Outreach and Community Partnership Associate - VISTA

Reports to: Associate Director of SJLI - Houston

Status: Entry Level VISTA One year Full-time Service Opportunity, with the possibility of a second year renewal

Overview: SJLI is dedicated to improving the education, health and well-being of youth and communities of color by empowering them to enact social change through research, training and community mobilization. We privilege the ideas, voice and leadership of our youth and community members. We envision communities where education empowers individuals to use their agency for the purpose of improving each other’s lives. We educate and empower youth and community members to identify and rectify injustice. We build capacity for individuals and communities to advocate for their needs. We train and build leaders, deliver effective programs and provide neighborhoods with resources.

We empower through education, create thriving communities and change systems. Our programs have impact. More than 1,619 high school students have been served through our Urban Scholars Program; we teach 250 Healthy Living lifestyles classes annually; and average a 94% high school graduation rate among our high school seniors. Our 100 Seeds of Change Initiative built 103 community, school, neighborhood and household gardens. We increase food security by distributing thousands of pounds of free fresh produce to families and households in Inglewood. We are also working to end the school to prison pipeline.

The ideal candidate for this position has a passion for social justice, has experience in community outreach, working with diverse communities, communications, media relations, developing and implementing social media campaigns and creating online content. 

Position Summary: This position is a service opportunity in association with the AmeriCorps/VISTA Corporation for National and Community Service at the Social Justice Learning Institute in Houston, Texas. This position is responsible for increasing community awareness and identifying opportunities for partnerships among individuals and organizations in Houston, Texas. This Associate will work under the supervision of the SJLI Regional Director - Houston in conjunction with other SJLI Houston team members to identify strategies that engage parents, school administrators, community representatives, community members, local government agencies and non-profit organizations. This Associate will also assist the SJLI communications team to promote the Houston programs among SJLI general supporters.

Compensation: AmeriCorp/VISTA service members receive an Annual Living Allowance, paid bi-weekly. A healthcare benefit option is available. Service members have the option of an End of Service $1,800 cash award OR $6,185 Education Award toward payment of student loans. For complete list of AmeriCorp/VISTA benefits, please visit: For complete list of AmeriCorp/VISTA benefits, please visit:

https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps-programs/americorps-vista

Responsibilities:

• Explore collaborative and partnership opportunities with community members, public agencies, nonprofit organizations and corporations.
• Assist with communications and community outreach efforts to promote the SJLI Houston programs.
• Develop and implement a Marketing and Communications plan to elevate public awareness of the SJLI Houston programs.
• Produce outreach materials (displays, brochures, flyers, articles) that promote and raise the profile of the SJLI Houston programs.
• Create written and visual content for newsletters, social media, newspaper and online articles, public service announcements, and press releases.
• Develop social media and newsletter content for Houston in coordination with SJLI Communications team.
• Create a editorial calendar 
• Track, measure and report on web and social media analytics
• Assist with community outreach and marketing efforts for special events
• Explore collaborative and partnership opportunities with community members, public agencies, nonprofit organizations and corporations
• Support the SJLI - Houston and SJLI Communications teams as needed

Qualifications:

• Background in Communications, marketing, public education and relevant field.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the Social Justice Learning Institute
• Highly organized, resourceful and self-motivated with exceptional time management and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and to serve as a conduit for information to and from other members
• An entrepreneurial spirit, a creative mind, and a positive attitude
• Exceptional written, visual and oral communication skills a must
• Experience in creating social media campaigns and familiarity with upkeep and maintaining social media posts
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite required
• Experience editing Drupal or WordPress websites; basic knowledge of HTML a plus
• Familiarity with InDesign, Photoshop, Publisher, Canva or other graphics programs preferred

How to Apply: Please apply by using the link on SJLI website at https://sjli.org/get-involved/#join-our-team OR on bamboohr at https://socialjusticelearninginstitute.bamboohr.com/hiring/jobs