Stewards VISTA: Hatfield and McCoy Experience TN Comms -AmeriCorps

Site Location: 107 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Terms of Service: September 8, 2026 – September 7, 2027 (365-day / 1-year term)

About the Role

The Hatfield and McCoy Foundation, an AmeriCorps Program, is dedicated to preserving and sharing Appalachian heritage through cultural education, tourism, storytelling, and community engagement in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and the surrounding region. The program serves both local residents and visitors by deepening understanding of regional history, traditions, and culture while strengthening community connections and identity.

This AmeriCorps VISTA position strengthens the Foundation’s communications and storytelling capacity by developing tools, resources, and systems that increase awareness of programs, initiatives, and regional culture. The member will support content development, outreach planning, and digital storytelling efforts through the creation of communication calendars, templates, and resource toolkits for staff and partners. Through this service, the member helps expand the Foundation’s reach and enhance its ability to connect people with Appalachian history, culture, and community experiences.

The AmeriCorps VISTA member will build capacity and develop sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty in underserved communities.

Responsibilities

• Develop a toolkit for staff to create website and social media content
• Create communication tools and a storytelling plan for staff to share Appalachian heritage stories
• Support outreach campaigns
• Develop a database to document the organization’s impact through digital storytelling

This position is ideal for individuals interested in communications, nonprofit development, cultural preservation, tourism, and community engagement.

Requirements

• United States citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien
• 18 years of age or older
• High School Diploma or GED
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and complete a National Service Criminal History Check

Physical Requirements

• Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects
• Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may be required
• Periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, and ability to move across varied terrain may be required
• Use of program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Schedule

Full-time (35-40 hours per week). Exact schedules may vary. Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

Orientation and Training

• Orientation including training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities
• Virtual Member Orientation (VMO) from VISTA on the first day of service

Benefits

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395.00 or choice of cash stipend of ~$1,800.00
• Living Allowance of $68.39 per day ($24,962.35/year), disbursed every 2 weeks
• Relocation Allowance of $750 if eligible
• Healthcare Coverage if eligible
• Childcare Coverage if eligible
• Loan forbearance if eligible
• Interest payments if eligible
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Employee Wellness Program (access to a licensed, professional counselor and 24/7 support)
• Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) status upon successful completion of the term
• Networking and mentorship opportunities

Evaluation and Reporting

Performance will be evaluated based on completion of the required year of service, satisfactory completion of assignments, and meeting other performance criteria clearly communicated at the beginning of the term. Reporting requirements include bi-weekly timesheets, accomplishment tracking, and quarterly reporting.

Supervisor Contact Information

• For VISTA-related information: Addie Gilkerson, agilkerson@conservationlegacy.org
• For site-related information: Jack Hatfield, jack@hatfieldmccoyfoundation.org