American Fork Community Center - VISTA

Job description:

United Way of Utah County is seeking an AmeriCorps VISTA to support the expansion of the United Way Community Center in American Fork, Utah. The center provides educational programs that foster social connections and self-efficacy to empower low-income families. This role focuses on building sustainable community relationships, developing strategic partnerships, and creating innovative strategies to engage and retain families. The VISTA member will also help scale the center’s programs and systems, ensuring long-term sustainability and increased access to vital resources to address poverty.

Job duties:

Promotion of the center:

• Collaborate with the marketing department to create handouts or posters to promote the center
• Approach local businesses and organizations to create or strengthen partnerships
• Participate in community and local school events to cultivate relationships that will be beneficial for promoting the new center
• Boost community engagement through social media to attract more families and improve program retention
• Assist with planning, coordinating, and attending community center events to support outreach efforts

Volunteer engagement and program support:

• Lead and strengthen volunteer engagement by identifying program volunteer needs, posting opportunities on volunteer websites, and community platforms, recruiting volunteers, and maintaining consistent communication and follow-up
• Collaborate with the Community Center Coordinator and staff to recruit, onboard, and support volunteers, ensuring they understand their roles, responsibilities, schedules, and the Community Center’s programs and expectations
• Build and maintain relationships with local universities, colleges, and community organizations to identify, recruit, and support interns and volunteers who can contribute to Community Center programs
• Coordinate volunteer schedules, orientations, and onboarding activities to ensure volunteers are prepared and supported in their roles
• Foster a welcoming and positive volunteer experience by recognizing contributions, addressing questions or concerns, and helping volunteers feel connected to the Community Center’s mission
• Work closely with the Community Center Coordinator to support programs, events, and initiatives, ensuring adequate volunteer support and effective program implementation

Collaborate with the Parent Leadership Council:

• Develop meeting agendas, facilitate PLC meetings, and ensure action items are documented and completed
• Lead and manage Community Cafe events, including scheduling, and outreach, and coordination
• Ensure PLC meetings and community events align with goals and family needs
• Support parent leaders by providing resources, guidance, and opportunities for meaningful participation
• Recruit and onboard new parents to participate in the PLC

Data Management, Grants, and Family Retention:

• Create strategies to increase family and volunteer retention
• Help manage the Capital Grant requirements to keep funding on track
• Make sure all family and program surveys are collected and turned in on time
• Help organize and administer Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) developmental tests for children.
• Double-check all program numbers and data to ensure reports are 100% correct
• Create simple strategies to keep volunteers and families coming back and staying involved

Ideal Candidate:

This job has a high level of on-the-job mentoring and is ideal for anyone who wants to build a career in community outreach, marketing, public health, or nonprofit management.

Candidates with either school or work experience in these backgrounds will be prioritized. We are seeking someone personable, an effective writer, skilled at building connections, and adept at using creative methods to communicate. The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment of learning and growth rather than routine. We will provide structure and goals so that you feel supported, but no two days on the job are exactly alike. The emphasis is on accomplishing the tasks, with opportunities to change your tactics as needed and try new things.

Key Responsibilities:

• Community Building and Engagement – build a community of attendees and families to be served by the expansion project, fostering engagement and support
• Establish partnerships with key organizations to support center activities and programs
• Support the Parent Leadership Council by developing a comprehensive plan for its structure and engagement
• Facilitate the implementation and scaling of programs at the American Fork location to enhance their impact and effectiveness

Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid Utah Driver’s License and access to personal vehicles for use during working hours.
• Ability to Commute to different United Way locations (Required)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with ability to learn new software applications
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Experience in community outreach, education, or nonprofit work is a plus
• Willingness to adapt to new challenges and work in a dynamic, evolving project environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects efficiently.
• Spanish language skills are highly recommended

Time Commitment:

• Full-time AmeriCorps VISTA service (approximately 40 hours per week)
• One-year service term (with option to renew for another year)
• Start date: November 16, 2026

Work Schedule: The typical work schedule will be 10:00am-6:30pm. This is a full-time 40 hrs./week position based at our office in American Fork, UT. However, working hours may vary and may include occasional night or weekend hours, and may require you to drive to other United Way locations.

Benefits Include:

• Monthly Living Allowance: $2,051 per month (30-day month)
• Rental Assistance: $400 per month

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