Our External Relations department works to promote the work of the Society, to support the programs that provide basic needs for our neighbors. Your work will focus on marketing and publicity (including social media) and event planning, with some opportunities to assist our Development department with grant writing/research. This position will include a weekly block of time working directly with individuals and families in need.
This position is part of the Vincentian Volunteers of Cincinnati (VVC) program, a faith-based, year-long, residential service program, providing young professionals in their twenties an opportunity to grow in faith, friendship and service by giving deeply of themselves to individuals and families in need.
VVC members serve full-time in a unique work placement with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. They live together in a house provided by the program, in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati, walking distance from SVDP’s Outreach Center. 100% of program alumni reported experiencing personal and professional growth through VVC.
Service Activities
Position Responsibilities:
1. Write copy for direct mail and promotional materials.
- This includes special projects for brochures, press releases, website, social media and other materials as needed.
2. Help seek out and collect personal stories that illustrate the SVDP mission, values and impact. Help take photos for web site and during events when needed.
3. Assist with coordination of annual drives and holiday programs (Air Conditioner and Fan Drive, Coat Drives, Food Drives, etc.).
4. Assist Marketing and Communications Manager with special events (such as 5K, Celebration of Service, Golf Outing, RetroFittings, etc.)
5. Contribute to contributing toward VVC-related social media.
6. Spend 6-10 hours/week in direct service with individuals seeking assistance with basic necessities from the SVdP - with the social services team, or at the choice food pantry.
Community Need Addressed
need for community engagement and support to do the work of the organization
Position Outcomes
increase awareness and support of organization
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
This program also covers: three overnight retreats during the program year; weekly formation meetings on topics of social justice with program manager; monthly leadership development workshops; 1:1 professional mentor (meet monthly); all basic living expenses (room, utilities, board, internet); health insurance; renter's insurance; monthly personal stipend ($100); monthly phone stipend ($50); monthly transportation stipend ($30 - local bus tickets); plus an Education Award (~ $6,000, depending on pell grant) upon completion of service.
Skills you will gain
community-building, teamwork, professional skills/norms, professional communication, one-on-one interaction, project prioritization, collaboration, public speaking, time management
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, Turn taking, 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
Derive consensus, 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, 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, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, 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