ConnecToledo, Downtown Toledo Development Corporation, and Local Initiatives Support Corporation are seeking a full-time AmeriCorps member to serve as a Toledo Design Center Urban Designer. The candidate will ideally begin service on October 1, 2019 and serve a minimum of 1700 hours though the end of his/her/their term on July 31, 2020. The exact start and end date is confirmed by the Member Agreement of Participation. The individual selected to serve is not considered to be an employee of ConnecToledo, Downtown Toledo Development Corporation, or LISC.
ORGANIZATION BACKGROUNDS
The Toledo Design Center, a service affiliate of ConnecToledo & Downtown Toledo Development Corporation, works to be a public advocate for excellence in design and planning on projects throughout the community. Following is a link to the TDC website which outlines the TDC Mission, examples of some of the projects the TDC has been involved with, and the education partners and interns that have interned at the TDC: http://www.toledodesigncenter.org.
The TDC started out in 2001 with a couple of architects that had retired and were concerned about the quality of design in Toledo. They wanted to offer their years of experience to increase awareness of how good design in a community could make a difference in economic development and quality of life. This effort was reinforced after becoming aware of what other design centers were doing and the influence they were having on their communities. The TDC has grown over the years from design advocacy to a 501(c)(3) in 2005, to having interns, taking on projects, and having a board of 30 diverse professionals.
Today, the TDC advocates design and planning excellence in service of Toledo urban communities. We explore, assist, and support opportunities for urban growth and revitalization through resource preservation and adaptive re-use augmented by new architectural and landscape conceptualization. Our work helps create a beautiful and livable community guided by sustainable growth and a high quality of life.
With residents and partners, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) forges resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across America – great places to live, work, visit, do business and raise families. Over the last 38 years, LISC and its affiliates have invested approximately $20 billion in businesses, affordable housing, health, educational mobility, community and recreational facilities, public safety, employment and other projects that help to revitalize and stabilize underinvested communities. These investments have leveraged more than $50 billion in development activity and helped families and communities raise their standards of living. LISC investments impact the lives of nearly 7 million Americans. Headquartered in New York City, LISC’s reach spans the country from the East Coast to the West Coast in 33 markets with offices extending from Buffalo to San Francisco. Our rural programs make an impact in 44 states, and are supported by LISC’s talented and dedicated workforce. Visit us at www.lisc.org
AMERICORPS MEMBER ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The AmeriCorps member will be responsible for contribution to current Neighborhood Master Plans of the Vistula, Monroe Auburn, and Middlegrounds Neighborhoods within Toledo. Activities include:
PERFORMANCE, CAREER DEVELOPMENT, AND SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
This is an AmeriCorps position. LISC and ConnecToledo will not allow the member to engage in activities that are considered prohibited under the terms of the grant while serving as a LISC AmeriCorps member.
Members will be provided with goal(s) at the onset of the service assignment based on the activities and responsibilities noted above. Members will track goal attainment monthly through an on-line system (training provided). Members will also discuss professional performance in the form of a mid-term and final appraisal. Members are required to track time and submit on-line (training provided) timesheets twice per month.
Members will perform day to day service at Toledo Design Center and serve a minimum of 40 hours per week. Normal service hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm with 30 minutes for lunch per day. There will be opportunities to serve evenings and weekends.
Members will have an immediate supervisor and a local LISC supervisor throughout the term of service as identified by LISC and ConnecToledo.
Members are expected to attend and participate in all LISC AmeriCorps-sponsored activities including but not limited to:
DESIRED SKILLS
To be eligible to participate as a LISC AmeriCorps member the candidate must meet all eligibility requirements to serve as a National Service participant including but not limited to:
NATIONAL SERVICE CRIMINAL HISTORY SEARCH REQUIREMENT
If a candidate has a criminal record, it does not necessarily make a candidate ineligible for service. Only candidates who are subject to registry on the National Sex Offender Public Website or have been convicted of murder may not participate as an AmeriCorps member. Only candidates being offered and then accepting the position must consent to a search of the National Sex Offender Public Website, a State Level Criminal History Search and an FBI search. Consent is provided via the LISC AmeriCorps application. Candidates must be cleared by CNCS prior to the first day of service.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Upon successful completion of the term of service, the member will be eligible for a $6,095 education award to pay off existing, eligible student loans or return to school. Members are eligible to place existing student loans (loans must qualify and not in a state of default) into AmeriCorps forbearance. The position pays a total stipend of $17,000. The stipend is taxable and paid in 20 equal checks twice a month from LISC. Direct deposit is required. A health care benefit is available for the participant only (dependents are not eligible). For members with children under the age of 13, there is a child care subsidy benefit available which is dependent on the participant meeting all eligibility requirements (This benefit is administered by a contracted provider via the Corporation for National and Community Service).
Additional benefits for alums can be found here: https://www.nationalservice.gov/special-initiatives/employers-national-service/alumni and information on Public Service Loan Forgiveness can be found here: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.
HOW TO APPLY:
Paul Hollenbeck, AIA phollenbeck@connectoledo.org
Elizabeth Ellis eellis@connectoledo.org
We are committed to diversity and inclusion in the selection process.
This program is available to all, and we treat all persons without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.