Resource Development VISTA - 2024-25

Resource Development VISTA

For one year, you can get paid to build sustainable solutions in a community, gain valuable hands on experience and prepare for your future. This full-time AmeriCorps service position offers a great opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of others while building your own knowledge and skillset.

AmeriCorps VISTA members are Volunteers in Service to America who perform indirect service to build capacity and sustainable solutions.

What will you do?

The resource development VISTA member creates, documents and implements a plan for donor engagement, tracking and recognition in order to increase the overall donor experience and donor buy-in to Habitat's mission. Each strategy should be well documented and evaluated to ensure sustainability beyond your service.

• Research, develop and document a resource development and marketing plan, including targeting local individuals, businesses, faith organizations, school groups, civic groups and other community organizations.
• Research, develop and implement systems to track donor contacts and donations and develop a donor recognition plan to recognize donor loyalty and/or milestones.

This position will focus on fundraising aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.

Where will you serve?

• Organization name: Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Indiana
• Nearest metropolitan area: Louisville, KY
• Full-time staff: 2
• Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 1
• Number of homes to be built: 2
• Activities and attractions: Madison, Indiana is a charming town known for its historic architecture, beautiful riverfront, and vibrant culinary scene. Located on the Ohio River, Madison boasts a quaint downtown, winner of the 2024 Great American Main Street Award, and is home to many local coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, antiques, and galleries. Explorers and hikers of all levels will enjoy the many trails and waterfalls at Clifty Falls State Park. Madison is known as Indiana's Music City, and most nights of the week, one can enjoy live music at various venues throughout the town. Multiple yearly festivals bring in large crowds of tourists to enjoy our bustling, growing city!
• Unique projects: The Resource Development VISTA will take the lead in implementing the affiliate's newly created fundraising strategy and will have the space to make changes and improve the methods as they see fit. The VISTA will gain experience in grant writing to local foundations, will help plan our first annual Women's Build fundraising event, and will help us execute A Wicked Affair, our annual Halloween-themed event. They will also have the opportunity to attend the Indiana/Kentucky state affiliate conference with Habitat staff where they can learn about other areas of Habitat operations and meet people from affiliates across the state.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Living allowance of $24,893.96 for one year of service.
• Segal Education Award of $7,395 (lifetime maximum of two full education awards) OR end-of-service cash stipend of approximately $1,800, upon successful completion of service.
• Forbearance for most federally-guaranteed student loans.
• Health care benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
• 10 personal and 10 medical leave days.
• Personal and professional development opportunities.
• Child care benefits, if you qualify.
• Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service.
• Relocation assistance: Mileage and a $750 settling in allowance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve.

Supplemental Benefits

• Low-cost housing ($100 per month)
• State Park pass
• Aquatic Park pass
• Habitat ReStore gift card ($300)

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens or is a person residing in a state that have the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status, or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status. Applicants must be at least 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED.

What are we looking for?

Our ideal candidates:

• Are passionate about serving the community through direct service.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity of opinion, experience, and background.
• Desire to gain hands-on experience in the affordable housing and nonprofit sector.
• Have experience working on a team.
• Possess stellar interpersonal communication skills.
• Are motivated and committed to serve full time and in person.