Manager of Outreach

Get Smart Schools

Get Smart Schools (GSS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to driving the development of schools that raise the academic achievement of a diverse group of students in Colorado’s urban communities.

To meet this goal, Get Smart Schools prepares and supports talented leaders to open and manage high performing autonomous schools and works to create conditions for these schools to thrive.

To support its leadership initiatives, Get Smart Schools is seeking a Manager of Outreach, through the AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer program.

Responsibilities: Manager of Outreach

Working closely with the Senior Advisor for Leadership Initiatives and the Program Associate, the Manager of Outreach will be responsible for securing necessary funds to continue the sustainability of the organization and managing early engagement and alumni engagement programs.

• Early Engagement Program: GSS is in the process of creating an early engagement program for educational entrepreneurs who show strong leadership skills, and great potential as school leaders, but who do not yet have the professional experience necessary to succeed in our rigorous program. Duties will include helping with recruitment, implementing the new program, and participating in the improvement of the program.
• Fundraising Support: GSS is currently supported primarily by a small group of local foundations. GSS is interested in expanding this pool of funders to include more national and local foundations and in launching an individual donor program. Duties will include researching new fundraising opportunities, grant-writing, and organizing donor events.
• Alumni Support: Upon completion of the fellowship program, GSS continues to offer program support and development, workshops, and social engagements for our alumni. The Manger of Outreach will look for avenues to promote and improve our alumni support and involvement.

Qualifications:

· Bachelors or Masters degree

· Passion for education reform initiatives

· High level of organization

· Strong written and oral communication skills

· Experience in fundraising or grant-writing a plus

Benefits of AmeriCorps VISTA Service:

As a VISTA, you’ll gain:

· Memorable experiences

· Highly developed skills

· New friends

· A sense of belonging to a community

· Feeling of waking up every morning to help the world

· A new challenge

Recent graduates gain the kind of real-world experience they can’t find in a typical entry-level job. Experienced adults apply their skills and knowledge to serious social problems and discover previously untapped strengths.

In return for a year of full-time service, you’ll also receive other benefits as well:

· A Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or post-service stipend

· Modest living allowance

· Healthcare benefits while in service

· Childcare assistance while in service

· Student loan forbearance or deferment while in service

· One year of noncompetitive status for a federal government job

· Access to the network of VISTA & VISTA alumni (170,000 strong)

*What is AmeriCorps VISTA?

AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years.

What VISTA Members Do

VISTA members commit to serve full-time for a year at a nonprofit organization or local government agency, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, strengthen community groups, and much more. With passion, commitment, and hard work, you’ll create or expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty.

Interested applicants should send a brief cover letter and resume to Adrienne@getsmartschools.org by June 18, 2012. Start date: August 14, 2012.