AmeriCorps VISTA Project Development

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Project Development

HFH of Greater Newburgh is seeking a Project Development VISTA who will work with the Construction Manager and the Executive Director to identify new areas of development within the service area to serve a greater number of families. This VISTA member will develop programs that enable current and future staff/volunteers of HFH of Greater Newburgh to access information and tools that provide guidance for more efficient acquisition and development of property to serve the community, offer best practices for building sustainable community partnerships and housing coalitions, and provide strategies for building effective Neighborhood Revitalization (NR) programming.

Examples of specific projects for this member include:

• Neighborhood Revitalization (NR): Focus on the sustainable development of neighborhoods in the Greater Newburgh area, as the need is greater than the improvement of individual homes.
• Community Mapping Project: Create an internal file, portfolio, and/or map to be used by HFH of Greater Newburgh to track potential areas of development in the Greater Newburgh area. This is a new project and will be planned and developed in alignment with needs of the Construction Manager and Executive Director.
• Partnership and Network Development of Community Groups/People: (1) Further develop current relationships with relevant groups/people in the community, (2) Create new relationships, and (3) Compile internal documents that track people and groups who can work with Habitat Newburgh on projects.

Member Activities Include:

1. Maintain communication with Host Site Manager and Supervisor with regards to project progress.
2. Introduce and/or develop new/current community partnerships that will support programs, develop leadership and leverage resources. This task will be completed by activities such as attending local events/meetings, phone calls, and introductory emails.
3. Develop methods to increase participation with project, including presentations, materials and systems for recruitment of partners, volunteers and leadership.
4. Develop systems to accurately track and record project communications with community people/organizations.
5. Create maps of potential development opportunities within service area, with the specificity of the maps determined through meetings with Supervisor, Executive Director and key office personnel.
6. Determine what will be needed with regards to processes, materials, and procedures for project.

Education/Experience/Knowledge/Skills required for this position

• Valid Driver’s License and ability to meet host site’s insurance requirements
• Personal vehicle required
• Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word/Excel)
• Knowledge of, and willingness to promote, the mission and activities of Habitat for Humanity and AmeriCorps
• Strong research skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Detail oriented and highly organized
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people
• Experience working as a member of a team
• Knowledge of community development practices preferred
• Project management experience preferred
• A second language is preferred, but not necessary, with preferred languages being Spanish

We look for members who:
Possess a sincere desire to serve others and are dedicated to Habitat’s mission
Have strong written and verbal communication skills
Have excellent attention to detail skills
Are able to work with a diverse group of people

Benefits of Service:
Skills for the future
Minimal living allowance (living allowance determined by county position is based in)
An education award of $5,775 or a cash stipend of $1,500 upon successful completion of service
Personal and sick leave
Health care benefit
Student Loan Forbearance (if eligible - Go to AmeriCorps.gov website to see if your loan would qualify)
Child care assistance (if eligible)
Non-competitive Hiring Status - When you satisfactorily complete one full year of service, they earn non-competitive eligibility for federal government jobs for one year after the member's service

What’s in it for you?
At the end of the service year, you will have gained new skills and expertise, developed new relationships, and maybe even become a member of a new community.

What’s needed to apply?
Resume (tell us about your experience)
Motivation Statement (this essay gives you the opportunity to express why you want to serve)

Requirements to serve at this site:
18 years of age or older
U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident
Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent (or agree to work towards one while serving)
Confirm understanding that this is a full-time volunteer opportunity and that AmeriCorps members receive a small living allowance