SCOPE
This is a one-year Americorps VISTA appointment for the development, coordination, and support of service and civic engagement initiatives in the Office of Student Life. In this capacity, the VISTA Service Coordinator will work with students, staff, and faculty to enhance service and civic engagement opportunities on campus. As Service Coordinator, s/he will develop mentoring relationships with students, support student initiatives, and find new ways to build capacity within the Service Area of Student Life. The Service Coordinator will co-advise the Student Service Council, a student organization that embodies the St. Edward's University philosophy of service by promoting awareness of social justice issues, encouraging civic engagement and empowering students to take action through service. The VISTA will continue developing and implementing the Hilltop Leaders Service Project with the Student Life Leadership program. The VISTA will collaborate with Residence Life in an effort to create, implement, and promote service programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF POSITION

• Co-advise the Student Service Council, a student organization that embodies the philosophy of service by promoting awareness of social justice issues, encouraging civic engagement and empowering students to take action through service.
• Plan retreats and in-depth monthly meetings for Student Service Council
• Develop mentorship relationships with students
• Develop a professional presentation to represent the Student Life Service Area
• Collaborate with Residence Life to create, implement, and promote service programs
• Plan service initiatives, such as local Spring Break Service Projects
• Collaborate with Student Life staff on programs with leadership, multicultural, service and/or social justice components, as well as campus-wide events and functions
• Attend relevant regional or national service/civic engagement conference with professional development funds provided by the Student Life office

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Knowledge of and commitment to the values of social justice and the mission of St. Edward's University
• Ability to comply with workplace guidelines and attendance requirements
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, face-to-face and in on-line communities
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with and motivate a diverse group of students faculty, staff, and community partners
• Ability to advise and mentor student leaders and supervise student staff
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking skills
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Windows Office
• Successful completion of an employment and/or criminal history background check required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Living allowance paid by the Corporation for National and Community Service Americorps VISTA Program
• End of service education award of $4,725 or cash stipend of $1,200
• Information on how to obtain affordable housing and a $200 housing stipend
• Meal allowance of $1700 in Topper Tender paid in two $850 installments
• Free campus parking pass provided by St. Edward's University
• Office and office equipment, including phone, computer, voicemail, and access to copier and printer provided by St. Edward’s University
• Campus ID with library privileges
• $1,000 in professional development funds provided for a relevant regional or national service/civic engagement conference
• Training and orientation to Austin and the St. Edward's University community
• Extensive training provided by Corporation for National Community Service and Texas Campus Compact
• Ten personal days, 10 workdays on medical leave, one week emergency leave
• Emergency health coverage
• Ability to defer student loan repayment
• Possibility of renewal of position beyond the first year

ABOUT ST. EDWARD’S UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1885 by the Congregation of Holy Cross, St. Edward’s University is a private, Catholic liberal arts institution of more than 5,300 diverse students located in Austin, Texas. It is an exciting time to be part of the St. Edward’s community, as the university pursues an ambitious plan to be recognized as one of the best small universities in the country.

HOW TO APPLY
Qualified applicants interested in applying should contact Caroline Nichols at 637-5646.

St. Edward’s University is an equal employer and hires only U.S. citizens and documented workers.

Posted: 04/22/08
Available: 7/21/08