AmeriCorps VISTA Events & Communications Coordinator [1]
Mass Poetry—a Boston-based nonprofit that promotes poetry and offers poetry programming across Massachusetts—seeks a self-starter with strong communication skills and a background in event management. This stipended service position will run from approximately August 5, 2020 to August 3, 2021.
Mass Poetry believes that words matter. We support poets and poetry in Massachusetts, help to broaden the audience of poetry readers, bring poetry to readers of all ages, and transform people’s lives through inspiring verse. From hosting the Massachusetts Poetry Festival each year to delivering poets into underserved schools for residencies and workshops, Mass Poetry reaches thousands of people, young and old, with our innovative poetry programs. In addition, Evening of Inspired Leaders, our signature fundraising event, features a dozen all-star speakers and draws 600+ attendees at the Huntington Theatre.
Mass Poetry will soon become an arts-partner-in-residence at the new Narrative Arts Center, founded by Grub Street at 50 Liberty in Boston’s Seaport District. In Spring 2021, Mass Poetry will bring back the Massachusetts Poetry Festival, one of the nation’s largest poetry festivals, which hosts more than 100 poets to give readings, performances, and more. Mass Poetry is proud to be a founding member of the Poetry Coalition–a national network of more than three-dozen poetry organizations–spearheaded by the American Academy of Poets.
Mass Poetry is an equal opportunity employer committed to being an inclusive, multicultural organization. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Support creation of marketing materials, ad placement, program, and invitation for Evening of Inspired Leaders
- Promote and support the return of the Massachusetts Poetry Festival
- Support creation of bi-weekly newsletters, content for website, and social media
- Coordinate a crowd-sourced fundraiser aimed at raising money to support Mass Poetry’s programs
- Support the creation of annual report and year-end and spring appeals
- Support coordination of occasional house parties intended to raise funds and awareness of Mass Poetry’s mission and programs
- Manage the input of new donations into the organization’s database, so that Mass Poetry can better tailor its marketing and communications to its donors
- Oversee management of Little Green Light, Mass Poetry’s donor database
- Work with the executive director to create communications aimed at increasing individual and corporate giving to Mass Poetry
The ideal Events and Communications Coordinator will be:
- Passionate about poetry and recognize poetry’s central place in our culture
- Able to communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
- Experienced working with a team to plan and execute events
- Experienced and/or comfortable with database entry and management
- Willing to work on projects independently and/or with supervision
- A creative problem-solver, who is detail-oriented and able to contribute to several projects simultaneously
- Excited to obtain real-world experience as a key member of a results-driven team
- Able to participate in open communication to build community and foster team goals to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
- Someone who understands the problems facing students in underserved communities and believes in the mission of Mass Poetry
Skills and Experience:
- Possession of a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree
- Experience writing and reading poetry
- Experience organizing and planning events
- Experience designing and laying out of organizational materials such as invitations and postcards
- Experience creating original written content for newsletters, blogs, and/or social media
- Proficiency with Microsoft programs and shared online platforms such as Google Drive and Dropbox
- Experience using Twitter, FaceBook, and Instagram
- Familiarity with Mail Chimp, Microsoft programs, and donor database programs
- Proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite a plus (Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator)
Benefits of Americorps service:
- Position benefits include health coverage, travel allowance, and the option of an end-of-service stipend or education allowance.
- Further details about the benefits of service can be found at http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps-vista [2]
Application Instructions:
1. First, please upload a résumé, cover letter, and 1-page writing sample to the following online portal: https://forms.gle/Af4nK1Xt5x4q1ayo7 [3]. Please note that the application deadline is June 30, 2020. Applications will be reviewed by Mass Poetry prior to this deadline on a rolling basis or until the position is filled.
2. Secondly, apply online to the “Mass Poetry Events and Communications Coordinator” position posted on the AmeriCorps portal: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/publicRequestSearch.do [4]. Complete application must be on file with the AmeriCorps VISTA portal by June 30, 2020. If you have questions about applying to VISTA or questions about performing a year of service, please call 800-942-2677. Please note that the service role was not yet live on the VISTA portal as of 4/29/20 but will be soon. Plan to check back regularly.
About AmeriCorps VISTA: AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing challenges and advance local solutions. Learn more by visiting: https://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps-programs/americorps-vista [5].