Volunteer Iowa VISTA Leader

Volunteer Iowa’s Ameri Corps VISTA project strengthens organizations across the state that are working to reduce poverty and expand opportunity for Iowans. As the VISTA Member Services Coordinator (VISTA Leader), you will support VISTA members, strengthen host site relationships, and help expand Volunteer Iowa’s capacity to serve communities statewide. In this full‑time leadership role, you will guide VISTA members through their service year by coordinating pre‑service onboarding, OSOT, mid‑year, and end‑of‑service activities.

You will plan monthly professional development trainings, organize Lunch & Learn sessions, collect member impact stories, and help coordinate statewide Days of Service such as MLK Day, 9/11 Day of Service, and Ameri Corps Week. You will assist with VISTA recruitment by identifying and engaging candidates, attending outreach events, building relationships with colleges and universities, and ensuring VISTA Assignment Descriptions (VADs) are accurate and high‑quality.

You will track recruitment trends and recommend improvements to strengthen Volunteer Iowa’s candidate pipeline. This position works closely with the Volunteer Iowa VISTA Program Officer and contributes to long‑term planning, project development, and overall program improvement.

Applicants must have successfully completed one full term as an Ameri Corps VISTA, NCCC, or full‑time Ameri Corps member. Returning Peace Corps Volunteers are also eligible. Candidates must live in Iowa or be willing to relocate, with preference for those in the Des Moines or Cedar Rapids/Iowa City areas. The position remains open until filled.

As the VISTA Member Services Coordinator (VISTA Leader), you will support VISTA members across Iowa throughout their service year. You will coordinate pre‑service onboarding, OSOT, mid‑year, and end‑of‑service activities, and plan monthly professional development trainings and Lunch & Learn sessions. You will gather member impact stories and help lead statewide Days of Service such as MLK Day, 9/11 Day of Service, and Ameri Corps Week.

You will assist with candidate recruitment by engaging potential applicants, conducting outreach with colleges and community partners, and ensuring high‑quality VISTA Assignment Descriptions. You will also help identify new host site opportunities—especially in rural and underserved communities—and provide introductory guidance to agencies interested in developing VISTA projects. Throughout the year, you will collaborate closely with the Volunteer Iowa VISTA Program Officer to strengthen the statewide VISTA program.

• Relocation Allowance
• Education award upon successful completion of service
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• Hybrid Service Site
• Health Coverage*
• Training
• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Living Allowance

• Permits attendance at school during off hours
• Permits working at another job during off hours
• Car recommended

• Housing
• Community Outreach
• Hunger
• Health
• Education
• Veterans
• Homelessness

• General Skills
• Leadership
• Team Work
• Writing/Editing
• Communications