Volunteer Iowa VISTA Leader

AmeriCorps; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare assistance if eligible

Education Award or End of Service Stip

Education award upon completion

Health Coverage

Living Allowance

Hybrid Service Site

Relocation Allowance

Training

Job summary

Volunteer Iowa is seeking a dedicated AmeriCorps VISTA Leader to support VISTA members across the state. You will coordinate onboarding, OSOT, mid-year and end-of-service activities, and design monthly trainings and Lunch & Learn sessions.

You will help recruit candidates, build college partnerships, and ensure VADs are compelling. The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and statewide program enhancement in a hybrid service setting.

Qualifications

• Experience coordinating onboarding and trainings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work well with partners and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate onboarding, OSOT, mid-year and end-of-service activities.
• Lead monthly trainings and Lunch & Learn sessions and gather impact stories.
• Support recruitment by engaging candidates and partnerships with colleges and universities.
• Identify new host sites and guide agencies exploring VISTA projects; collaborate with the VISTA Program Officer.

Job description

Volunteer Iowa’s AmeriCorps VISTA project empowers organizations statewide that are working to reduce poverty and expand opportunities for Iowans. As the VISTA Member Services Coordinator (VISTA Leader), you will play a central role in supporting VISTA members, strengthening host site partnerships, and expanding Volunteer Iowa’s capacity to serve communities across the state. In this full-time leadership role, you will guide VISTA members throughout their service year—coordinating onboarding, OSOT, mid-year check-ins, and end-of-service activities. You will design monthly professional development trainings, host engaging Lunch & Learn sessions, collect member impact stories, and help organize statewide Days of Service such as MLK Day, 9/11 Day of Service, and AmeriCorps Week. You will support VISTA recruitment by connecting with prospective candidates, attending outreach events, building relationships with colleges and universities, and ensuring VISTA Assignment Descriptions are accurate and compelling. You will monitor recruitment trends and recommend strategies to strengthen our candidate pipeline. This position works closely with the Volunteer Iowa VISTA Program Officer and contributes to long-term planning, project development, and overall program enhancement. Volunteer Iowa’s VISTA program is one of the longest-running in the state, with members serving in areas such as education, health, mental health, disaster services, and employment. Our team is excited to welcome a new VISTA Leader for the upcoming term. Eligible candidates must have successfully completed one full term as an AmeriCorps VISTA, NCCC, or full-time AmeriCorps member; returning Peace Corps Volunteers are also welcome to apply. Applicants 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.

Member Duties

As the VISTA Member Services Coordinator (VISTA Leader), you’ll support VISTA members statewide and help strengthen Volunteer Iowa’s capacity to serve communities. You’ll coordinate onboarding, OSOT, mid-year, and end-of-service activities; lead monthly trainings and Lunch & Learn sessions; and gather member impact stories. You'll develop and coordinate member engagement resources, communications, and planning support for statewide Days of Service, including MLK Day, 9/11 Day of Service, and AmeriCorps Week. You’ll support recruitment by engaging candidates, conducting outreach with colleges and community partners, and ensuring strong VADs. You’ll also identify new host sites—especially in rural and underserved areas—and guide agencies exploring VISTA projects. Throughout the year, you’ll collaborate closely with the Volunteer Iowa VISTA Program Officer to strengthen the statewide program.

Program Benefits

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

For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com/

Terms

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

Service Areas

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

Skills

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

Program Type: AmeriCorps VISTA Leaders

Program: Volunteer Iowa VISTA Leader

Program Start/End Date: 11/16/2026 - 11/15/2027

Work Schedule: Full Time

Education level: High school diploma/GED

Age Requirement: Minimum: 18 Maximum: None

Program Locations: IOWA

Accepting Applications: From 09/11/2026 To 11/15/2026

Contact: Julie Struck

321 East 12th Street

Des Moines IA 50319

515-349-4715

[e-mail]

volunteeriowa.org