AmeriCorps VISTA Community Outreach Member

The St. Louis Area Foodbank's mission is to build stronger communities by empowering people with food and hope. As the region's largest food distribution charity in southern Illinois and eastern Missouri, we are working in 26 counties to create a stronger, healthier bi-state region where no one goes to bed hungry. The Marketing and Community Outreach VISTA works under the direction of the Marketing Manager, with the support of the Philanthropy and Marketing Team, to create strong foundations for an "ambassador program" that will help the organization best meet the needs of people living in the 26 counties we serve. In addition, this program will expand the organization's footprint and involve more people in the Foodbank's hunger-relief efforts throughout the region. The service year is meant to be a rewarding experience where the individual gains transferable skillsets essential to every nonprofit.

This position requires someone who:

• Works well with a team of people
• Works efficiently and independently
• Is flexible new ideas and welcomes feedback
• Has excellent oral and written communication, and presentation skills
• Enjoys crafting stories
• Has excellent interpersonal skills and is comfortable speaking with members of the media, people receiving food assistance, partner agencies, and volunteers
• Is organized and able to manage time effectively
• Can compile various reports
• Has keen attention to detail
• Must have reliable transportation, valid driver's license with proof of insurance & be willing to be reimbursed for travel throughout our service territory
• Has a high level of comfort working with a diverse population of various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds
• Photography/videography experience, a plus
• Ability to communicate in multiple languages, a plus

The Volunteer Assignment Description (VISTA's job description format) is found on page 2.

Main responsibilities include:

1. Recording footage and conducting interviews at a minimum of two mobile food distributions each month, organized by the Foodbank, for use in marketing efforts - to inform people as to where they can receive food/supplies and localize the impact of supporting the Foodbank's mission.
2. Produce a minimum of one blog every other week focused on food distributions for individuals and/or families.
3. Work with media outlets in targeted portions of the St. Louis Area Foodbank's service territory to publicize mobile food distributions in those communities.
4. Review goals and efforts for service area outreach and partnerships.
5. Develop strategy and tactics and implement an ambassador program.
6. Identify potential partners for an ambassador program in a designated number of counties throughout the Foodbank's service territory.
7. Make initial contact with individuals identified as potential partners for an ambassador program and work with the Marketing team to develop necessary partnership materials.
8. Craft media advisories for the Director of Marketing to distribute to targeted media outlets weekly.
9. Identify appropriate community outlets (neighborhood calendars, etc.) and post about upcoming mobile food distributions weekly.
10. Support COVID-19 relief efforts as needed.

The above list is not exhaustive; there will be times where you will be asked to help participate and potentially lead our other projects on an as-needed basis. This can include areas outside of your immediate area of responsibility. These projects can come from the Marketing Manager or other staff.

Other Details: See servethelou.org for more detailed information.

• 35 hours per week as needed; one-year commitment.
• Prior approval of secondary employment from supervisor; VISTA responsibilities must always be the priority.
• Pay: Approximately $13,400/year stipend; end-of-service educational award of approximately $6,000 or a cash stipend of approximately $1,800 is available *All dependent upon service year completion.
• Professional development opportunities related to the position are available.
• Other benefits may include: a relocation allowance for moving for service, childcare assistance, mileage reimbursement for service-related travel and health care options.
• Join a community! In St. Louis, there is a VISTA umbrella with other like-minded individuals living and working in the community. Events take place monthly.

Volunteer Assignment Description - AmeriCorps VISTA Community Outreach Member

Title: AmeriCorps VISTA Community Outreach Member

Sponsoring Organization: St. Louis Area Foodbank

Project Name: St. Louis Area Foodbank

Project Period: March 15, 2021 to March 14, 2022

Current Openings for AmeriCorps VISTA Community Outreach Member Jobs at St. Louis Area Foodbank