Position Title: Community Engagement VISTA Leader

Organization: Great Peninsula Conservancy 

Program: Land Labs 

Service Location: Bremerton, Washington 

Timeline for Service: *Start Date TBD (32 hours per week)  

Teaser:

Are you a returning AmeriCorps or Peace Corps alum ready to grow your leadership and impact? Join Great Peninsula Conservancy as a VISTA Leader and mentor a team of fellows advancing conservation, environmental education, and community engagement across west Puget Sound!

Program Description:

Great Peninsula Conservancy (GPC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust dedicated to protecting the natural habitats, rural landscapes, and open spaces of the Great Peninsula region of west Puget Sound, Washington. GPC’s important work is accomplished through conservation, stewardship, and community engagement.

GPC’s AmeriCorps VISTA program includes a cohort of six VISTA members working on key capacity-building efforts in environmental education (Land Labs), volunteer engagement, and communications. As the VISTA Leader, you will mentor this dynamic team, coordinate recruitment and training efforts, and help GPC deliver high-impact, equity-driven programming in local communities.

Member Duties:

As GPC’s Community Engagement VISTA Leader, you will guide a small cohort of VISTA Fellows who are developing education programs, volunteer stewardship opportunities, and community engagement strategies. You will provide individual and team-based support, facilitate onboarding and goal-setting, and foster professional growth and collaboration across the team. Your service will directly strengthen the infrastructure that supports VISTA members, amplify the impact of their projects, and ensure that GPC continues to be a welcoming, mission-aligned host site for future national service members.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as a mentor and guide to six VISTA Fellows working on education, communications and outreach, and stewardship;
• Support onboarding, orientation, and professional development;
• Facilitate regular check-ins and create opportunities for team-building;
• Assist VISTAs in goal-setting, work plan execution, and impact documentation;
• Coordinate recruitment, outreach, and onboarding of future VISTA candidates;
• Serve as a liaison between members, supervisors, and the AmeriCorps program office;
• Promote a strong, inclusive team culture aligned with GPC’s values;
• Represent the VISTA program at public events, service days, and networking opportunities; and
• Increase the organizational capacity of Great Peninsula Conservancy.

Qualifications: 

• Required: Completed one full term of service with AmeriCorps (VISTA, State/National, or NCCC) or the Peace Corps;
• Passion for environmental conservation, education, and community engagement;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Experience in leadership, team coordination, mentorship, or facilitation;
• Strong organizational skills and self-direction;
• Preferred: Experience in nonprofit, education, volunteer management, and
• Preferred: Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.

AmeriCorps VISTA Leadership Eligibility: 

VISTA Leaders must have completed a full-time service term with AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps prior to beginning their role. You will participate in a virtual Leader Orientation and be invited to monthly Leader Webinar Series events throughout your term to support your growth as a facilitator, recruiter, and mentor.

Compensation:

In return for their service, AmeriCorps VISTA Leaders receive a modest bi-weekly living allowance of $1,049.58 (effective September 8th, 2024),  health benefits during their service, and have the option of receiving an AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395.00 (current through September 30th, 2024) or a post-service stipend of $3,000  after completing their service. A relocation travel and settling-in allowance may also apply if the member is relocating for service. In addition to AmeriCorps’ standard benefits, GPC provides VISTA members with a housing stipend of $4,000, reimbursement of work-related outdoor gear purchases up to $250, reimbursement of professional development and training opportunities up to $300, and coverage of costs for the member to obtain Wilderness First Aid certification.