AmeriCorps*VISTA Position at RISD | Public Engagement

Applications due June 1st

RISD | Public Engagement seeks candidates for an AmeriCorps*VISTA position that will run from 30 July 2009 to 29 July 2010. This AmeriCorps*VISTA position is sponsored through the Rhode Island Campus Compact and will be placed at Rhode Island School of Design. The VISTA member will work closely with the director of RISD | Public Engagement to advance the strategic goals of the Office.

Specific VISTA Responsibilities:

Communication
• Developing communication about public engagement across the College;
• Communicating with community agencies about RISD | Public Engagement’s existing work;
• Working with the director to communicate public engagement opportunities through existing student and academic services offices;
• Assisting with the development of content for the Office’s web site;
• Coordinating a weekly electronic newsletter for the office;

Community Outreach
• Building our database of community partners;
• Working with potential community partners to assess opportunities for collaboration;
• Meeting with community agencies to determine how RISD can support existing services and establish new long-term partnerships;

Academic Support
• Assisting with the development of our service-learning initiative;
• Coordinating information for faculty about service-learning resources;
• Coordinating meeting of RISD’s faculty forum on service learning;
• Assisting the development of new community-arts/design programs and coordinating existing partnerships;
• Supporting students and academic departments in the development of new, on-going initiatives;

Extracurricular Support
• Assisting the development of our campus sustainability initiative;
• Coordinating events open to students and faculty that promote community involvement;
• Advising students about possible service programs;
• Assisting the director to coordinate service programs;

Qualifications:
• Familiarity with community-based art and design programs;
• Familiarity with a four-year undergraduate institution;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Ability to communicate across difference and with a diverse set of constituents; a commitment to supporting inclusive learning environments and workplaces;
• BA degree

Questions and Application
Please direct questions and inquiries about the position to Peter Hocking, Director of RISD | Public Engagement – phocking@g.risd.edu or 401-413-0275. A formal application can be submitted at: www.compact.org/ricompact/vista/join.php

About AmeriCorps*VISTA

AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is one of several full time national service programs. VISTA members who are interested in developing lasting solutions to the problems of poverty in America serve in nonprofit organizations and agencies to develop and expand services, strengthen programs and empower low-income individuals. For more information about the program, please visit the RI Campus Compact web site.

About RISD | Public Engagement
The Office of Public Engagement works with faculty, students, alumni, and community partners to connect art, design and scholarship with the public good. Reflecting the values of the College, RISD | Public Engagement believes that public participation is a central concern of a college education. Recognition of one's social responsibility and one's ability to affect public issues is intrinsic to understanding one's role in a democratic society and key to addressing the most pressing questions that face us -- locally nationally and internationally. For more information about us, visit our web site.