Community Engagement VISTA at University of Portland

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Host Site Name: University of Portland

Department: Moreau Center for Service and Justice

Location: Portland OR

Website: www.up.edu/moreaucenter

Position Title: Community Engagement VISTA

Summary of Position and Project Goal:

The Community Engagement VISTA will develop and implement a system to promote, track, and measure the impact of the University of Portland’s engagement with the North Portland community. The system will improve UP’s efficiency and capacity to respond to partnership opportunities. Data gathered through an engagement platform will be used to inform conversations across campus and with community partners to strengthen partnerships, build collaborations, and develop a more intentional, integrated, place-based approach to community engagement. Rather than perpetuate uncoordinated, and one-off service projects in the neighborhood, this project will centralize UP’s engagement efforts in one platform and facilitated a coordinated and informed effort to better partners in addressing the systemic issues in North Portland that disproportionately affect Communities of Color (including generational poverty, lack of educational opportunities, food insecurity, and public health disparities) and low-come communities.

The work of the VISTA will also enhance and expand the capacity of the University of Portland to community engagement efforts. It will also contribute to increase the number of students engaged in North Portland and the number of youth and families served.

Essential Responsibilities/Activities:

• Lead implementation of Give Pulse with community partners and campus stakeholders, including training, promotion, and follow up support
• Support efforts to increase community engagement with key partner organizations
• Lead effort of data collection of campus/community engagement to be tracked using Give Pulse
• Analyze data, prepare reports, and share data with key stakeholders
• Convene committee of campus stakeholders to ensure sustainability of Give Pulse
• Support efforts to explore a place-based strategy for community engagement in North Portland

Marginal Responsibilities:

• Attend relevant on-campus events to connect with stakeholders
• Attend relevant community partner events to build relationships
• Participate in Moreau Center student leader trainings and key events
• Participate in selected immersion experiences
• Participate in Moreau Center weekly Team meetings
• Participate in Student Affairs professional development events
• Travel to partner sites, driving site-owned vehicle and/or using site-provided bus pass

AmeriCorps VISTA Member Responsibilities:

• Attend all Campus Compact of Oregon AmeriCorps VISTA required trainings and events
• Complete and submit all Campus Compact of Oregon AmeriCorps VISTA required progress reports, timesheets, and other paperwork

Required Qualifications:

• 18 years and older
• Must have at least an Associates Degree or equivalent credits
• Demonstrate a commitment to or willingness to explore issues of racial justice and equity
• A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
• Able to serve full-time for 365 days
• Ability to pass a criminal history background check
• Site Specific Requirements:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project management experience
• Event coordination experience
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office software
• Proficient in use of social media for marketing and promotion

AmeriCorps VISTA Member Benefits:

• A living allowance of $16,617 (for VISTAs serving in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington, and Yamhill counties)
• A living allowance of $13,362 (for VISTAs serving in any other county of Oregon)
• An education award of $6,195 or cash stipend of $1,500 upon successful completion of service
• Relocation allowance of $550 and mileage - based reimbursement if moving more than 50 miles to serve
• Health benefits
• Loan forbearance and interest accrual payment on qualified student loans
• Child care (if eligible)
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Access to an extensive network of AmeriCorps Alums
• Federal jobs non-competitive eligibility for one year after service

Site Specific Benefits:

• Access to on-campus resources, including library, recreation center, and selected events.
• Monthly allowance of $100