Deadline for applications is 10/01/2024. This yearlong position will start Nov 4, 2024. For further information contact Crispin Gravatt at crispin@idahosmartgrowth.org. 

Applicants must complete an application on the AmeriCorps VISTA eGrants platform to be considered for this role. Access the eGrants platform through the opportunity listing here.

Program Description:

Idaho Smart Growth is a statewide, independent nonprofit aiming to bring people together to create great places to live. Since 2000, ISG has collaborated with partners throughout the Gem State to preserve and enhance quality of life, offering a range of programs to help make communities more attractive, economically stronger, and safer for everyone. Our headquarters is in downtown Boise, conveniently near some of the best restaurants, entertainment, and access to outdoor recreation in the state. Idaho has remained one of the fastest-growing states in the country, posing unique challenges and opportunities for housing affordability and economic opportunity. ISG promotes the smart growth principles that keep our communities vibrant and our lands healthy. Starting now, we are taking our statewide efforts into a new and exciting chapter to tackle our greatest challenges together.

We are seeking an AmeriCorps VISTA member to spearhead our highest-priority program: the Affordable Housing Moonshot. As an essential member of the team, this person will take a leadership role in our organization’s new chapter, and will be a public-facing position that will engage with public and private decision makers, a diverse array of stakeholders and residents, and represent ISG’s efforts at creating a first-of-its-kind initiative. 

In this position, you will build your professional network, connect with leaders from both government and private sectors, and create a strategic plan that will shape our state’s future. This role offers a great deal of flexibility and support for personal and professional goals, tools for continuing education, and a “human-first” approach to work/life balance.

The ideal candidate will have a strategic mindset, an eye for detail, ability to work with people from all walks of life, and an enthusiasm to develop new skills as we grow this effort together. Experience with survey design, research, focus groups, and/or smart growth housing policy are beneficial, but not required. Support will be provided to develop these skills and more for the right candidate.

Member Duties:

The Affordable Housing Moonshot Coordinator VISTA will strengthen our data-informed decision making strategy and build out Idaho’s comprehensive affordable housing strategy. Through research, community engagement, surveys, and other more, VISTA will build our capacity to engage with high-needs communities to ensure our efforts offer achievable solutions for all. Primary duties will include compiling existing data, identifying regional partners for engagement efforts like focus groups and interviews, designing and implementing surveys and other research instruments, and compiling information into a comprehensive, comprehensible report. VISTA will collaborate with the ISG team to co-lead strategic planning sessions with various communities to draft right-size proposals to integrate into the statewide plan. VISTA will create written reports, graphic representations, presentation slides, and similar formats to present to the ISG Board, strategic planning partners, donor networks, and other groups. 

Program Benefits: Relocation allowance, training, Health Coverage*, Childcare assistance as eligible, Choice of education award or end of service stipend, professional development, living allowance of $513.94/ bi-weekly, Federal noncompetitive eligibility, student loan forbearance and deferment.  

• For details about AmeriCorps healthcare benefits please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare. 

Terms:

18 years old; US citizen, national or legal resident; Successfully complete a criminal background check; Valid Driver’s License Ability to serve 40/hours a week; Car recommended; Uniforms provided; Permits attendance at school during off hours; Ability to telework as necessary due to COVID 19 restrictions