Resource Development AmeriCorps*VISTA, Entrepreneur Works

Posted by on May 01, 2011

Resource Development AmeriCorps*VISTA, Entrepreneur Works

Posted on: April 19, 2011

REPORTS TO: Executive Director/Development & Communications Associate
SITE LOCATION: 111 S. Independence Mall East Suite 810 Philadelphia, PA 19106

OUR ORGANIZATION:
Entrepreneur Works (formerly Philadelphia Development Partnership) is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to cultivate and promote successful micro-enterprises in distressed communities throughout Delaware Valley, thus creating economic prosperity and employment. In pursuit of this mission, Entrepreneur Works assists entrepreneurs with customized business support services, microfinancing and networking opportunities—tools that are often difficult to access for those who are low-income, minority and otherwise disadvantaged. Please visit http://www.MyEntrepreneurWorks.org for more information!

POSITION SUMMARY:
Join our dynamic, energetic team to engage donors and small business supporters through creative on- and off-line fundraising campaigns while harvesting essential web resources for entrepreneurs! The VISTA will gain firsthand fundraising, marketing and communications experience at a nonprofit.

The Resource Development AmeriCorps*VISTA member will be responsible for: building and increasing Entrepreneur Works’ individual donor base through both off- and on-line campaigns and researching and aggregating online business resources entrepreneurs can access through our website. The goal is to build a framework for the organization’s individual giving campaigns to raise funds for our programs, increase awareness of microenterprises within the community, and allow the public to connect with entrepreneurs. The project will also complement our existing services by providing additional materials for entrepreneurs while encouraging them to incorporate internet usage for research and finding useful tools.

Members begin service from June 17, 2011 to June 16, 2012.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• attend Pre-Service Orientation: June 13-16, 2011 (location TBA)
• help implement the annual appeal campaign
• lead event planning for annual Taste of Success bake-off fundraiser
• strategize on harvesting online giving through web services such as e-newsletters and social media
• develop and implement strategies to increase both donor and fund amounts
• research planned giving
• develop partnerships for cause-related giving
• develop innovative ways to tie these activities with the organization’s new website functionalities, particularly the online donation button, e-newsletter and areas on the website that engage entrepreneurs
• identify, compile and organize relevant informational resources and tools for inclusion in our online library
• evaluate the organization’s available marketing and data-management systems to analyze past individual giving patterns
• other related tasks as assigned

STIPEND & OTHER BENEFITS
o Approximately $900/month stipend
o Approximately $5,350 educational award given at the completion of service (can be used to pay off existing student loans or for future education) or cash stipend of $1,500 at end of service term
o Student loan forbearance or deferment while in service
o One year of noncompetitive status for a federal government job
o Access to the network of VISTA & VISTA alumni (170,000 strong)
o Health insurance
o Relocation allowance
o Monthly SEPTA transportation pass (worth $70/month)

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
This position requires a flexible, highly detailed, versatile and organized individual with excellent communication skills who can function comfortably as a self-starter in a deadline-oriented work environment.

In addition, the successful VISTA candidate will possess the following qualifications:
o Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
o Bachelor’s degree
o Excellent written and oral communications skills
o Self-starter able to work independently and efficiently
o Ability to learn and navigate Drupal content management system (similar to WordPress)
o Experience in online fundraising, marketing and event planning
o Interest in microfinance and entrepreneurship development and working with diverse and underserved populations
o Basic graphic design skills (i.e. InDesign, MS Publisher)
o Proficiency with web-based media, including social networking applications (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn), contact management software and email blast systems (Vertical Response)
o Proficiency in MS Office Suite
o Must be passionate, creative and energetic!

TO APPLY:
Prior to applying, please make sure you understand what serving as an AmeriCorps*VISTA entails—it is a full-time, 365 days of service commitment to serve the community! Visit http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/vista.asp before you send your application. (Because this is a full-time year of service, VISTA members cannot be employed or attend school during the service term.)

After you have researched AmeriCorps*VISTA and Entrepreneur Works and decided you would be a great fit for our team, please email cover letter, resume and references to Sarah Ban at sban@entre-works.org with “VISTA” in the subject heading. Only individuals who demonstrate commitment and a clear understanding of the VISTA program will be called for an interview. SERIOUS CANDIDATES ONLY. Good luck!