About New Jersey Bonner VISTA Fellows:
The New Jersey Bonner VISTA Fellows Program is a post-college national volunteer service program developed in partnership of TCNJ’s Bonner Center for Civic and Community Engagement and the Bonner Foundation. The New Jersey Bonner VISTA Fellows comprise a cohort of 17 members who serve full-time to enhance volunteerism, develop economic opportunities, and address policy issues across central New Jersey.
Position Summary:
The NJ Bonner VISTA Fellows Program is seeking an Asset-Based Community Development
(ABCD) Coordinator to grow and expand a buy local campaign started last year to connect local businesses as vendors for TCNJ and other anchor institutions. The ABCD Coordinator will work directly at TCNJ’s Bonner Center for Civic and Community Engagement.
Major Responsibilities:
1) Work with the TCNJ Purchasing department to create a list of TCNJ staff who frequently purchase goods and services;
2) Continue regular meetings of the existing stakeholder group and expand the group;
3) Collaborate with the Small Business Development Center, the Mercer County Chamber of
Commerce and the East Trenton Collaborative/City Works to hold information sessions explaining how local companies can become TCNJ vendors;
4) Host information sessions for TCNJ staff to create awareness of local vendors they can use for contracts and purchases; and
5) Provide two presentations on behalf of local business associations to local business stakeholders to enhance buy local initiatives in Trenton and the Mercer County area.
Position Qualifications:
• Must be available to serve full-time for one year
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience with community service and/or non-profit organizational work a plus
• Ability to research information and make strong recommendations for best effective practices
• Self-starter who can work independently and on a team
• Excellent attention to detail and follow-through skills
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and projects at the same time
• Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals and constituencies
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Computer proficiency with emphasis on MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and willingness to learn and use a variety of online tools, including Wikis, Facebook and other social media tools
