Help Iowa strengthen volunteer engagement statewide—build skills in partnership development, data-driven capacity building, and system-wide volunteer coordination.
As a Volunteer Engagement Capacity Building VISTA, you will help nonprofits, volunteer centers, local governments, and Iowa HHS programs strengthen the systems that make volunteer engagement possible. Your work will support a statewide effort to improve volunteer infrastructure, expand access to high-quality engagement practices, and ensure that all communities especially rural and underserved areas—have the capacity to mobilize volunteers effectively.
You’ll collaborate with Volunteer Iowa, Iowa HHS divisions, community organizations, and volunteer managers across the state to enhance volunteer systems, develop training and outreach tools, expand best‑practice resources, and support Get Connected as a statewide volunteer portal. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting impact on Iowa’s service ecosystem while building skills in research, capacity building, program development, community engagement, and cross‑sector collaboration.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Review and update volunteer listings within the statewide Get Connected system to improve data quality and accessibility.
- Develop clear outreach plans to support nonprofits, volunteer centers, and community partners in strengthening their use of volunteer engagement tools.
- Collaborate with Iowa HHS divisions to identify where volunteers can support community navigation, aging supports, public health efforts, behavioral health initiatives, and other priority service areas.
- Research models of volunteer engagement—including barriers for older adults, youth, rural residents, and other populations—to help improve statewide capacity.
- Analyze statewide volunteer system data and prepare recommendations, briefs, or dashboards that support decision‑making.
- Create or update training resources for volunteer managers, including onboarding guidance, best‑practice templates, and service‑learning or skills‑based volunteering tools.
- Assist with statewide volunteer engagement trainings, Get Connected manager meetings, and volunteer management workshops.
- Support outreach and recognition efforts that highlight strong volunteer engagement and lift up organizations using high‑impact volunteer strategies.
- Develop communications and resource materials for partners and maintain volunteer engagement resources on Volunteer Iowa platforms.
- Provide administrative and project support for systems‑building, training, and research initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to analyze information, develop clear documentation, and create resource materials.
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively with statewide partners.
- Interest in volunteer engagement, community development, public service, data analysis, or nonprofit systems.
- Tech‑savvy, with the ability to learn new platforms for communication, database work, or project tracking.
Timeframe:1 Year Full-Time Position (35–40 hours / 5 days a week)
Education Level: High School Diploma/GED
Age Requirement: Minimum 18 years old
Accepting Applications From: 03/04/2026 to 08/01/2026
Benefits of Serving:
- Professional development and mentorship from Volunteer Iowa and HHS staff.
- Hands‑on experience in volunteer engagement, capacity building, data analysis, and program design.
- Exposure to statewide volunteer coordination strategies and public-sector systems.
- Networking opportunities with state agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and volunteer managers across Iowa.
- A strong record of national service to support your resume and future career advancement.
AmeriCorps VISTA Benefits:
- Living allowance paid biweekly
- End-of-service award (Segal Education Award or cash stipend)
- Relocation assistance if eligible
- Health coverage*
- Childcare assistance if eligible
- Access to national AmeriCorps training and career development resources
*For details about VISTA healthcare benefits, visit: https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com/
Volunteer Agrees To:
- Adhere to guidelines from Volunteer Iowa, Iowa HHS, and AmeriCorps VISTA.
- Maintain a professional and respectful approach when representing the project.
- Devote the time and effort required to fulfill position responsibilities.
- Acknowledge that this is a volunteer AmeriCorps VISTA service position.
