Summary

The Michiana Area Council of Governments is seeking to fill multiple AmeriCorps member service positions, including one or more members serving with enFocus Inc.

Member Position/Title: AmeriCorps Member - Green Building Associate

Member Immediate Supervisor: Allison D’Ambrosia

Starting Date: Approximately May to August 2024

Days / Hours of Service: Monday – Friday; some evening & weekend assignments.  

Benefits: As a summer AmeriCorps member serving 300 hours, the position includes a living allowance of up to $4,620, an educational award of up to $1,459.26, and loan deferment and interest forbearance on federally-guaranteed student loans. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, professional development opportunities, and exclude retirement contributions.

Service Site – enFocus, Inc. 

Address: 635 S Lafayette Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601

Organization Mission and/or Goals:   enFocus is a 501(c)(3) community-organization founded in 2012, with a mission of empowering talent to build stronger communities through a Fellowship model that places young professionals on impact projects within the region. The Americorp member will serve alongside our Fellows and Project Managers on projects and programs impacting the region. 

In partnership with the City of South Bend and other stakeholders, enFocus endeavors to enhance awareness and proficiency in green building practices within the skilled trades community (including expertise in retrofits like heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems). By building a local pool of tradespeople skilled in these areas, we can facilitate residents' access to incentives for energy-efficient technologies, advancing our climate goals. The appointed individual will be part of a team leading efforts to engage the local workforce and organize stakeholder workshops to drive knowledge exchange and skill development.

Essential duties and responsibilities: 

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. The Member will:

• Contractor Relationship Management:

• Build a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool that organized data for contractor engagement, relationship support, and documenting insights 

• Assist in analyzing interviews and/or surveys responses to understand contractor views on green building practices and any challenges they face.

• Provide reports and suggestions for improvements at least monthly

• Provide Event Support:

• Assist in the planning and organization of a Green Building Development Symposium.

• Participate in brainstorming with a team ideas for speakers, workshops, and activities.

• Help create promotional materials like flyers, posters, and social media posts to advertise the event.

• Coordinate logistics such as venue booking, catering, and audiovisual equipment.

• Coordinate presentations or workshops to deliver during the symposium, focusing on the benefits and importance of green building practices.

• After the event, gather feedback from attendees and stakeholders to evaluate its effectiveness.

• Connecting with Partners:

• Assist in the development of educational materials such as guides, presentations, and online modules for contractor training.

• Create a timeline or action plan detailing the steps needed to implement training programs and initiatives.

• Organize communications to partners to  regularly update them on progress and address any challenges or concerns.

• Evaluate the success of collaborative efforts through surveys, interviews, or other feedback mechanisms and organize data and insights drawn. 

Minimum Training and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Minimum Physical and Mental Abilities:

• Ability to commute to the enFocus office and around the South Bend area

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication:

• Ability to communicate effectively and possess basic conflict resolution skills and experience or willingness to improve public speaking skills

• Ability to adapt as a part of a team and willingness to grow leadership skills

• Effective verbal, writing, and editing skills

• Strong research skills

• Ability to perform effectively and independently

• Responsible, organized and provides attention to detail

• Knowledge of computer and software programs, i.e. Word, Excel, Google Doc., etc.

• Ability to operate successfully alone and within groups

Environmental Adaptability:

• Ability to serve effectively in an office environment and in diverse natural settings under a range of weather conditions

Service Hours: 

• 9:00am - 5:00pm (occasional  Mon/Wed 5:00pm - 7:00pm)

• Occasional evenings or weekends for events