Development and Institutional Giving - AFS VISTA

PLEASE NOTE: This position is part of the AmeriCorps AFS VISTA program. Click here to learn more about AmeriCorps and how AmeriCorps AFS VISTA service differs from a traditional full-time job. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

Job Title: Development and Institutional Giving - AmeriCorps AFS VISTA

PLEASE NOTE: This position is part of the AmeriCorps VISTA program. Click here to learn more about AmeriCorps and how AmeriCorps VISTA service differs from a traditional full-time job.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Department: Development

Company Description: For over 70 years, the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning (CAL) has provided high-quality arts education programs that empower youth across Northeast Ohio. As an affiliate of the Young Audiences Arts for Learning, CAL partners with schools, libraries, recreation centers, houses of worship, and community organizations to deliver arts-integrated learning experiences in dance, theater, music, visual arts, digital arts, and more. CAL is committed to expanding access to arts education for youth in underserved and high-poverty communities where arts enrichment opportunities may be limited. Through these programs, CAL helps youth develop creativity, critical thinking, academic engagement, and social-emotional skills that support long-term success

Role Description: The Development and Institutional Giving VISTA will strengthen CAL’s fundraising infrastructure by supporting grant development, donor research, donor data systems, and volunteer coordination efforts in collaboration with the Director of Development and leadership team. The position focuses on increasing organizational capacity to identify, pursue, and manage grant opportunities while improving development operations and foundational volunteer engagement systems. The VISTA will research grant opportunities, track deadlines, compile organizational data and supporting materials, and assist with grant readiness and reporting for smaller-scale funding opportunities. They will also support donor prospecting and relationship-building systems by conducting donor research, maintaining accurate contact information, segmenting donor lists, and updating engagement activity in Salesforce. In addition, the VISTA will assist CAL in developing foundational volunteer coordination systems through volunteer outreach, tracking, and engagement efforts. The position will also support small fundraising events and related logistics, helping strengthen CAL’s long-term fundraising, volunteer engagement, and operational capacity. 

Position Hours:

• 40 hours per week from 07/13/2026 - 07/12/2027
• Occasional evening and weekend coverage may be required based on program needs
• Hybrid virtual and on-site work schedule

Key Benefits:

• End-of-Service Award: Upon successful completion, members can choose between a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($1,194.71 to pay for college or student loans) or a cash stipend ($230.00).
• Professional Development: Participants gain valuable nonprofit experience, networking opportunities, and skills in capacity building and project management.

Application Deadline is September 15, 2026.

Core Responsibilities

Grant & Fundraising Support

• Help find and research grant opportunities
• Assist in gathering information and writing materials for grant applications
• Keep track of deadlines and organize grant-related documents
• Support basic grant reporting and follow-up tasks

Donor Research & Systems

• Research potential donors and funding opportunities
• Keep donor information updated in CRM system
• Help organize donor lists for outreach
• Support simple systems to track donor relationships

Volunteer Support

• Assist with building basic volunteer coordination systems
• Help recruit and communicate with volunteers
• Track volunteer participation and information
• Support creating a positive volunteer experience

Events & Operations

• Help plan and organize small fundraising events
• Assist with event logistics and communication
• Support general development and fundraising operations

Data & Organizational Support

• Keep data organized and up to date
• Help improve simple systems for tracking grants and donors
• Support overall growth of fundraising and operations

Team Collaboration & Growth

• Work closely with the Director of Development and CAL team
• Support projects that expand access to arts education
• Learn and contribute across different areas of the organization

What We’re Looking For

Mindset & Motivation

• Strong willingness to learn and grow
• Reliable, organized, and detail-oriented
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic

Interest & Passion

• Interest in arts, education, or community impact
• Desire to support underserved youth

Basic Skills

• Strong writing and communication skills
• Ability to research and organize information
• Comfortable with tools like Word, Excel (Salesforce is a plus, but not required)

Working Style

• Able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Team-oriented and flexible
• Comfortable communicating with different groups (staff, donors, volunteers)

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Must apply and be accepted through AmeriCorps AFS VISTA
• Be 18 years or older (no upper age limit)
• Hold one of the following citizenship or legal residency statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card status), and persons legally residing within a state.
• High school diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred (completed or in progress)
• Background Check Required
• Must have access to transportation
• Previous experience in community outreach, program coordination, or supporting children in poverty through educational initiatives is preferred