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VISTA Program Director

Employer: Sewanee: The University of the South
Location: Sewanee, TN

Administrative Jobs: Institutional & Business Affairs, Program Administration, Technology, Analysts & Programming
Employment Type: Full Time
Institution Type: Four-Year Institution

Job Details
Organization

Job Details

Position Overview

Primary Function: The VISTA Program Director is responsible for the management and support of our tri-county rural AmeriCorps VISTA program. The VISTA Program Director is part of a highly collaborative team and will be responsible for VISTA member recruiting and training, host site development, and support, monitoring, and reporting, supervision and support of the VISTA Coordinator and VISTA Leader, as well as general operations ensuring that all programmatic and financial activities comply with the terms and conditions of the program sponsor, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). The VISTA Director will oversee a portfolio of host sites and VISTA members in addition to overall program responsibilities. This position will supervise, directly the VISTA Coordinator and, indirectly, AmeriCorps VISTA members and Leaders. This position works with considerable independence and self-direction. Only general direction and scope of the work to be accomplished are discussed with the supervisor.

Career Band: 1D

Position Description

Typical Duties & Responsibilities:

Supervise, directly the VISTA Coordinator and, indirectly, AmeriCorps VISTA members and Leaders. Duties include: leading regular planning sessions and meetings; providing ongoing coaching and support; completing formal performance evaluations; and regularly communicating with designated members and leaders.

Support 16 member VISTA team and host sites throughout the program year. Duties include: reviewing progress on individual assignment descriptions, providing regular support for members and supervisors, and in-person site visits and cohort meetings. Manage VISTA and VISTA Leader recruitment, selection, and placement process. Duties include: creation and distribution of communication and outreach materials; evaluating candidates; coordinating the assignment process; communicating with key stakeholders; and ensuring all necessary onboarding paperwork and processes are completed.

With VISTA Coordinator, co-lead VISTA member development programming. Duties include: Collaborating with program staff and VISTA Leader on content and delivery for member orientation, ongoing professional development corps building activities, and days of service.

Support program evaluation processes:

Duties include: developing a comprehensive data collection system for VISTAs and host sites, co-author required sponsor reports, and utilizing data for program continuous improvement.

Support program communications:

Duties include: managing stakeholder contacts lists, member listservs, and other related mechanisms; creating content for communications about VISTA activities and impact; and assisting in the distribution of approved content via print, electronic, and social media.

Perform related program administrative functions:

Duties include completion of VISTA enrollment paperwork; submission of payroll and service verification; handling of program/grant finances including procurements and reimbursements and document transactions; and ensuring basic programmatic files (e.g. host site MOUAs, contact reports, etc.).

Collaborate with the Office of Civic Engagement on the department’s strategic goals, planning, and implementation.

Collaborate with other university departments on initiatives important to the OCE and the SCP VISTA Project.

Collaborate with South Cumberland Community Fund on SCCF activity implementation.

Other duties as assigned in support of the organization’s mission.

Judgment Required: The performance of the essential duties of this position is dependent upon independent ingenuity and developmental efforts.

Machines & Equipment Used: Computer, printer.

Budgetary Responsibility: Monitors expenditures against budget; prepares budget data for review/approval by supervisor/department head.

Personal Interaction/Communication:

Internal: Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, administrators as well as community-based agencies/groups, and the public.

External: Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with community-based agencies/groups and the public.

Attributes of a Successful Candidate

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related academic program; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience: 5+ years of related experience.

Job-Related Skills:

Knowledge of AmeriCorps and national service program; direct experience with VISTA or a related initiative is strongly preferred.
Experience with rural communities is preferred.
Knowledge of and experience with the software necessary to implement related duties.
Strong initiative with demonstrated ability to independently implement the program, identify and resolve day-to-day program problems.
Ability to plan and implement workshops, meetings, and events that meet specific programmatic goals and service designated target audiences.
Strong organizational and supervisory skills.

Supplemental Information

Confidential Information: Maintain a high level of confidential information.

Working Environment: Office and community.

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 10 pounds.

Any additional requirements specific to this position:

Must be able to wear an approved mask for prolonged periods while performing job duties and responsibilities.

Employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to an approved medical or religious exemption.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of the South is an equal opportunity educational institution that is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus environment.

Organization

Working at Sewanee: The University of the South

Known familiarly as “Sewanee” by its students, faculty, staff and friends, The University of the South offers an unmatched educational experience. The university remains purposefully small and dedicated to building a sense of community. All classes are taught by professors, not graduate teaching assistants, and close faculty-student interaction ensures that each student enjoys a rich and personal educational experience. It is not unusual for students and faculty members to work shoulder to shoulder on research projects and journal articles, to meet for coffee at a local eatery, or to serve together as members of the university orchestra, volunteer fire department, and other civic groups.

The result of such individualized education is clear in the academic success of Sewanee students and alumni. The university has had 26 Rhodes Scholars—a number that puts Sewanee in the top four nationally among American liberal arts colleges—as well as 27 NCAA Postgraduate Fellows, 43 Watson Fellows, and dozens of Fulbright Scholars, and has an acceptance rate to graduate and professional schools that far outpaces its peers. The School of Theology has added to its alumni ranks countless bishops, including three of the last four presiding bishops of the Episcopal Church.

Sewanee offers 36 majors, 32 minors, and 15 special programs, along with pre-medicine, pre-nursing, pre-law, and pre-business. More than 40 percent of students participate in study-abroad programs, and a comprehensive endowed program that provides financial support for summer internships has greatly strengthened career development for undergraduates. See more about Sewanee in the "Sewanee Snapshot" here.

In an era of specialization, Sewanee upholds the broad-based ideals of liberal education as a surer means to success. At the University of the South, the adherence to outstanding liberal arts education and enduring traditions of honor, community, and respect have transformed many generations of students, and have earned the abiding loyalty and support of alumni who are enjoying lives of integrity, leadership, and service.

The University is located atop the Cumberland Plateau between Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sewanee’s physical environment, which includes the 13,000–acre Domain (as the campus and surrounding area is known), provides a remarkable academic and recreational resource, and an unparalleled place in which to study and reflect. It invites students to engage in both a multitude of outdoor activities and careful study of the natural environment.

As the University celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding in 2007–2008, it looked back on a rich history and forward to new opportunities for the next generations. “The essence of Sewanee is consistent from generation to generation,” said Vice Chancellor emeritus Joel Cunningham. “We are a university dedicated to liberal education, to time-honored traditions, and to our commitment to serve our students and this nation. We have been successful in advancing our mission, and I believe we have the resources and the will to ensure that Sewanee’s best years are still to come.”

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