Summary

Nourish our Nature Study Area! As our VISTA, you'll write grants & develop fundraising plans to support our wetland restoration. A great opportunity for a technical writer or environmental steward.

Position Description 

The Nature Study Area Development Coordinator VISTA will be an essential member of the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation team. This person will help to implement a sustainable fundraising plan and raise operating funds to support the goal of providing free and accessible educational resources for underserved students and community members at the Nature Study Area. This VISTA will research, write, and report on grants that support the Nature Study Area. Additionally, they will assist in coordinating community and volunteer events focused on the wetland’s rehabilitation and improving public education and environmental health.

Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation is a private nonprofit that was incorporated in 2012 and received its 501(c)(3) determination in 2013. The Parks Foundation protects and enhances our communities' livability through public engagement, education, and the sustainability of our parks, open spaces, and trails. Current programs focus on improving community health and wellness and developing people’s appreciation for the natural and cultural history found in local parks. A special emphasis is placed on increasing access to free programming for low income community members in order to improve education and health outcomes for people living in poverty.

Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our team represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities, and we strive to act with mutual respect, integrity, and care. We seek candidates whose personal and/or professional experiences have prepared them to share in our commitment to fostering connections and inclusion with diverse people both within our office and in the outdoors.

Service Location: Reno, NV

Timeline for Service: March, 2025 - March, 2026

Primary Responsibilities

• Research, write, and report on grants to support the Nature Study Area;
• Expand protocols for initial contact, cultivation, and stewardship of major donors of the Nature Study Area;
• Develop protocols for securing program sponsorships for the Nature Study Area;
• Co-coordinate and spearhead a signature special event that will act as a fundraising and community awareness mechanism for the Nature Study Area;
• Research wetland restoration best practices, biodiversity, and impacts of invasive species on wetland habitat;
• Research ways to make the wetland more accessible to underserved groups, including people with mobility issues, Spanish-speakers, low-income school groups, etc. 
• Assist with service learning events;
• Assist with developing community partnerships to support the Nature Study Area along with the Wetland Restoration Outreach Coordinator VISTA;
• Develop fundraising strategies and materials to support Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation’s programs;
• Assist with tracking grants;
• Assist with Parks Foundation programming and events.

Qualifications

• Ability to pass a background check;
• Passionate commitment to Parks Foundation's mission and vision;
• Bachelor’s degree and/or one year experience in fundraising, grant writing, and/or networking;
• Environmental consciousness;
• Strong communication and writing skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• High degree of initiative and spirit of service;
• Required: Ability to pass a background check;
• Preferred: Reading, writing, and speaking competency in Spanish language;
• Preferred: Coursework or experience in environmental science, with knowledge of wetland habitats.

AmeriCorps VISTA

Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation’s VISTA positions are funded by the Corporations for National and Community Service and will serve within the AmeriCorps VISTA program. AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Each VISTA member makes a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. To learn more about the AmeriCorps programs visit americorps.gov.

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information and military service

Compensation and Benefits

• In return for their service, AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a living allowance of approximately $24,962.35. 
• Upon completion of service, choice of Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of approximately $7,395 or post-service stipend of $1,800. 
• A relocation settling-in allowance of no less than $750 if you are moving more than 50 miles, and travel allowance based on mileage may also apply. 
• Health benefits during service. 
• Child care assistance (if applicable). 
• Qualified student loan deferment or forbearance.
• Non-competitive eligibility for qualified government jobs the first year after completing service. 
• Professional development through monthly training, skills learned in service, and experience in a nonprofit environment.
• Work environment flexibility; ie remote working, work at parks, nature study area;
• 10 days personal/vacation time and 10 days sick leave;
• Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation offers flex time, mileage reimbursement for service-related travel, a casual dress code, and a fun office environment!