Do you want to make a difference in the life of a child? Join the Afterschool Alliance and NJSACC on our mission to provide low-income children with access to nutritious afterschool and summer meals. In 2010, Congress expanded resources to offer afterschool meals for low income children. Offering meals after school and in the summer are demonstrated factors in students regular participation in enrichment and academic support programs after school and in the summer intersession. Schools, programs and community providers have an opportunity to end hunger among low income children in their communities, but program knowledge, operational barriers and other obstacles have impeded widespread expansion of these meal programs. NJSACC is recruiting two VISTAS: one will be located in Newark and one will be located in Jersey City, NJ.

About AmeriCorps VISTA: AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed to specifically fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years. VISTA Members commit to serve full-time for a year at a community based organization or institution working to fight poverty.

PLEASE NOTE! This position is a one-year, full-time commitment of volunteer service. A modest living allowance is provided by AmeriCorps. This is NOT a permanent position with NJSACC.

• Start Date: February 1, 2015
• Application deadline: 11/28/14

Type: Full-time position. AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a modest living allowance depending on county of residence (generally about $1,000 per month).

Benefits: Health, Child Care, Relocation, Training, End of Service Education Award or End of Service Cash Stipend

ABOUT THIS POSITION

Member Duties: Become knowledgeable about afterschool and summer meal program requirements, identify critical gaps of service and develop plans to increase knowledge of nutrition programs, identify afterschool programs eligible for funding, work with food advocates to engage non-school partners, work with programs, identify and document operational barriers or policy obstacles and develop potential solutions to remove these challenges; research innovative practices and strategies that other cities have used to expand Afterschool and Summer Meals.

Location: NJSACC is recruiting two VISTAs -- one each for Newark and Jersey City. These positions will be based in Newark and Jersey City, NJ. NJSACC's office is located in Westfield, NJ.

Qualifications:

• Must have strong writing, research and analytic skills

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and a willingness to learn and use a variety of online tools

• The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated interest in nutrition

• Ability to work independently and on a team

• Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals and constituencies

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• A Bachelor's degree is required.

How to apply: Qualified applicants should email a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Please feel free to contact Lee McDermott Schaefer with questions at: [email protected].

All AmeriCorps*VISTA applicants must also complete an AmeriCorps application, which includes an online form to be filled out by 2 references. The AmeriCorps posting is available here!