilizes a national network of nonprofits to provide affordable housing solutions tailored to the needs of their communities. Our mission is to put sustainable homeownership within reach of everyone, while transforming the manufactured housing industry one home at a time. Our network allows homeowners to achieve wealth by growing equity, preserving assets, saving on energy costs and replacing substandard mobile homes with new ENERGY STAR homes. We are home-based in Louisville, Kentucky.

Description of Program
Next Step is seeking an AmeriCorps VISTA to serve in our Louisville office for one year. Working with our staff and Network Members, the VISTA member will support the growth of the Next Step Network and the revitalization of communities served by its members, which include 35 nonprofits in 28 states and D.C. The VISTA member will also build capacity for Next Step’s program, SmartMH KY, which seeks to transform the Kentucky marketplace by increasing ENERGY STAR home production from 1% to 50% in two years while increasing access to flexible lending products, helping families that could most benefit from the financial relief afforded by energy cost savings and quality financing.

With a focus on addressing needs stemming from inadequate access to energy-efficient affordable housing, activities will include:

• Developing and maintaining communications systems for SmartMH KY, a statewide ENERGY STAR rebate incentive and loan program in Kentucky.
• Developing financial resources that support Next Step and collaborative projects with its Network Members.
• Increasing awareness of issues related to manufactured housing, primarily pre-HUD Code mobile home replacement, through research and policy advocacy.
• Developing training opportunities for Network Members that help integrate the Next Step System into their affordable housing programs.

Salary & Benefits

Living allowance as determined by the Corporation for National & Community Service ($973/month). For more information, go to http://1.usa.gov/1cU9FDh

Benefits of the AmeriCorps VISTA program include: living allowance ($973/month); housing assistance ($345/month); end of service benefits ($5,775 Education Award or $1,500 end of service stipend); student loan forbearance and loan deferment; health coverage; child care, if applicable; personal and medical leave; and noncompetitive eligibility for federal service after one year of service.

Qualifications

• College degree preferred, college experience accepted
• Experience in social media and email marketing preferred
• Experience in graphic and web design preferred
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel
• Proficient with new technologies, especially those that are cloud-based
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team

Application Deadline
May 29, 2015

Anticipated Start Date
August 21, 2015

Anticipated End Date
August 22, 2016

To Apply
To apply, please fill out our online application by clicking on this link: http://adobe.ly/1JaBvHD. If you have any questions, please email Megan Neff, Next Step Communications Manager, at megan.neff@nextstepus.org. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for applying!