Position Title: Volunteer Specialist	Host Site: Grow Benzie
Position Type: Full time, 1700 hrs, 38-40 hrs/week	Site Supervisor: Jackie Borozan
Dates of Service: September 9, 2024 – August 15, 2025	Stipend: $26,000

CEDAM’s AmeriCorps Information: CEDAM’s AmeriCorps program connects local and statewide agencies to meet neighbors’ critical needs. Members create community, build capacity and serve neighbors across Michigan. Our AmeriCorps program advances equity for Michiganders in two key ways 1. Cultivating the next generation of leaders in the community economic development field and 2. Supporting economic inclusion for Michiganders.

Organizational Information: Our Mission: We foster projects and initiatives that improve the lives of children, families, and communities in Benzie County. Our Vision: Benzie County communities: where all experience opportunities to learn, create, grow, and prosper. About Us: As a Rural Prosperity Incubator, Grow Benzie provides multiple services for local initiatives and nonprofits such as fiscal sponsorship, bookkeeping, grant writing, volunteer recruitment, and communications support. Rather than compete for finite resources in our rural community, we coordinate collaboration to help amplify impact and reduce program duplication. We have a growing team that is looking to amplify and expand our internal volunteer program, take our communications and social media to the next level, and fully embrace our information management processes. What we Offer: We offer meaningful community engagement and service opportunities, professional development opportunities, a dedicated work space in cozy office space, and a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Role and Responsibilities:

• As a CEDAM AmeriCorps member at Grow Benzie, you will play a vital role in our mission by focusing on three key service areas:

1. Volunteer Management: You will be instrumental in strengthening, coordinating, and managing our volunteer program that is accessible to all and in support of multiple organizations, by:

• Leading and managing the Campus Ambassador and Administrative volunteer teams
• Coordinating with our Campus Manager in support of our Campus Crew volunteer team
• Increasing our network by developing engaging recruitment strategies
• Increasing our internal capacity by managing volunteer onboarding and training, leading volunteer group projects, and helping create volunteer celebration and appreciation events
• Being a driving force in fostering a sense of community among volunteers

1. Systems Development: You will assist in optimizing our internal information and technology platforms, by:

• Learning and using Neon, our CRM system, as well as ClickUp, our project management platform
• Ensuring efficient data management, accurate data entry, running reports, and creating surveys for improved experiences.
• Creating and developing informative materials related to volunteer opportunities and programs

1. Marketing and Outreach: You will be responsible for crafting compelling outreach materials to attract new volunteers and raise awareness of Grow Benzie's initiatives, by:

• Generating and creating social media and print media content
• Learning and utilizing MailChimp, our online and email marketing system
• Exploring and creating innovative online recruitment strategies
• Participating in community events to connect with and recruit potential volunteers
• Assist with Grow Benzie’s administrative office communication as needed, especially when volunteers or the Campus Manager are not able to cover the front desk.

• Participate in CEDAM AmeriCorps monthly meetings, trainings, events, data collection, reporting and additional items as needed.
• Participate in AmeriCorps & Michigan’s AmeriCorps events and trainings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Google Workspace: We fully utilize Gmail, Google Calendar, Docs, Sheets Forms, and other Google Workspace applications and hope candidates are familiar with Google overall.
• People person: Are you passionate about being a changemaker in a rural community? We're seeking someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to learn alongside our team.
• Volunteer Champion: Do you have a heart for service? We'll provide training and support to help you develop your skills in volunteer recruitment, training, and management, but we can’t teach passion!
• Data and Tech Enthusiast: We're looking for someone who enjoys working with data, is tech savvy, and is eager to learn our systems and data needs.
• Content Creator: Do you have a creative spark? Do you have a solid understanding of today’s social media landscape? We want you to create engaging content and hone social media skills.
• Team Player with Strong Communication: We value teamwork and collaboration! If you have excellent communication and customer service skills and enjoy working with others, we want to hear from you, regardless of prior experience in a team environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicants must have HS diploma, GED or working toward the completion of one.
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
• Pass the following National Service Criminal History Checks: State of Michigan background check, State of residency (if not Michigan), FBI Fingerprinting, and State & National Sex Offender Registry.
• Reliable transportation to and from our office location (5885 Frankfort Hwy, Benzonia, MI 49616) as well as to various locations across the County (but please note our Benzie Bus transit system!)

Compensation:

Members will receive a living allowance of $26,000 distributed in even increments, bi-weekly. Members will receive student loan forbearance for qualified loans, health care package, childcare assistance upon eligibility, and continual professional development. Upon successful completion of service an education award in the amount of $7,395 will be issued. Members will serve 1,700 hours for the term = 40 hours/week. CEDAM’s AmeriCorps Program is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made for interview/service as needed. All interested candidates must be available to spend 40 hours in training the week of September 9, 2024.