VISTA Leader Opportunities with
Minnesota Multi-Site VISTA Projects
AmeriCorps VISTA Leaders are a select group of AmeriCorps VISTA members who help recruit, mentor,
coordinate and support teams of members serving with large projects or within a given region.
VISTA Leaders must have successfully completed a term of service as a VISTA (or will have successfully
completed a VISTA term of service prior to beginning as a VISTA Leader) and performed in an exemplary manner,
demonstrating solid leadership before becoming a VISTA Leader. VISTA Leaders get more and richer
opportunities for professional training and development and experiences that can help them achieve future
career goals.
Within Minnesota, VISTA Leaders receive a living allowance between $1,173 and $1,183 per month (based on
cost of living in service area), effective beginning the date of their Leader assignment.
VISTA Leaders can choose between an Education Award of $5,730 (maximum of two per member) or $3,000 in
end-of-service cash stipend.
More information about AmeriCorps VISTA Leaders can be found in Chapter 10 of the VISTA Handbook:
http://www.vistacampus.org/mod/book/view.php?id=2093&chapterid=2143
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PRIORITY CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO CANDIDATES APPLYING BEFORE MAY 1. Each multi-project site
has a slightly different VISTA Leader selection timeline, so contact each coordinator for deadlines and the
application process. Note: If a candidate is currently serving as a national service member they cannot apply
online until they have contacted the National Service Hotline (1.800.942.2677) or CNCS State Office
(612.334.4083) to have their applicant profile “unlocked” so they can apply to other positions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------VISTA Leader Qualifications
MUST HAVE at least one year of VISTA experience (or will have successfully completed a VISTA term of service
prior to beginning as a VISTA Leader)
Strong leadership, creativity, critical thinking & problem-solving skills
Cultural competency
Excellent verbal, written & interpersonal communication skills
Strong computer skills and a high level of comfort using email, internet, social media and new computer
applications
Self-motivated, able to adapt to changing conditions, and achievement-driven
Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and work both independently and as part of a team
Ability to establish professional boundaries and relationships with supervisors and VISTAs and maintain
confidentiality in all aspects of position
Commitment to the mission of the AmeriCorps VISTA program
Training and/or experience in volunteer management, marketing and communications, event planning and/or
facilitation a plus
Desire to change the world also preferred
Location:
Project Size:
Project Coordinator:
Contact:
Position Priorities:
Minnesota Literacy Council
St. Paul, MN
Approximately 32 members in the Twin Cities metro area and other
communities across the state of Minnesota
Ellen Bergstrom
651-251-9151 or [email protected]
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Provide peer support for VISTAs; give encouragement, exercise good
listening skills and help VISTAs problem-solve
Provide technical assistance to VISTAs
Communicate regularly with VISTAs and manage communications
efforts including our “VISTA Living” blog, mnliteracy.org/vista, and
our Facebook page
Plan and facilitate trainings for VISTAs, based on feedback gathered
Generate resources and coordinate social events for VISTAs
Participate in site visits at each VISTA host site
Evaluate, update, refine and streamline processes and materials
Assist with the recruitment of Minnesota Literacy Council VISTAs
Participate on a committee to select future host sites through a
request for proposals process
Participate in regular networking, professional development and
leadership activities through serving on the InterCorps Council of
Minnesota (ICC), working with the Minnesota CNCS office, and
collaborating with Minnesota VISTA Leaders.
Additional Qualifications:
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Able to start service August 2015
Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills
Comfortable with public speaking
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Able to take initiative and bring creative ideas
Experience with literacy programs preferred
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Develop your leadership skills and contribute your creativity
Receive outstanding support from a dedicated supervisor
Collaborate with a very capable and fun team of people to provide
support to a large cohort of outstanding VISTAs
Build your professional network by serving with one of the
preeminent nonprofits in Minnesota, and interacting with our many
partner organizations that serve as VISTA host sites
The Minnesota Literacy Council is the largest VISTA sponsor in the
state and has sponsored VISTAs since 1999
The Minnesota Literacy Council is a great place to serve and learn.
There are plenty of professional development opportunities
available, a friendly staff, comfortable work environment, and there
is often free food in the break room!
Unique Benefits:
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