Posting Description

ReStore Development VISTA

For one year, 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 an 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?

Habitat ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat organizations that accept donations and sell home improvement items to the public at a fraction of the retail price. Proceeds are used to help build strength, stability, self-reliance and shelter in local communities and around the world.

The ReStore development VISTA member researches and implements best practices for standard ReStore operating policies. This could look like marketing the store to community members and donors, developing or enhancing a volunteer program, evaluating the impact of the store within the community or developing ReStore business processes. Each project development is created in a sustainable manner to continue beyond your service.

* Research, develop and implement a ReStore-specific volunteer recruitment, orientation, training and recognition plan that increases the amount of repeat volunteers serving in the ReStore.
* Research, develop and implement marketing and outreach strategies/materials designed to increase visibility of the ReStore in the community and increase purchases and donations.
* Research, develop and implement new or updated ReStore procedures and policies to be in line with standard ReStore operating procedures that have been identified as best practices.

This position will focus on brand management and ReStore aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.

Where will you serve?

* Organization name: HFH MidOhio
* Nearest metropolitan area: Columbus, OH
* Full-time staff: 41
* Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 8
* Number of homes to be built: 19
* Activities and attractions: Come explore the heart of Ohio through serving at Habitat MidOhio as we celebrate 23 years of AmeriCorps service! No matter a person's interest, there is always something to do and see. Columbus boasts of its festivals, art/music scene, craft beers, foodie paradise, sports teams (Blue Jackets, Crew, Clippers, and OSU Buckeyes), metro parks, and much, much more! Join a large concentration of young professionals who call Columbus home! And, for those hiking and climbing enthusiasts, you are less than an hour away from Hocking Hills.
* Unique projects: The ReStore VISTA Member will learn about the Habitat MidOhio ReStore operations and help them grow their reach in the community. The member will work closely with the ReStore management team to research and implement strategies in three main areas: marketing and outreach, recycling and sustainability, and online retail.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

* Living allowance of $22,881.85 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

* Housing stipend paid directly to your landlord ($300 per month)

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.