The North Central Massachusetts VISTA will work out of Mount Wachusett Community College beginning June 01, 2007, in Gardner, MA, and is responsible for expanding and enhancing the already thriving Youth Venture Program.

Specific Duties

• SUPPORTING PARTNERS – Supporting partner schools and school Champions in implementing Youth Venture into their core curriculum, electives, and/or after school activities. 
• EXPANSION – Assist the United Way President in spreading the Youth Venture opportunity to additional school districts in North Central Massachusetts. 
• TRAININGS & WORKSHOPS - Organize trainings and workshops for Champions and Allies, in order to prepare them for working with Youth Venture. 
• PROGRAM STRENGTHENING – Develop comprehensive tools and resources to support Youth Venture’s constituents – YV team, Venturers, Partners, Allies and Funders. (5%)
• VENTURE SUPPORT AND RECRUITMENT –Provide some Venturer support including: presenting workshops, facilitating selection panels, reviewing applications, organizing events, sending materials, and assisting in Venture development.
• EVALUATION - Track program progress, effectiveness, and impact and report progress to current and potential funders.

Necessary Skills

The VISTA Member should be a well-organized, creative self-starter who can work well with youth and adults.  Bachelor Degree preferred but not required.  Candidates with MBAs will be given substantial opportunities for program building.  Non-profit or extensive volunteer experience strongly preferred.  

Applicants should be quick learners who can work well independently.  The Member will be given opportunities to research and develop innovative methods is spreading our program and bring Youth Venture to scale in North Central Massachusetts and nationally.  Strong written / oral communication skills are a must.

It is critical that the member deeply believe in and understand the mission of Youth Venture, which is to change the way society looks at youth by providing them the opportunity to create, lead, and launch civic-minded organizations, clubs or businesses.

Compensation

AmeriCorps*VISTA members who successfully complete a term of service are eligible to receive either an AmeriCorps Education Award or up to $4,725 or an end-of-service stipend. Additional benefits include training, a living allowance, limited health care benefits, relocation expenses, student-loan forbearance or deferment, and non-competitive eligibility. You may also be eligible for childcare assistance should you need it.

In addition, we will also provide assistance with housing costs. 

In addition to these benefits, AmeriCorps*VISTA members learn new skills and acquire qualities of leadership that help prepare them for jobs, and gain a sense of satisfaction from making a significant contribution to their community.

Please Contact
If you are interested please send a cover letter and resume to Becky Cyganiewicz at rcyganiewicz@youthventure.org or call 978-840-3221 Ext. 203.