Could you be our next AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator? We're seeking emerging professionals with a passion for community engagement, communications, and education to join our 2015-16 AmeriCorps team. 

Reading Partners is changing the education landscape. We are a leader in working to solve the literacy crisis in our country by leveraging community volunteers in under-resourced schools. Our diverse and expansive volunteer base provides one-on-one tutoring to students twice weekly, and our program is proven to help children master the reading fundamentals they need to unlock their potential as successful, happy and confident readers in school and in life. Our people are our heartbeat and our greatest resource; we are all passionately rallied around our mission to help children become lifelong learners by empowering communities to provide individualized instruction that works. Join our stellar team leading the charge to deepen our impact and expand our service. Learn more about us at www.readingpartners.org.

AmeriCorps is an 11-month service commitment that meets a community's critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. Reading Partners partners with AmeriCorps to provide full-time service opportunities in our programs across the United States, supporting communities' critical needs in education. Reading Partners AmeriCorps members dedicate 1700 hours of volunteer service per term in exchange for leadership and career development, and a living stipend provided by our AmeriCorps grant. AmeriCorps is an exciting opportunity for service-minded individuals who are passionate about education and the nonprofit sector. For more information, please visit www.americorps.gov.

POSITION SUMMARY

The AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator serves as the face and voice of Reading Partners within their respective region for a full 11-month service term. Volunteer Coordinators identify and recruit high-quality, reliable community volunteers to become Reading Partners tutors. This role also is responsible for implementing a community engagement plan, identifying key partnership opportunities, and providing marketing support.

Volunteer Coordinators receive ongoing instruction and coaching from Reading Partners staff and report to and work with a Community Engagement Manager, a staff member with a strong background in community engagement and volunteer recruitment, who provides direct instruction and coaching.

The Reading Partners program operates from approximately 9 am-5 pm, Monday - Friday. AmeriCorps members frequently participate in professional development trainings and team volunteer activities, such as National Days of Service. Some weekend hours may be required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

AmeriCorps Member Commitment

• Commitment to serve 1700 hours over an 11 month term
• Participation in a minimum of three (3) National Days of Service  
• Participation in ongoing trainings, meetings, and professional development with regional Reading Partners team​

Community Relations and Partnership Management

• Manage a portfolio of community partners that serve as pipelines for Reading Partners’ volunteer recruitment efforts
• Cultivate new community partnerships to strengthen Reading Partners’ regional volunteer base
• Organize and host events with community relations and partnerships
• Serve as the regional brand ambassador for Reading Partners’ volunteer opportunities
• Provide marketing support for volunteer recruitment through social media, blogs, and online postings
• Create, maintain, and track volunteer records and reports in the Salesforce database

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention

• Lead Reading Partners’ effort to recruit volunteer tutors for school sites in the region as part of the community engagement team
• Oversee and guide volunteers through the intake/orientation process 
• Schedule volunteers to attend on-site trainings with AmeriCorps Site Coordinators
• Identify and implement effective recruitment strategies and partnership opportunities for possible volunteer tutors and community partners
• Create and execute tutor retention strategies, including but not limited to recognition events, partnership appreciation, and program support  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Dedication to national and community service  
• Commitment to Reading Partners’ mission and vision 
• Experience in volunteering or volunteer management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects at once 
• Experience working with diverse communities 
• Demonstrated success with constituent relations skills (volunteers, teachers, parents)
• Flexibility and adaptability to manage a fluid and ambiguous schedule 
• Access to reliable transportation (public transportation or personal transport) to travel within a defined geographic region 
• Be at least 17 years of age and have a US Citizenship or Permanent Resident status

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong public speaking skills  
• Experience and interest in educational organizations or environments 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred​

COMPENSATION

This position is part of the AmeriCorps service program. As an AmeriCorps member, you will serve your community through Reading Partners and receive a modest living stipend of $14,000 during your term, as well as full health, dental, and vision benefits.

Additionally, at the successful completion of your service term, you are eligible for an education award of approximately $5,730, to be used for college, trade school or other educational expenses, including qualified federal loans. During your service in AmeriCorps, you may also be eligible for forbearance on outstanding federal student loans. AmeriCorps also assists with childcare expenses, if eligible. For more information, please visi twww.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps.

TO APPLY

Our next application deadline is May 15th, 2015. If you feel you are a strong fit for this position, please submit the following HERE:

• A cover letter that:
  • Clearly states why you would be a successful AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator at Reading Partners
  • Includes your responses to the two short essay questions below
  • Includes your answers to the AmeriCorps eligibility questions below (please copy/paste)
• Your resume

ESSAY QUESTIONS

• What does service mean to you? What compelled you to apply for 11 months of service with the Reading Partners AmeriCorps team? (2-3 paragraphs)

• What experiences make you a strong fit for the AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator role? How does this position fit into your career goals? (2-3 paragraphs)

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