VISTAs, Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement

Posted by on September 26, 2010

Help Philadelphians Show the LOVE!

The Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service is seeking two AmeriCorps VISTAs* to serve as Volunteer Engagement Project Coordinators. One project coordinator will be responsible to develop and implement a strategy to engage volunteers in facilitating afterschool activities at under-resourced libraries and recreation centers. The second project coordinator will focus on engaging volunteers in a number of the City’s sustainability initiatives.

Both VISTAs will be based in City Hall and have the unique opportunity to partner with a diverse array of service stakeholders in City government, as well as the public and non-profit sectors. The VISTA will also play a key role in bringing greater attention to the grassroots efforts of local citizens already deeply engaged in supporting their communities.

This is a GREAT opportunity for a recent college graduate interested in gaining professional experience in city government, education, community organizing, cross sector partnership building and youth development.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Work closely with the City’s Chief Service Officer to:
– Compile data on current volunteer activity in the City to establish a baseline for future growth
– Compile ideas solicited from a range of stakeholders into a project plan that includes clear goals, implementation strategies and outcome measures
– Develop and maintain successful working relationships with the City’s Department of Parks and Recreations and the Office of Sustainability, along with a range of non-profit partners.
– Track project progress to ensure project development and implementation

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS for this position include:
– Bachelors’ degree required (Education, Public Policy or Social Science degree preferred).
– Experience in project management
– Ability and willingness to travel to Philadelphia neighborhoods and community organizations
– Experience with and/or willingness to learn database management, recording and tracking of data
– Experience with and/or willingness to learn basic website management strategies
– Strong oral and written presentation skills
– Commitment to collaboration and problem solving
– Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint
– Demonstrated commitment to diversity and cross-cultural issues

For more information, or to apply, contact Catie C. Wolfgang at catherine.wolfgang@phila.gov or 215.686.0317.

*NOTE: AmeriCorps VISTAs (Volunteer in Service to America) receive a basic living allowance of $972/mo, a $5,350 education award upon completion of a year of service, and basic health coverage.