Can I Change my VISTA Job Description Please?

So I waited for over two months for the Board of Directors to revise my vague job description. When the executive director was laid off, I worried that I would be encumbered with additional responsibilities and tasks because there are no other staff. Instead, I continued working on my projects and actually progressed much faster.

In addition, I revised my job description with hopes that the next VISTA would have better direction than I did. It describes exactly what I did for the ten months I have been placed with Fairview Main Street. I am still waiting for feedback. It will be interesting to hear what they say because I never did receive a traditional evaluation. I also think an evaluation would be beneficial for both the Board and their personnel policies and myself to have a clear understanding of my role and how to accomplish these responsibilities. It would also help me more instead of a simple pat on the pack and telling me how good I am doing.

Lastly, I have advocated for a job title so the VISTA can have value in the organization and outsiders can have a general idea the VISTA's role. I used to be introduced as an assistant to my executive director or as an intern! It was very frustrating because it appeared that I was there to support the staff and Board. The diminishing line between what I was supposed to be doing was burdening me with administrative tasks. Actually, it hindered my performance of working to accomplish my responsibilities and fulfilling my commitment to the organization. It also degraded their commitment to the VISTA program and me, because I was not there for such work when I was supposed to be learning, developing professionally, and aiding the organization.

Revised job description:
Title: VISTA Worker – Community Development Coordinator
Supervisor: President of the Board of Directors
Description: The VISTA worker would participate in the following activities to further the mission and goals of Fairview Main Street:

Assist FMS in increasing the community’s knowledge and awareness of the Main Street program and other community development initiatives as well as the benefits it provides
• Represent FMS at community meetings and participate at public events
• Create quality printed literature to promote FMS and events
• Write and disseminate press releases and letters

Work to increase the membership of each of the four standing committees
• Develop 30 minute volunteer program to streamline recruitment and tasks for committee events
• Coordinate other volunteer organizations for FMS activities and identify new volunteer organizations
• Maintain volunteer ads posted on volunteer websites
• Update and create volunteer job descriptions for committee events
• Distribute volunteer applications at FMS events and public events

Working with the Board of Directors on grant-writing and fund development research to secure additional funds for the program and committees
• Maintain and update fund development folder, donor and grant research databases, and boilerplate documents
• Assist to identify, research, and cultivate potential funders
• Work in collaboration with partnership organizations
• Develop and write funding proposals for projects and for organization support
• Together with Board and Executive Director, develop strategic plans for pursuing funding opportunities

Program development and project management
• Coordinate the local farmer’s market in conjunction with Area Health Education Centers of Camden
• Develop project ideas with Board and Executive Director by creating project objectives, goals, proposals and work plans with tasks, timelines, and budgets, including background research on project areas
• Work with partners and interns to implement projects
Working always beyond the narrow confines of this job description to advance the goals of Fairview Main Street as an organization