VISTA Position Available
In Charleston, West Virginia

Preservation Alliance of West Virginia

 Preservation Alliance of West Virginia (PAWV) is seeking a VISTA member for 2007 - 2008 to assist in membership development and outreach to local preservation organizations in communities throughout the state. PAWV is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to historic preservation, cultural heritage development and related advocacy and education.

VISTA members work full-time, and receive a living allowance plus an educational benefit (or cash stipend) at the completion of one year.  For more information on AmeriCorps VISTA program, including additional benefits see

 http://www.americorps.org/for_individuals/ready/programs_vista.asp

 This position will start in fall 2007 and continue for a period of one year. It may be renewable. The job will be based in Charleston, West Virginia, with some travel around the state.

Skills required will include:

  • Good communication skills, oral and written. Ability to speak to and work with groups.
  • Ability to get along with a wide variety of people.
  • Proficiency with common computer programs.
  • Organized, responsible, able to take initiative and be self-directed.
  • Interest in learning, able to take direction.
  • Flexibility, ability to multi-task.
  • Willing to travel throughout the state as needed, own car preferred.

Any of the following would be an asset:

  • Experience with non-profit organizations and/or fundraising campaigns or events.
  • Experience with heritage or preservation organizations.
  • Experience or interest in working with communities and community groups
  • Competence or comfort with learning database software.

Position Responsibilities:

 The VISTA will work closely with the executive director, board of directors, staff and volunteers to accomplish organization goals.

 The VISTA member working with PAWV will focus on capacity-building activities. Specific tasks for organizational capacity will include:

  • Develop and implement membership outreach program to increase organizational and        individual memberships in PAWV.

  • Work with Cultural Heritage Development Program to provide outreach to communities and encourage local organizations in their heritage development projects.

 Tasks to strengthen financial capacity will include:

  • Working with Fundraising committee on development and implementation of fundraising plan to increase donations and pledges for PAWV.

  • Helping to implement at least one new fundraising activity or event for PAWV.

 Strengthening social capital tasks will include:

  • Survey historical organizations across the state to determine services needed.

  • Help develop training and technical assistance opportunities to deliver needed services.

  • Conduct impact assessment surveys for Cultural Heritage Development program.

 For more information email karen@pawv.org