Volunteer Services Development VISTA

Posting Description

Volunteer Services Development VISTA

For one year, you can get paid to build sustainable solutions in a community, gain valuable hands‑on experience and prepare for your future. This full‑time Ameri Corps service position offers a great opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of others while building your own knowledge and skillset. Ameri Corps VISTA members are Volunteers in Service to America who perform indirect service to build capacity and sustainability solutions.

The Volunteer Services Development VISTA supports Habitat for Humanity Chicago’s mission by strengthening the organization’s volunteer engagement capacity related to construction build days. This role focuses on developing, improving, and documenting systems, tools, and processes that support volunteer team engagement for group build days such as Team Builds, Women Build, Beloved Community Builds, and Youth Builds. The VISTA works collaboratively with Habitat Chicago Volunteer Programs, Corporate, and Construction teams to enhance infrastructure that enables consistent, mission‑driven volunteer experiences.

The position emphasizes planning, communication systems, documentation, evaluation, and sustainability so that Habitat Chicago’s volunteer engagement efforts remain strong beyond the VISTA term.

Organization name: HFH Chicago
Nearest metropolitan area:
Chicago
Full‑time staff: 33
Expected number of Ameri Corps members: 1
Number of homes to be built: 7

Activities and attractions:
Chicago offers an incredible backdrop for a year of service, with world class cultural venues like the Art Institute, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, and Shedd Aquarium enriching the city’s vibrant arts and learning scene. Its beautiful lakefront and numerous beaches provide plenty of space to relax and enjoy the outdoors, while historic landmarks showcase the city’s storied past.

Sports enthusiasts will love the energy of cheering on local teams at iconic venues such as Wrigley Field, the United Center, and Guaranteed Rate Field. Chicago offers endless opportunities to explore, connect, and feel at home.

• Strengthen communication systems, standardize email templates, timelines, and messaging to ensure consistent communication.
• Develop improved tools and standardized materials.
• Draft or refine team build guides, registration packets, confirmation templates, and follow‑up communications.
• Create a comprehensive "Community Group Volunteer Systems Manual" for staff use.

• Annual living allowance range from $24,962 to $40,869 determined by the service location; most locations are on the lower end of this range.
• Segal Education Award of $7,395, upon successful completion of service.
• Forbearance for most federally guaranteed student loans.
• Health care benefits and enrollment in Employee Assistance Plan.
• Ten personal and 10 medical leave days.
• Personal and professional development opportunities.
• Childcare benefits, if you qualify.
• Noncompetitive eligibility status for federal employment for one year after successful completion of service.
• Relocation travel assistance for members relocating more than 50 miles to serve.

• Housing stipend paid directly to your landlord - $700 per month.
• Grocery gift card - $250 per month.

Applicants must hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US National, Lawful Permanent Resident, or be a person residing in a state that has refugee, asylum, or asylee, temporary protected status, or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status. Applicants must be at least 18 or older and have a high school diploma or GED.

• Passionate about developing sustainable solutions for a nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity of opinion, experience, and background.
• Desire to gain hands‑on experience in the affordable housing and nonprofit sector.
• Have experience working on a team.
• Possess stellar interpersonal communication skills.
• Motivated and committed to serve full time and in person.