One of the most critical functions of the Urban Design and Planning Department is to facilitate conversations both internally and externally in a way that brings stakeholders together around a common purpose. The success of this task in large part depends on the narrative that the Department through various verbal and non-verbal platforms can communicate these ideas to decision-makers, stakeholders and the general public. In an increasingly visual world, how we tell these stories, and the tools that we use to do so has a direct correlation to public participation, community buy-in and ultimately the effectiveness of our very work. The Department of Urban Design and Planning needs and AmeriCorps VISTA to support this critical part of our mission; communications

Member Activities:

1. Review, reimagine and revise the Department web presence, design and functionality to improve user experience

a. Identify new or underutilized functionality in the current UG website

b. Update all website content for the Department

c. Rethink how information is provided and how the community is engaged through

the Department website

d. Coordinate various other communications platforms and integrate into the

website such as social media, the existing Department blog and others

2. Support the Citywide Master Plan update and Citywide Historic Preservation Plan

processes

a. Support GIS mapping of existing conditions and aid in the synthesis of the data

to define issues and potential strategic initiatives

b. Develop outreach materials in support of reaching traditionally underserved

and/or under-represented communities through the power of graphic design

c. Design strategies and policies that support the community’s vision of the future

d. Create dynamic and accessible templates that engage stakeholders through the

implementation process in easy to read action plans

3. Support ongoing and ad hoc research, education and outreach initiatives

a. Expand the Department’s mapping capabilities by supporting Staff with various

mapping tasks that help illustrate issues

b. Develop urban design guidelines standards and other supportive materials that

leverages the power of design thinking throughout the Department’s mission

4. Design templates that best communicate and engage elected officials, stakeholders and the general public in the mission and function of the Urban Design and Planning Department a. In coordination with the broader UG design standards, develop a new Urban Design and Planning Department logo, brand and other templates (i.e. applications, staff reports, reviews, urban design guidelines, etc…) b. Support the creation of new and different outreach approaches and their support materials for various projects across the Department c. Amend as needed the Department’s PowerPoint template for future presentations d. Amend as needed the Department’s presentation template for all Board of Zoning Appeals, City Planning Commission, and Board of Commissioners hearings

You describe yourself as:

· Motivated, flexible, and passionate

· Able to think creatively and strategically to solve problems

· Desire to be a changemaker in our community

· Looking for an opportunity where you can gain professional skills and experience

The Unified Government’s AmeriCorps VISTA Program is:

· An ideal stepping stone to a career within local government and nonprofit work

· Supportive by encouraging members to seek out professional development opportunities and will facilitate in-house opportunities

· Cultivating a team full of passionate individuals working to create systemic changes in Wyandotte County.

· An avenue to pay off college debt or future education

Our full-time, 12-month AmeriCorps VISTA positions could be right for you! Passion and general skills are needed, experience is not required; training and resources will be provided. VISTA members receive professional development and experience, but opportunities for future employment are not guaranteed. Multiple positions are available within the Unified Government’s AmeriCorps VISTA Program, and candidates may apply for more than one position.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

· Support The Toolbox with marketing and communications strategies

· Champion data management and collection efforts

· Lead the creation and implementation of systems to further the organization's mission

· Expand outreach and recruitment of all small businesses with special emphasis on refugee, immigrant and BIPOC communities.

· Research and implement a storytelling campaign to showcase the entrepreneurs who have exceled with assistance from The Toolbox

Minimum qualifications:

· Be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. permanent resident

· Willing to submit to and pass a national service background check

· Experience with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

AmeriCorps VISTA Member Compensation:

· A living allowance of $877 (pre-tax) is provided every two weeks.

· Upon completion of the 12-month term, CNCS provides a $6,895 Education Award for college loans or future education expenses. Those without loans or plans for future education can receive a smaller cash stipend of $1,800, in lieu of the Education Award.

AmeriCorps VISTA Member Benefits:

· Monthly $100 housing stipend

· Service-related mileage reimbursement

· 10 vacation days and 10 sick days

· Professional development opportunities

· Relocation or settling-in allowance (if moving 50 miles for service)

· Federal student loan forbearance and deferment

· Healthcare, childcare, and other benefits available

Join the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas AmeriCorps VISTA Program. The Unified Government (UG) is committed to civic innovation, job creation, economic development, and the health of Wyandotte County residents - and our members are contributing in big ways! Our members serve in a variety of Unified Government Department and with community partner agencies.

Deadline: DO NOT DELAY! Apply by May 1st for priority consideration. The anticipated start date is June 6th. All AmeriCorps VISTA service terms are 365 days; thus this opportunity is slated to be 06/06/2024- 06/05/2025.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $1,754.00 per month

Application Question(s):

• I understand this opportunity is not traditional employment but is national service. The living allowance is $877 (pre-tax) paid every two weeks and is not negotiable. Please acknowledge acceptance of this statement below.

Work Location: In person