ReStore Development VISTA - 2023-24
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, fundraising, research, monitoring, and/or evaluation, ReStore, virtual / digital systems and platforms aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.
Where will you serve?
- Organization name: Anchorage Habitat for Humanity
- Nearest metropolitan area: Anchorage, AK
- Full-time staff: 6
- Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 3
- Number of homes to be built: 2
- Number of homes to be repaired: 8
- Activities and attractions: Anchorage is home to a variety of outdoor activities, hiking, biking, skiing, etc., as well as lots of local museums, parks, and businesses.
- Unique projects: The AmeriCorps members will be working with our homeowners and volunteers, so they will have the opportunity to do some direct service on our construction site, building new homes and providing repairs, as well as supporting programs in our ReStore, including our Make-It Classroom learning to upcycle and repurpose materials.
Benefits of AmeriCorps service
- Living allowance of $22,881.85 for one year of service.
- Segal Education Award of $6,895, 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
- Low-cost housing ($700 per month) – OR – a 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.
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity, founded in 1976, is a global, Christian-based nonprofit organization that grew out of an intentionally multi-racial community in rural Georgia. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat brings together people of all faiths and people of no faith to build homes, communities and hope. Working alongside each other, we help families and individuals build and improve places to call home and achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Habitat seeks individuals who have a willingness to affirm these principles and values.
Habitat for Humanity International is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified personnel for all our positions in a manner that does not unlawfully discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran/reserve national guard status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
