Development and Outreach VISTA Member

Aspire is searching for a Development and Outreach VISTA Member who will help increase the capacity of Aspire by building, improving, and implementing systems to communicate our work, expand our funding, and partner with the community. The Member will do this by determining areas of growth in our external communications, researching new strategies for funding avenues, and enhancing volunteer outreach and appreciation opportunities. The right fit for this position will be a strong writer, highly organized, and detail oriented, with excellent communication skills and the ability to think creatively, serve collaboratively, and serve on multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

What You’ll Do…

The Development and Outreach VISTA Member reports to the Development and Communications Director. Working closely with our small team, you will:

• Identify new communications opportunities and help build strategies and systems to improve communications between Aspire, our donors, funders, partners, media, and local community. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Conduct research on additional ways Aspire can promote our presence in the community and connect with new audiences
  • Add to and maintain a sustainable, adaptable communications calendar to guide comprehensive messaging that is set up to be a template for future years
  • Draft and begin implementing a media outreach plan on how Aspire can create and/or cultivate relationships with media outlets and platforms, foundations, and community organizations to grow and promote Aspire’s role as a thought leader in the community
  • Assist in creating and distributing materials that raise awareness about the mission, current work, and latest stories from Aspire (ex: Annual Report, e-newsletters, social media, print materials)
  • Coordinate with funders and partners for specific communications needs (logos, photos, stories)
• Enhance and expand Aspire’s current funding outreach and cultivation process. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Develop a standard procedure for entering individual donor touchpoints into Aspire’s database so that information can be better tracked, analyzed, and reported
  • Research and synthesize findings on funder/donor prospect research in support of a) Aspire’s expanded focus on STEM, mental health, and parent programming, and b) Aspire’s growth as we serve more students than ever before
  • Help coordinate annual individual fundraising event
  • Create a plan for cultivation and stewardship activities for current/prospective funders and/or donors and coordinate this plan throughout the year
  • Help draft and review select grants to community, foundation, and corporate partners
• Collaborate with Serve Virginia to support volunteerism, service, and civic engagement in Arlington, both at Aspire and at other organizations in the community. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Attend 2+ community events per month with the goal of promoting Aspire in the community and a culture of volunteerism
  • Promote volunteer recognition programs such as the Serve Virginia Honor Roll
  • Develop and implement volunteer appreciation, recognition, and engagement opportunities for Aspire volunteers
  • Formalize pathways and pipelines focused on young people and former students to volunteer at Aspire while gaining valuable learning experience
  • Review Aspire’s current volunteer data tracking process, propose a long-term plan to effectively track volunteers and their interests, and create the internal structure necessary for this plan
  • Interview and identify local volunteers and alumni with inspiring stories
• Comply with all applicable rules, regulations, and agreements of the organization and AmeriCorps.

What Else You Should Know…

• The tentative start date for this position is Monday, October 27th.
• This will be a hybrid position, with 2-3 days in office at the Arlington Mill Community Center in Arlington, VA per week. Work hours are flexible, but will typically be 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Biweekly living allowance of $957.46, pre-tax, plus an additional $3,000 living stipend for expenses such as rent, utilities, etc.
• Benefits include:
  • 80 hours each personal and sick leave.
  • Holidays on the state calendar, typically 116 hours / year.
  • Option of a health benefit plan or a healthcare allowance.
  • Childcare allowance, if applicable.
  • Relocation stipend, if applicable.
  • Paid time to participate in webinars, courses, and trainings related to the scope of this project.
  • Guaranteed interview for Aspire staff positions that open in the future.
  • Small acts of appreciation including meals, outings, and gift cards.
  • Career-related networking and job search skills.
  • Eligible for student loan forbearance or deferment.
• Upon successful completion of their term, members will also receive:
  • One year of non-competitive eligibility for federal employment.
  • Option of either a Segal education award ($7,395) OR a cash stipend (~$1,800).
• Aspire values a positive working environment and culture, highly impactful and values-driven work, and professional and personal development.

Aspire Afterschool Learning is an equal opportunity employer, and we value having team members who reflect the students and families we serve, including from communities most impacted by the educational opportunity gap. Aspire shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and provision of services.

Aspire’s AmeriCorps VISTA position is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service and is contingent upon funding approval.

Who We Are…

Aspire Afterschool Learning (formerly Greenbrier Learning Center) is a non-profit organization based in South Arlington, VA. Aspire provides robust, comprehensive, and high-quality afterschool and summer academic enrichment to historically underserved students in Arlington. Our programs support and connect students, families, schools, and communities while using evidence-based methods to achieve results for upper elementary school students most impacted by the educational opportunity gap. Over 90% of our students improve their reading levels each year with our support.

Aspire values statement:

• Growth: We Aspire to support our students to empower them to reach their goals.

• Connection: We Aspire to bring our community together to create a sense of belonging for our students and their families.

• Equity & Access: We Aspire to provide access to the students and families most impacted by the educational opportunity gap and treat Aspire students and families with dignity, fairness, and respect.

• Excellence: We Aspire to strive for excellence in all that we do.

• Fun & Caring: We Aspire to approach every day with a nurturing spirit of playfulness and warmth.