AmeriCorps
UCM VISTA Policy and Program Development Specialist
AmeriCorps, East Saint Louis, Illinois, United States
UCM VISTA Policy and Program Development Specialist
Join United Congregations of Metro-East (UCM) as an AmeriCorps VISTA Policy and Program Development Specialist! This service opportunity focuses on helping UCM expand the “Can We Breathe” campaign by supporting community-informed environmental education and building internal systems that improve sustainability. The VISTA will conduct community assessments, assist in developing educational materials, and help formalize partnerships to support outreach efforts in St. Clair County. The position includes drafting internal documents and background summaries using publicly available data to support organizational decision-making and education. The VISTA will not participate in any form of advocacy, lobbying, or policy proposal delivery. Instead, they will strengthen UCM’s internal infrastructure and build tools that enable better communication, training, and fundraising capacity across the team. This role is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, systems-minded, and passionate about improving public access to environmental and health information. By the end of the term, the VISTA will leave behind systems and resources that support UCM’s long-term ability to serve low-income communities in a clear and compliant way.
Member Duties
Policy and Program Development:
Conduct community needs assessments and support the development of long-term strategic plans to guide UCM’s environmental health initiatives. Create internal documents that summarize research and community input to inform future programming.
Partnership Building:
Collaborate with local organizations and agencies to strengthen community partnerships. Assist in formalizing joint efforts through written agreements, shared goals, and resource coordination.
Fund Development:
Research and track grant opportunities and other funding sources. Support staff in preparing fundraising plans and organizing outreach strategies to improve financial sustainability.
Program Evaluation & Materials Development:
Create tools to assess the effectiveness of programs and develop training and outreach materials to support consistent program implementation and staff development.
Program Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible
Training
Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
Health Coverage*
Living Allowance
Relocation Allowance
For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/vista/benefits.
Terms
Permits attendance at school during off hours.
Car recommended.
Permits working at another job during off hours.
Service Areas
Community Outreach
Environment
Community and Economic Development
Education
Skills
Law
Computers/Technology
Writing/Editing
Environment
General Skills
Team Work
Youth Development
Communications
Program Type AmeriCorps VISTA
Program Start/End Date 01/12/2026 - 07/26/2026
Work Schedule Full Time
Education level Some college
Age Requirement Minimum: 18
Program Locations Illinois
Languages English
Accepting Applications From 12/16/2025 To 12/20/2026
Contact Darnell Tingle 13 Vieux Carre Dr East Saint Louis IL 62203 618-218-6825 darnelltingle@ucmetroeast.org https://www.ucmetroeast.org/
Listing ID: 126963
Seniority level Internship
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Business Development and Sales
Industries: Government Administration
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Member Duties
Policy and Program Development:
Conduct community needs assessments and support the development of long-term strategic plans to guide UCM’s environmental health initiatives. Create internal documents that summarize research and community input to inform future programming.
Partnership Building:
Collaborate with local organizations and agencies to strengthen community partnerships. Assist in formalizing joint efforts through written agreements, shared goals, and resource coordination.
Fund Development:
Research and track grant opportunities and other funding sources. Support staff in preparing fundraising plans and organizing outreach strategies to improve financial sustainability.
Program Evaluation & Materials Development:
Create tools to assess the effectiveness of programs and develop training and outreach materials to support consistent program implementation and staff development.
Program Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible
Training
Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
Health Coverage*
Living Allowance
Relocation Allowance
For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/vista/benefits.
Terms
Permits attendance at school during off hours.
Car recommended.
Permits working at another job during off hours.
Service Areas
Community Outreach
Environment
Community and Economic Development
Education
Skills
Law
Computers/Technology
Writing/Editing
Environment
General Skills
Team Work
Youth Development
Communications
Program Type AmeriCorps VISTA
Program Start/End Date 01/12/2026 - 07/26/2026
Work Schedule Full Time
Education level Some college
Age Requirement Minimum: 18
Program Locations Illinois
Languages English
Accepting Applications From 12/16/2025 To 12/20/2026
Contact Darnell Tingle 13 Vieux Carre Dr East Saint Louis IL 62203 618-218-6825 darnelltingle@ucmetroeast.org https://www.ucmetroeast.org/
Listing ID: 126963
Seniority level Internship
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Business Development and Sales
Industries: Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr