Volunteer Maryland Coordinator at the
Banneker-Douglass Museum
PURPOSE AND SCOPE:
The Volunteer
Maryland Coordinator (VMC) will recruit and manage volunteers to serve
as docents and school group tour guides for approximately 15 visitors
and 2 school groups per week. The VMC will also recruit volunteers for
the public program workshops and recruit volunteers to assist with tour
add-on construction.
This is an 11
month, part-time (20 hours/week) position as a member of the Volunteer
Maryland (VM) AmeriCorps program serving at Banneker-Douglass Museum. Volunteer
Maryland Coordinators (VMCs) are responsible for developing and
implementing a volunteer program as agreed to in the VM site
partnership negotiations that occurred in spring, 2010. The VMC service
year will begin on September 15, 2010 and conclude on August 2, 2011.
BENEFITS:
Part-time VMCs
receive a living stipend of $6,500, an education award of $2,675. Other
benefits include student loan deferment, professional training,
valuable networking opportunities, working with a dedicated team of
AmeriCorps members and staff, and making a real difference in a local
community.
DUTIES:
Develop a written work plan and timeline for implementation.
Develop or revise program materials such as promotional fliers or brochures, and screening, training, and evaluation tools.
Recruit
volunteers for school group and daily tours. Outreach methods may
include: presentations to faith, business, and/or community groups;
staffing information booths at community events; and utilizing the
media.
Screen volunteers as necessary; procedures might include interviews, reference checks, and criminal background checks.
Assist orientation and training for volunteers.
Supervise volunteers; work with site to recognize volunteers such as special events, awards, gifts, etc.
Maintain accurate records of volunteer participation.
Evaluate
progress made in achieving the program’s goals; report on progress in
statistical and narrative reports for Volunteer Maryland.
Develop community partnerships to support the volunteer program.
Perform direct community service each week (up to two hours each week).
Serve as public ambassador for the Service Site, Volunteer Maryland, and AmeriCorps.
Participate in VM and AmeriCorps training, service projects, and other activities.
VMCs may be assigned other volunteer program duties during the course of the service year by the Service Site Supervisor.
SELECTION PROCESS:
To
participate in Volunteer Maryland, applicants must submit a written
application. Staff will review the application, with special emphasis
placed on the writing sample, invite the applicant to interview if
appropriate, conduct two reference checks, and complete a criminal
background investigation.
ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS:
To
serve in AmeriCorps, VMCs must be at least 17 years of age; have a high
school diploma or GED; and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
alien. Documentation of age, education, and citizenship are due on the
first day of the service year.
SKILLS AND ATTITUDES NECESSARY:
Skilled
at taking initiative, problem solving, and working independently, to be
able to develop and implement a volunteer program.
Comfort working with children of all ages a must.
Interest in museums, African American history and culture, and museum programs a plus.
Skilled
at building interpersonal relationships, to work effectively as part of
a team (at the Service Site and with his/her class of VMCs), and to
manage volunteers.
Strong
verbal skills, to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and
community groups. Able to communicate effectively with staff,
volunteers, and community groups.
Skilled at written communication, to develop program materials and reports.
Committed to the concept of national service and to making a difference in his/her community.
Good computer literacy, to be able to produce program materials and track volunteer hours.
Have own, or have access to, transportation to and from VM trainings, events, and Service Site-related activities.
Able to respond to organizational change productively and maintain positive attitude.
ORIENTATION AND TRAINING:
Volunteer
Maryland provides approximately 20 days of training in program
development, volunteer management, marketing, communication, and
leadership skills. Training is held the first two weeks of the service
year, with monthly training days throughout the rest of the year.
Additional training opportunities are also available through AmeriCorps
and the Service Site. The Site Supervisor provides orientation to the
VM Coordinator’s local placement site.
SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION:
The
Site Supervisor provides day-to-day supervision. The Site Supervisor
will evaluate performance in accordance with the agency’s policies. In
addition, VM’s Director provides overall supervision to all VM
Coordinators, and evaluates performance at mid-year and at the end of
the year.
HOURS:
Part-time
VM AmeriCorps members are required to serve approximately 20 hours each
week. At Banneker-Douglass Museum, the office hours will be 9:00 am to
5:00 pm Monday – Friday. The VMC should count on at least one Saturday
a month with possible addition of more Saturday work in busy months
January – March. Volunteer Maryland training days are 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
LOCATION:
The VMC’s office will be located at 84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, MD 21401. VM training locations will vary.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications will be accepted until 21 July 2010. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to:
Genevieve Kaplan
Education and Public Programs Manager
Banneker-Douglass Museum
84 Franklin St.
Annapolis, MD 21401
Fax: 410.974.2553
No phone calls please.