The Volunteer Engagement Coordinator will engage volunteers with community-based education initiatives to better support families and kids in meaningful ways.
The Volunteer Engagement Coordinator will:
Receive Training: Receive general and specific training to prepare for responsibilities:
a) Program orientation
b) Introduction to volunteer engagement stakeholders and their roles
c) Background on volunteer initiatives in the first two years of the Grinnell AmeriCorps Partnership
d) Training on how to complete the program’s worksheet for long-and short-term action plans
e) Other site-specific training
Gather Information: Consult with community stakeholders to track volunteer needs:
a) Attend taskforce/advisory group meetings in each of the Grinnell AmeriCorps Partnership program areas to learn about taskforce/advisory group activities and priorities
b) Attend community meetings to learning about existing community volunteer needs
c) Consult regularly with AmeriCorps members who are responsible for each of the program areas
d) Consult with current volunteers (if any)
Recruit Volunteers: In the event volunteers are needed for a specific event or activity in any of the focus areas:
f) Collaborate with the AmeriCorps member responsible for that area
g) Partner to recruit volunteers and see that they are engaged effectively. If volunteers are required, volunteer duties must be specified and align with AmeriCorps guidelines and prohibitions.
Plan Volunteerism: For the Grinnell AmeriCorps Partnership overall:
a) Explore and implement a “one-stop-shop” for volunteers, so people can connect with volunteer opportunities according to interest, skills, and time commitment. This would build on information gathered in the first two years of the program and could entail additional interviews with stakeholders, internet research, and experimentation on sample volunteer projects.
b) Create a Volunteer Action Plan using the program’s Action Planning Worksheet. This will ensure that volunteer efforts can be effective and sustainable in the long term.
Routine Activities:
h) Answer email
i) Attend community meetings
j) Attend AmeriCorps required trainings
k) Coordinate the AmeriCorps required Days of Service, in conjunction with other AmeriCorps Members
l) Serve as the community spokesperson for the Volunteer Engagement efforts of the Grinnell Education Partnership
Eligibility
To comply with AmeriCorps guidelines and partnership goals, all applicants must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:
• Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service.
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent (or be in the process of obtaining one). College coursework, college degree, or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Be a U.S. Citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
• Successful completion and clearance of required background checks (including: 1) a nationwide National Sex Offender check; 2) a Statewide Criminal History check; 3) a state of residence check if applicable; and 4) a fingerprint-based FBI check).
Additional Qualifications
In addition to basic eligibility requirements, preference will be given to candidates who:
• Have interest or experience in education and/or administration
• Are organized, self-motivated, reliable, and dependable
• Have demonstrated ability to work with other people in order to get something done
• Have strong oral and written communication skills
• Interested in using their talents to serve the greater good
• Can comfortably speak, read and write English
• Have basic computer skills that include navigation of online resources and E-mail
Service Activities
Convening regular taskforce meetings with community stakeholders
Develop a short and long term action plan with input from the taskforce
Implement one or more collaborative project as identified in the planning process
Keep a volunteer log to record number and hours of episodic and ongoing volunteers
Consult with host site supervisors to track project progress and move toward completion of the action plan items
Assist with the coordination of AmeriCorps required Days of Service
Serve as the community spokesperson for the designated focus area of the Campaign for Grade Level Reading
Community Need Addressed
The Grinnell AmeriCorps Partnership has one Coordinator position available.
The Volunteer Engagement Coordinator will:
a) Explore and implement a “one-stop-shop” for volunteers, so people can connect with volunteer opportunities according to interest, skills, and time commitment. This would build on information gathered in the first two years of the program and could entail additional interviews with stakeholders, internet research, and experimentation on sample volunteer projects.
b) Create a Volunteer Action Plan using the program’s Action Planning Worksheet. This will ensure that volunteer efforts can be effective and sustainable in the long term.
Position Outcomes
The Taskforce coordinators will BUILD CAPACITY by helping community organizations collaborate more effectively with each other and with the school district to better align resources so 100% of the district’s K-4th grade students have health and nutrition support so they can come to school ready to learn.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment