Program Coordinator - AmeriCorps VISTA

Overview

The Sikh Coalition, the nation’s largest Sikh civil rights group, seeks an individual interested in social justice, combating discrimination and ultimately strengthening the diversity of the United States. Our community continues to struggle in a post-9-11 climate of Islamaphobia. The Sikh identity is still accompanied with employment discrimination, harassment in schools and vicious attacks. The Coalition works to reshape the U.S. policies, institutions, and perceptions that obstruct Sikhs from becoming an integral thread in America’s fabric.

The Capacity Building position is a unique position. You will work on projects in each of our three program areas: Legal, Advocacy and Education. The position is sponsored by the AmeriCorps VISTA program and overseen by New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS). The selected candidate will be challenged and grow tremendously in their year of service. Our lower Manhattan office will be home to you gaining an understanding of civil and human rights, non-profit leadership skills and the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a true impact. 

Projects & Repsonsibilities
*Build infrastructure to attract and develop pro-bono legal assistance: The VISTA member will work directly with our staff attorneys to create a formal relationship between the Sikh Coalition and other firms. The VISTA will also help to maintain ongoing communications and updates.
*Create a Sikh Coalition institute for training volunteers in community outreach: The VISTA will develop materials and coordinate events for “Training the Trainers” workshops.
*Develop a network and communications infrastructure for grassroots community leaders: The VISTA member will use online social networking tools, like Facebook, to disseminate information and coordinate events between community members and the Sikh Coalition.

Additional Qualifications
*Must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States
*Undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience
*Willingness to commit to a year of full-time national service without outside commitments
*Team-player with the ability to work collaboratively with a small staff
*Experience or career oriented to development, communications, marketing preferred
*Knowledge of the Sikh and/or South Asian community, or a desire to learn about a new minority, immigrant community, a plus
*Exceptional oral and written communications skills
*A “details” person with good organizational skills
*Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook a plus
*HTML, Design, and Final Cut Pro experience a plus

AmeriCorps VISTA

This position is sponsored by the AmeriCorps VISTA program which means the candidate must be approved by both AmeriCorps and the Sikh Coalition. NYDIS has a contract with AmeriCorps for this position and designated the Sikh Coalition as a sub-site. The contract is for one-year and a possibility of extending to a second. VISTA member benefits for 2008 include: $949 monthly living allowance, healthcare benefits, optional life insurance, student loan deferment/forbearance, project-related transportation benefits (monthly NYC transportation pass – MetroCard), childcare subsidies, relocation allowance, and training opportunities. Members completing service qualify for either a $4,725 education award or a $1,200 cash stipend.

TO APPLY, PLEASE COMPLETE THE STEPS BELOW:
1) Submit Online Application: Go to https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/publicRequestSearch.do and search for “Sikh Coalition” under “Program Name”
2) Email Cover Letter and Resume to “Manbeena Kaur” at “Manbeena@sikhcoalition.org”