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, Habitat ReStore, and virtual/digital systems and platforms aspects of Habitat affiliate operations.

Where will you serve?

• Organization name: New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity
• Nearest metropolitan area: New Orleans, LA
• Full-time staff: 64
• Expected number of AmeriCorps members: 8
• Number of homes to be built: 20
• Activities and attractions: New Orleans is best known for its music, culture, food and of course, Mardi Gras! There are festivals every month of the year to celebrate everything from music to crawfish. We are also very close to places to hike, boat and fish. The history and architecture here are also fascinating to learn about.
• Unique projects: The affiliate believes that increased marketing/outreach and improved website design, will assist us in building the sustainability of the ReStore. -- Upgrading the ReStore website, creating a marketing plan, creating a streamlined volunteer sign in process.

Benefits of AmeriCorps service

• Living allowance of $22,881.85 for one year of service.
• Segal Education Award of $7,395 (lifetime maximum of two full education awards) OR end-of-service cash stipend of approximately $1,800, 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.

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.

Pursuant to current Habitat for Humanity policy, this position requires full vaccination against COVID-19, except to the extent such requirement is prohibited by applicable law.

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.