Volunteer Recruiter

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Mission: Responding to a critical societal need, Aquinas Literacy Center empowers adults by providing English as a Second Language instruction through individualized tutoring in an environment that respects and reverences individuals. We enable learners to transform their lives by acquiring skills to become successful parents, productive workers and responsible citizens.

History: Aquinas Literacy Center (ALC) is a community-based organization located in McKinley Park on the southwest side of Chicago. Since 1996, ALC has served the immigrant community by offering free individualized instruction in the English language. Using trained, volunteer tutors, Aquinas serves over 200 learners annually. Learners participate in weekly tutoring sessions, conversation groups, writing workshops, book clubs, computer-based instruction and computer literacy workshops. ALC is sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Purpose: The Volunteer Recruiter assists the Volunteer Coordinator in publicizing the need for volunteers, following up with prospective volunteers, and promoting volunteer retention. The Volunteer Recruiter promotes volunteering at Aquinas via college fairs, in person, online, and print sources.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Volunteer Recruiter:

• Assists in the development and realization of recruitment plan
• Researches new outlets to promote volunteering at Aquinas among local colleges, universities, businesses, non-profits, religious congregations, community centers, news media, and others
• Creates and distributes targeted marketing materials to highlight the Center’s need for volunteers as well as the benefits of volunteering through diverse, citywide outlets
• Researches, attends, and represents Aquinas Literacy Center at college volunteer fairs
• Posts flyers in McKinley Park, Bridgeport, Hyde Park, the South Loop, and other areas of Chicago
• Follows up with and documents all contact with prospective volunteers in a timely manner
• Develops new ways to recognize and show appreciation to current volunteers for their service
• Assists in the orientation and assigning of tasks to non-tutoring volunteers as needed
• Reports to the Volunteer Coordinator

Required Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age
• Some college education or current enrollment in college
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills; maintains detailed records
• Strong work ethic; able to work both collaboratively and independently
• Passion for volunteering and ability to spark or grow that passion in others
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and internet research
• Must have access to a vehicle and/or excellent facility of public transportation
• Able to lift at least 15 pounds and stand for long periods of time (at college fairs)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fluency in Spanish or Mandarin
• Able to attend the volunteer tutor training on Friday, January 29 from 6pm to 9pm and Saturday, January 30 from 9am to 3pm
• Flexible schedule
• Engaging personality; converses easily with diverse individuals
• Experience with networking
• Proficient in social media

Time Commitment and Compensation:

The Volunteer Recruiter commits one semester (12 weeks) for 8-20 hours per week. This position requires time both on-site at 3540 S. Hermitage Ave. in Chicago and off-site for recruiting and posting materials. Aquinas Literacy Center is open Mondays through Thursdays 9am to 8pm, and staff are at the Center from 9am to 4pm on Fridays.

Aquinas Literacy Center will do its best to accommodate any school and/or degree program requirements. Please note that this is an unpaid internship. Approved travel expenses during off-site internship hours will be reimbursed, such as traveling to college fairs and traveling to post flyers.

To Apply:

Submit cover letter, resume, and 3 references toKristen Dempsey Pasyk, Volunteer Coordinator, at aquinasliteracy@gmail.com. At least one reference from a supervisor at a volunteer position is strongly preferred. Please include "Volunteer Recruiter" in the subject line. Priority deadline is Thursday, December 17, 2015 for the Spring 2016 semester.

Please note that two individuals may be chosen for this position.