Epicenter Citizen Designer AmeriCorps VISTA

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Photo of Epicenter’s Summer Summit 2013 attendees by Nick Zdon (Epicenter former Frontier Fellow and current Board Member)

We have a unique opportunity for an exceptional designer with a wide and varied skill-set: a chance to spend a year living and working in a small town in Utah. To help citizens of this rural community lead better lives. To demonstrate the value of design in community problem solving. To gain a one-of-a-kind experience in an alternative model of professional practice. To learn new skills. To improve our non-profit. To improve yourself.

We believe this desert town can bloom, but there is work to be done. We’d like to work with you to do it.

Who We Are
Epicenter is a design-driven community development organization that serves the rural town of Green River, Utah. Epicenter strives to provide local solutions to community problems through a holistic approach with projects in three sectors: affordable housing advocacy and repair, business development, and arts and culture. An agile team of designers, creatives, and doers, we have a community-centered and multidisciplinary approach to problem solving and innovation. Here, we nurture local businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, and ideas.

We’re dedicated to this town and our practice, but constantly building on what we do and redefining how we do it. We are looking for more ways to engage our community and to help citizens envision their future. That’s where you come in.

Who You Are
— You’re an adept designer who is looking to take a deep dive into a rural community to learn about its issues and to strategize how its strengths can overcome its weaknesses.
— You have an eye for detail, a mind for numbers, and a willingness to get your boots dirty.
— You have exquisite verbal, visual, and written communication skills.
— You dream of open spaces, big skies, bold colors, and promising futures.
— You have experience and/or interest in working on a team with different skills and backgrounds.

What You Will Do (examples)
— Document, demonstrate, and articulate the value of design in addressing Green River’s problems.
— Execute graphic design for Epicenter’s projects, programs, events, and the organization as a whole.
— Strategically gather information and analyze data to help determine community needs and wants.
— Facilitate opportunities to help improve local businesses and local workforce.
— Assist in planning and execution of local events that encourage community participation and celebrate Green River.
— Work with motivated local organizations and co-workers to improve this community.

Compensation and AmeriCorps VISTA
The position is a twelve-month, full-time VISTA position that is potentially extendable for an additional year, or with successful fundraising, could become a full-time salaried position. VISTA members receive a living allowance, a health insurance benefit, a relocation allowance, pre-service orientation training, assistance in finding housing, and an education award of $5,775 or cash award of $1,500 at successful completion of service.

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a national service program designed to fight poverty, originally envisioned by President John F. Kennedy. Most current Epicenter staff members originally arrived to Epicenter via AmeriCorps VISTA and we are proud to offer this position once again.

We have funding, community partners, and the initiative to make this town as vibrant as its backdrop. All we’re missing is you. Come join us this year.

To apply, send your CV/resume, design portfolio, and a one-page cover letter to VISTA@ruralandproud.org by Monday, June 6 at 9am MST. If you have any specific questions about VISTA, please visit the Corporation for National & Community Service website.

We look forward to meeting you.