Hope Pantry and Community Engagement Coordinator

Job description

Seeking a motivated, compassionate individual to help address hunger and other basic needs among students and to enhance programming for sustainable solutions. Come work in beautiful Southern Utah! 

The Community Engagement Center at Southern Utah University contributes to student success, persistence, and graduation by providing diverse service and leadership opportunities that develop active citizens and strengthen communities. As part of this mission, the campus HOPE Pantry (Helping Our People Eat) provides critical basic needs support, as well as promoting leadership, service, and learning opportunities related to food insecurity. At least 49% of SUU students struggle with food insecurity and Iron County has the 4th highest poverty rate of counties in Utah. HOPE Pantry use has increased 809% over the past three years. Supporting students' basic needs, paired with educational programming around budgeting, shopping/cooking on a budget, and effectively utilizing resources supports students in completing their educational training, leaving them better prepared to enter the job market, and equipped with basic financial management skills. 

Position goals/responsibilities:

• Assess pantry client needs. Identify gaps in provided resources. Identify potential sources of funding and in-kind donations. Develop an outreach and partnership plan for in-kind donation sources. Assist in grant writing.
• Enhancing/creating educational programming on budgeting, shopping and cooking on a budget, healthy meals, and related topics. Recruit and train volunteers to assist with educational programming.
• Assist in data collection, analysis, and reporting to enhance programming and ensure students who use the Pantry will persist in their educational endeavors and graduate. Assist in enhancing/developing educational programming.

This position is a full-time, one-year commitment to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. While you will not receive a wage or salary, you will receive a bi-weekly living allowance and other benefits (listed here), including the Segal Education Award at the end of your service.

Benefits as a VISTA Member: 

• Paid Leave
• Childcare Assistance
• Health Coverage or Healthcare allowance, free telehealth services
• Relocation Assistance
• Rent Assistance (if eligible)
• End of Service Education Award ($7,395) or Cash Stipend ($1,800)

Other Benefits:

• Professional development, conferences, retreats
• Option to attend the weekly leadership training offered to Center student leaders; twice-annual retreats; campus trainings and presentations; as well as some conference/retreat opportunities (Active Citizen Retreat, Higher Ed Food Summit, etc.)
• Travel and accommodations for delivering presentations

Eligibility:

• 18 years or older
• Successful completion of criminal background check
• This position is sponsored through AmeriCorps and requires applicant hold one of the following citizenship or legal residency statuses:
  • US citizen or US National
  • Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. Green Card status)
  • Person legally residing within a state (Example: refugee, asylee, temporary protected status, and DACA status.)