VISTA AmeriCorps 916 Ink Volunteer Associate (2023-24) 

Location: Sacramento, California 

Program: 916 Ink 

START DATE: AUGUST 14, 2023 - AUGUST 13, 2024

916 Ink is Sacramento’s arts-based creative writing and literacy nonprofit that provides workshops and tutoring to transform Sacramento youth into strong readers, confident communicators, and published authors.  

AmeriCorps engages more than 80,000 Americans in intensive service each year at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country. 916 Ink is proud to partner with AmeriCorps. Click here to learn more about serving a year with AmeriCorps.    

Position Summary 

  • The AmeriCorps 916 Ink Volunteer Wrangler will build and support the 916 Ink volunteer base by executing best practices for volunteer recruitment, training, management, and appreciation.  

Volunteer and Partnership Recruitment and Engagement  

  • Lead efforts to generate and recruit community volunteers to support the Find Your Voice and Read On! programs.  

  • Cultivate and manage a portfolio of community partners that serve as pipelines for 916 Ink volunteers. 

  • Conduct and attend community outreach opportunities, as necessary. 

Volunteer Training and Management 

  • Support volunteers through onboarding and training processes.  

  • Lead volunteer orientations and training sessions in-person and over Zoom.  

  • Provide direct feedback, coaching and guidance to volunteers.  

  • Support the adoption of strategies and best practices for volunteer satisfaction and engagement. 

  • In conjunction with Program Staff, design and implement volunteer appreciation materials and events.  

  • Implement strategies to increase volunteer retention. 

Program Support 

  • Collect and maintain volunteer records (including but not limited to background checks and satisfaction surveys) 

  • Data entry and 916 Ink database management  

  • Participate in monthly staff meetings  

  • Attend required training and professional development sessions  

Qualifications  

  • Minimum of high school diploma or GED Certificate  

  • Must be at least 18 years of age  

  • Hold US Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status  

  • Have not completed more than three (3) prior AmeriCorps or VISTA service terms 

  • Understand that this position is an AmeriCorps service commitment and are dedicated to national and community service 

  • Dedicated to successfully completing a full term of service  

  • Must be able to demonstrate a commitment to 916 Ink’s mission, vision and core values  

  • Demonstrate a high level of comfort with public speaking  

  • Excited about community engagement and outreach 

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills  

  • Pay strong attention to detail and manage competing priorities 

  • Demonstrated ability to use critical thinking skills in order to solve problems 

  • Can quickly learn new technology systems and have a high level of comfort with Zoom Conferencing 

Bonus Points if You: 

  • Are an AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alum 

  • Are an 916 Ink alum or have volunteered with 916 Ink 

  • Have experience volunteering with other community-based or education programs 

  • Have experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and communities 

What We Offer: 

  • AmeriCorps members earn a living allowance totaling $22,500 

  • Eligible AmeriCorps members serving a 1,700 hour term in California can earn a total of $10,000 in education awards after successfully completing their service term (made up of $6,495 for the Segal Education Award and $3,505 for the California Education For All Award). 

  • AmeriCorps members may be eligible for medical coverage at no monthly cost  

  • Childcare assistance is available through AmeriCorps for those who qualify 

  • You may be eligible for student loan forbearance on federal student loans 

  • Ongoing professional development opportunities  

Other Things You Need to Know: 

  • Service Terms: AmeriCorps members serve full-time (approximately 30-35 hours/week) within a 12-month period and must commit to a service term of 1,700+ hours. 

  • Commuting: AmeriCorps members regularly travel to school sites throughout the week and need access to reliable transportation on a daily basis. AmeriCorps members also make occasional trips to the 916 Ink office and service day events. AmeriCorps members must live within commuting distance of the region in which they serve.  

How to Apply 

Please send a resume and a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications to Nikki Cardoza, Director of Resources, at nikki@916ink.org. This position is open until filled.