What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engagement Specialist (AmeriCorps VISTA) position at Read Muskegon?
Make a National Impact with AmeriCorps VISTA! Join a national movement to fight poverty and strengthen communities! United Way of the Lakeshore and Read Muskegon are proud to partner with AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) to create meaningful change for families. Serve as a VISTA Member in the role of Engagement Specialist at Read Muskegon to help drive solutions that empower families and build stronger communities.
As a VISTA, you will serve as a national service volunteer for a one-year term, focusing on capacity-building projects that make a lasting impact. While this is not a traditional job, VISTA members receive a living allowance and excellent benefits while serving alongside passionate teams.
Position Overview
The mission of Read Muskegon is to strengthen communities through improved literacy. As the Engagement Specialist at Read Muskegon, you will:
Develop and implement an outreach strategy to increase participation in Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs, diversify and expand the volunteer tutor pool, and boost family engagement in Great Start-funded programs, particularly among low-income families. By strengthening referral pipelines, streamlining processes, and enhancing community relationships, the volunteer will drive enrollment, improve volunteer activation, and reduce barriers for learners and families to access programs and services.
Responsibilities may include:
- Develop and deliver outreach materials
- Organize and participate in events such as job fairs, community festivals, and
informational sessions to promote programs.
- Analyze and strengthen referral pipelines with new and existing partners
- Handle volunteer inquiries, connect prospective volunteers to appropriate
program staff, and guide them through the onboarding process.
- Streamline learner intake and engagement
- Create systems to collect feedback from volunteers, learners, and families about
their experiences.
- Develop targeted strategies to increase enrollment of adult learners in ABE
programs and low-income families in Great Start-funded programs.
- Focus on diversifying the volunteer tutor pool through tailored recruitment efforts,
including outreach to underrepresented groups.
Skills
- Strong administrative skills with attention to detail and organizational abilities.
- Experience in recruiting volunteers and managing volunteer programs.
- Proficiency in supervising teams and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Knowledge of market trends related to community engagement and program development.
- Ability to collect and analyze data for informed decision-making.
- Familiarity with literacy and reading principles is a plus.
- Excellent project management skills, capable of juggling multiple tasks efficiently.
- Proficient in social media management for effective outreach and engagement.
Benefits of Serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA:
-Living Allowance: Receive a modest bi-weekly stipend to cover basic living
expenses. (Annual amount: $22,800)
-End of Service Award: Choose between a Segal Education Award (to cover
education costs) or a cash stipend. Members aged 55 can transfer the
education award to an eligible family member.
-Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE): Gain a hiring advantage for federal
employment opportunities.
-Professional Development: Participate in in-person and virtual training to
advance your skills.
-Child Care Assistance: Eligible members may receive financial support for
children under the age of 13.
-Healthcare Benefit: Choose between reimbursement for existing healthcare or
enrollment in an AmeriCorps healthcare plan (includes dental and vision).
-Additional Benefits: Learn more at americorps.gov/vistabenefits.
Make a Difference, Build Your Future
Serving as a VISTA means more than just volunteering—it’s about empowering
communities, gaining valuable skills, and building pathways for your future career.
Apply today to join Read Muskegon and United Way of the Lakeshore in
transforming lives and creating opportunities for families to thrive!
Join us in making a difference within our community by applying your skills as an Engagement Specialist!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to $22,800.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Evenings as needed
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Muskegon, MI 49444
Salary : $22,800