Economic and Workforce Development VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America)

Serve with AmeriCorps as an Economic  and Workforce Development VISTA

 Gain valuable nonprofit operations experience while making a difference as an AmeriCorps VISTA serving with Uptown Partners of Pittsburgh.  Uptown Partners of Pittsburgh is a nonprofit committed to creating a thriving, safe, sustainable, and just community for all. Through the implementation of the Eco-Innovation District Plan, we focus on revitalizing Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood while addressing critical economic and social challenges. 

As a member of the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group (PCRG), Uptown Partners collaborates with other community-based non-profits across the region to achieve economic justice and racial equity through community revitalization efforts. PCRG sponsors a cohort of 10 AmeriCorps VISTAs who serve for one year at a community-based nonprofit in the Pittsburgh area to grow their organizational capacity to uplift residents out of poverty. As part of the PCRG VISTA cohort, a VISTA member placed at Uptown Partners will serve by furthering work that invests in community and economic development to improve quality of life and increase access to capital/economic opportunity for under-resourced communities.   

The PCRG VISTA program has been successful in advancing the careers of its VISTA members, who are given opportunities for professional development (i.e., classes, conferences, etc.) while gaining experience in nonprofit operations. About 70% of VISTAs that complete their year with one of PCRG’s host sites go on to staff positions at community non-profits, while the other 30% have pursued higher education, often supported by the end-of-service education award. 

If you are passionate about building vibrant, sustainable, and equitable communities Join Uptown Partners of Pittsburgh as our Economic and Workforce Development VISTA. Work with a dedicated nonprofit organization to implement the city-adopted EcoInnovation District Plan and drive revitalization efforts in Pittsburgh’s Uptown community. 

This dynamic role provides an opportunity to make a lasting impact while gaining valuable experience in economic development, workforce empowerment, and community-building initiatives. 

Your Key Responsibilities:

Community Engagement: Conduct outreach to understand workforce needs and identify local opportunities. 

Strategic Development: Develop and implement strategies to connect job seekers with training and employment resources. 

Program Collaboration: Support the EMPOWER workforce development program in partnership with our consultant. 

Grant Writing: Assist in identifying funding opportunities and preparing grant proposals to support economic and workforce projects. 

Project Management: Track and report on the outcomes and impacts of workforce development initiatives. 

Real Estate Support: Collaborate with the Real Estate and Development Program Manager to support commercial corridor revitalization projects within the Uptown community. 

Qualifications and Skills 

Strong interest in workforce and economic development, nonprofit work, or community development. 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for community engagement and collaboration.