Organizational Development Coordinator
Special Projects Coordinator

AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is the national service program that provides thousands of Americans of all ages and backgrounds with education awards in exchange for a year of community service. AmeriCorps*VISTA Volunteers help meet the nation's critical needs by working in disadvantaged communities to create sustainable solutions to local problems. More than 30 VISTAs work with nonprofit agencies in the Seattle/King County area to provide employment, housing, and other kinds of support to low-income families, helping make this a stronger, more just community for all our citizens. Your VISTA year can provide you with tremendous experience in project development and coordination, contacts in the not-for-profit arena, and a greater level of responsibility than you might ever get with an entry level position.
To learn more about VISTA and other opportunities, contact The Corporation for National Service at (310) 235-7088, or the national recruiting line at 1-800-942-2677; TDD 1-800-833-3722; or Go to www.cns.gov

In response to the growing problem of the digital divide, community members from all walks of life-including residents and owners of affordable housing developments, private and public organizations, and small and large businesses-combined efforts and formed the Washington State Neighborhood Networks Consortium (WANNC) in the spring of 1997. NNC's mission is to dismantle barriers to technology by promoting Computer Learning Centers in affordable housing developments for low-income, elderly, and disabled residents. To date, WANNC has helped start and maintain over 50 Computer Learning Centers in affordable housing developments, which together house over 2500 residents of WA State. NNC services include: access to a Hardware and Software Clearinghouse, a Resource Guide, a center-to-center E-mail list, notification of local workshops and quarterly training seminars for staff and volunteers. Additionally, WANNC offers its services as a fiscal agent, overseeing grant compliance and in grant writing to all centers.

POSITION TITLE #1: Fund Developer/Strategic Planner

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain relationships with NNC computer learning centers
• Maintain records of all centers and relevant research
• Manage the board mail list
• Provide regular reports and attend meetings
• Research funding opportunities, and develop financial model for NNC operations
• Create plan for hiring an executive director, including the development of financial resources, health care coverage, etc.
• Identify and contact key partnership possibilities

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  POSITION/TITLE #2: Program Coordinator

  POSITION DESCRIPTION:

  
  Work with the NNC board, members, and partners to coordinate NNC and other related programs. One of the main projects will be over seeing the compliance of this year's Technology Matching Fund, Connecting Seattle, focusing on Internet and E-mail accessibility and literacy. Work with the involved centers and community partners to organize classes, and plan for sustainability. Other projects may include quarterly training seminars for staff and volunteers, creation and distribution of newsletter, management of center-to-center mail list, and/or social/networking sessions for centers.

  RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Mobilize volunteers to support NNC programs and projects
  • Coordinate all Connecting Seattle activities including the submission of reports and invoices
  • Recruit teachers and mentors for computer learning centers
  • Maintain the NNC website with current resources, schedules, and information
  • Inform board, members, and volunteers of community forums, resources, and relevant activities
  • Manage and Promote the Center-to-Center Mail list
  • Solicit resources for projects as needed

  QUALIFICATIONS/DESIRED SKILLS:

  • Must be 18 years or older and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • An interest in and commitment to providing service to the community
  • Willingness to assume leadership positions and take initiative
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Willingness and ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
  • Strong oral and written communications for within and outside organization
  • Excellent follow through and reporting
  • Confident and proficient in the basic use of computers and the Internet, with a willingness to learn more as needed - required skills: word processing, spreadsheet, email and web browsing
  • Other desirable computer skills include database familiarity, web authoring, MS Office, and/or management of mail lists.
  • Other desirable skills include previous experience in fund raising, advertising, volunteer coordination, grant writing, creative resource acquisition, strategic planning, and/or public relations.

    HOURS OF WORK:

    AmeriCorps*VISTA Volunteers make a commitment to serve full-time (40 hours/week) for one year. This position begins on October ?, 2000. The hours will generally be 9am to 5pm M-F, but are flexible especially because the VISTA will frequently be expected to work a number of evening and/or weekend hours.

    COMPENSATION:

    In exchange for a full year of service, AmeriCorps*VISTA Volunteers receive a modest living allowance, averaging $730/month, and an education award of $4,725 (or cash award of $1200). You can also usually defer your student loans during your year of service. Vacation leave, sick leave and health care are provided, as is childcare assistance to those who are eligible. Persons who are currently receiving public assistance or disability benefits can serve as VISTA Volunteers and continue to receive those benefits in addition to VISTA compensation.

    MORE INFORMATION:

    Contact Melissa Guest at (425) 653-7353 (anytime between 8am - 11pm PST) or email melissa@groupworks.org

    TO APPLY:

    Send a Letter of Application with the following information:
    • A paragraph or two introducing yourself.
    • Your reasons for wanting to be a NNC VISTA.
    • What specific skills or qualities you will bring to the project, and
    • Any special needs you might have (schedule or otherwise).

    Submit the letter by email, if possible, to melissa@groupworks.org Attach a resume if convenient. If email is not possible, please call (425) 653-7353 for fax instructions or send by snail-mail to:

    NNC VISTA Search
    c/o Melissa Guest
    5485 Highland Dr.
    Bellevue, WA 98006

    THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST!