AmeriCorps Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

About Breakthrough Silicon Valley

Breakthrough Silicon Valley launches talented students who have been historically excluded from higher education on the path to college, and inspires high school and college students to become the next generation of leaders, advocates, and educators. BTSV’s seven-year college access and success program, which supports students from 7th grade to first year of college, has proven to be effective in preparing these students for college: a stunning 99% of BTSV graduates attend college immediately after high school.

BTSV’s tuition-free program provides year-round out-of-school time academic support, counseling, and advocacy for a diverse group of talented students, most of whom come from under-resourced communities and will be the first generation in their family to go to college. Through our students-teaching-students model, BTSV also provides a consummate professional development experience providing talented high school and college students the opportunity to understand the K-12 system and the drivers of educational inequities, and to design and teach classes under the direction of seasoned educators.

Located in San Jose, California, Breakthrough Silicon Valley is an affiliate of The Breakthrough Collaborative, a leading national service organization that acts as the national voice for 25 Breakthrough sites across the country.

The Position

We are looking for a full-time AmeriCorps Member to serve as Breakthrough Silicon Valley’s Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. AmeriCorps Members will serve full-time from September 2nd, 2025 through August 7th, 2026, and will serve alongside and be supported by the BTSV team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate recent college graduate to serve at an organization that is making a difference in the educational trajectory of aspiring first-generation college students.

Learn more about AmeriCorps and national service here!

As the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in fostering meaningful connections between our organization and volunteers. Your expertise in communication, organizational prowess, and strategic thinking will contribute to the success of our mission. Volunteer events take place throughout the year; highlights include Career Exploration Day during BTSV’s signature summer program, resume and interviewing workshops for high school students, and a professional networking event for BTSV graduates. You’ll also collaborate with BTSV’s volunteer tutors who support students at all grade levels.

 Competencies and Responsibilities

 Volunteer and Database Management

• Manage multiple tasks, events, and projects related to volunteer stewardship. 

• Coordinate volunteer schedules, events, and follow-up activities with precision.

• Maintain proficiency in database management and tracking to organize volunteer information and activities.

• Build positive and collaborative relationships with volunteers, team members, and external partners.

• Employ empathy and cultural competence to serve effectively with a diverse range of individuals.

• Unleash creativity to develop new opportunities and initiatives that enhance volunteer engagement.

•  Apply strategic planning skills to identify opportunities for diversifying the volunteer pipeline.

 Recruitment and Marketing Communications

• Contribute to the development of BTSV’s volunteer recruitment and marketing strategy.

•  Effectively articulate the mission and goals of BTSV to attract and retain a diverse pool of volunteers.

•  Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills to engage with stakeholders.

Training and Professional Development

BTSV wants you to learn and grow as much as your students will. At the start of your service, you will receive a comprehensive orientation to your new team, to BTSV, our work, and your role. Throughout the year, you will serve with your supervisor and the AmeriCorps Program Director to pursue training specific to your role and your own goals for professional development.  

Requirements

• Have a commitment to community service and the ability to serve the complete program year: a service term of 1,700 hours from September 2, 2025, to August 7, 2026. 

• Bachelor’s degree or enrolled in college pursuing your degree.

• US citizen, US national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States.

• Access to reliable transportation to our program offices and summer program sites via personal vehicle, public transit, or other means.

• As BTSV is an out-of-school time program, availability for evening and occasional weekend service is a must.

• Spanish or Vietnamese language skills are a plus, but not required.

• “Breakthrough Spirit”: You’re a collaborative team player who is committed to excellence and is open-minded. You demonstrate a growth mindset, think creatively to solve problems, and serve with a sense of humor and humility.

• Commitment to BTSV’s mission and goals as well as a passion for educational equity.

 Compensation

AmeriCorps positions are volunteer roles which carry a living allowance. BTSV’s AmeriCorps members will receive:

• $30,000 living allowance (pre-tax) paid semi-monthly over the 11-month service term.

• Health insurance, if needed.

• Most AmeriCorps members will be eligible for food supplement programs, like SNAP/CalFresh to help cover monthly grocery expenses.

AmeriCorps members who complete their service are eligible for a $10,000 education award via the AmeriCorps Segal Education Award and the California for All Education Award. This award can be used for continuing education or to even repay certain student loans. Many members will also qualify for student loan forbearance. Learn more about AmeriCorps Education Awards here!

Location

BTSV maintains two offices in San Jose:

• Bridges Academy: 1702 McLaughlin Ave, San Jose, CA 95122

• Herbert Hoover Middle School: 1635 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95126

AmeriCorps members are required to serve full-time in person. This is not a remote position.

Application Process

Apply through this site and attach your resume and cover letter as PDFs. Please indicate where you heard about the position in your cover letter. We will review applications on a rolling basis.
*This service opportunity is contingent upon the approval of our AmeriCorps renewal contract (currently processing).

BTSV engages with individuals of all backgrounds and we are committed to embracing diversity within our organization, including developing a team who represents the communities we serve.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, BTSV is committed to providing employment opportunities to all individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.