Communications Coordinator - Part Time Americorps

Communications Coordinator

This is an AmeriCorps position. While most service will be done virtually, occasional attendance to local programs meetings will require in person attendance. For more information about our locations in Vermont, please visit our website: Our Locations | The DREAM Program.

Job Overview

The Communications Coordinator will develop and execute a communication plan, and will build storylines with the goal of attracting more volunteers, partners, members and other stakeholders, and showcasing member and volunteer service work.

The DREAM Program is committed to dismantling systems of oppression that affect our youth and families. This organizational commitment means that members should join this space with an intention of learning, unlearning, and diving into ways that your involvement will directly contribute to DREAM’s mission of reducing the Opportunity Gap while also supporting the dismantling of other systemic inequities. We seek members who contribute to The DREAM Program’s diverse community, as having different perspectives, identities, and skills are what allow us to excel in our service. DREAM seeks members who are ready to engage in and foster an inclusive environment, and who strive to deliver culturally appropriate and relevant programming to the youth we serve. Incoming members and staff should understand that we serve marginalized communities, which means that it is imperative that diversity, equity, and inclusivity are infused into every aspect of our work as an organization.

Responsibilities: 

• Support the implementation of annual communications plans that cover both traditional and new media.

• Build a variety of content that follows stories and themes throughout the year for the organization’s social media channels and blog posting calendars.

• Connect with mentees and their families to capture and share their stories and experiences with DREAM and DREAM’s stakeholders

• Gather content from on-site leaders and AmeriCorps members.

• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure consistent and effective communication strategies and a strong “DREAM voice.”

• Foster a sense of belonging and engagement among former mentors and mentees (ie, DREAM “alumni”) by establishing regular touchpoints.

Required Qualifications: 

• Experience creating marketing and media materials for specific audiences.

• Commitment to serve as a role model for youth.

• A passion for supporting the ongoing work around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

• Experience working or living in a diverse and inclusive environment with elevated, demonstrated awareness of issues of social equity and social and racial justice.

• Demonstrated practice or education serving diverse communities or populations of people of color in an equitable manner and a manner that is respectful and aware of the community's experience.

• Demonstrated ability to manage time and set priorities while giving consideration to those serving, your fellow team members, the organization, and the self.

• Access to resources necessary to support your telework/service experience (electrical power outlet to keep devices charged, reliable wifi connection that can connect with our cloud-based software).

• Ability to regularly meet in person with your team or your service assignment in their assigned location (including responsibility for transportation to and from).

• Access to a reliable phone.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with Canva.

• Experience working with youth.

• Previous experience in leadership positions with peers.

DREAM AmeriCorps Benefits: 

• A living stipend is provided to you in biweekly payments. The stipend amount is dependent upon your weekly hours commitment, which can be either part time or full time. 

  • This is a part time commitment with weekly hours options ranging from 7-20 hours.
  • A weekly commitment of 7-14 hours pays a living stipend of $250 biweekly
  • A weekly commitment of 15-20 hours pays a living stipend of $425 biweekly.

• Upon the completion of the service term, AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive the Segal Education Award, which can be used to pay education expenses or repay qualified student loans.

• AmeriCorps members may be eligible for:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (food stamps)
  • Child care assistance
  • Medicaid
  • Student loan deferment (forbearance)
  • Other publicly-funded benefits, such as heating and utility assistance.

• As an AmeriCorps member at DREAM, you will have the additional support of a DREAM AmeriCorps Director to help you navigate your service term and apply for publicly funded programs.

• DREAM is invested in your professional and personal development and supports a variety of professional development opportunities throughout the service term.

DREAM AmeriCorps Requirements: 

• Commitment to the full service term as identified in your offer.

• Commitment to the mission of AmeriCorps and DREAM.

• Desire to enhance existing skills and develop new skills necessary for service.

• Must be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.A. due to AmeriCorps requirements.

• Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service OR be an out-of-school youth 16 years of age at the commencement of service participating in a program

• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent OR not have dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant (and must agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award) OR obtain a waiver from the Corporation OR be enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis

• Members must agree to the following Criminal History Checks to be performed in order to serve as an AmeriCorps Member: NSOPW (Public Sex Offender) Check, Statewide Criminal Repository Checks (for State of Service and State of Residence), and FBI fingerprint-based  Criminal History Check. The member is aware that their identity must be verified with a government-issued photo ID. The results of these checks will be kept confidential, but could affect eligibility to serve in AmeriCorps.

Work environment:  This position operates in multiple spaces. The spaces included may have characteristics similar to a professional office environment, an indoor/outdoor environment with active children and students, at our rustic Camp DREAM, and within the program sites we serve. This role routinely uses computers and various softwares regularly, as well as standard office/school equipment (such as phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and printers) as well as equipment characteristic of an outdoor and indoor youth camp (pop-up shade canopies/tents, hand tools, activity supplies, food preparation equipment, storage spaces and sports equipment/toys).

Physical demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee/member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: 

• This position requires comfort working in outdoor environments, regardless of the weather.  This position can be very active and frequently requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to communicate with individuals who talk and hear.

• The employee/member may occasionally lift and/or move items over 50 pounds.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee/member is regularly required to observe and comprehend using vision abilities that include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Travel:  Travel may include regular local travel and less-common interregional travel (visiting other DREAM geographies and for retreats and special events) during the work hours described. Out-of-the-area and overnight travel will be occasionally expected.

AAP/EEO Statement:  The DREAM Program is an equal opportunity employer and an incorporated 501(c)3 charitable organization. The DREAM Program prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At will employment:  The DREAM Program is an at will employer. Employment with The DREAM Program is voluntary and is subject to termination by you or The DREAM Program at will, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time. The policy of employment-at-will may not be modified by any officer or employee.