About this role
Position Summary:
Under the guidance, supervision, and direction of Dakota Resources staff, the AmeriCorps Member will support capacity-building efforts for Dakota Resources' adoption of AI across its work with rural communities. The Member will assist staff with documenting AI workflows and building internal knowledge bases, support the coordination of AI training and the AI in Rural EDOs survey and learning series, and participate in efforts that help rural economic development leaders build practical AI skills. Through these supportive efforts, the Member will help bridge the digital divide and strengthen economic development across small and rural communities.
DR is a work-from-home-first organization; some travel would be required across South Dakota.
ACC Program Activities (REQUIRED FOR ALL):
• Conduct an initial listening tour in the first 1-2 months to assess community needs by hosting individual or group conversations with community members that represent the diverse range of demographics present in your community.
• Complete bi-weekly timesheets and monthly impact reports.
• Meet monthly 1:1 with your designated ACC Program Coordinator.
• Complete key training modules and certifications, including On3Learn eCourses.
• Attend required ACC meetings and trainings, including bi-weekly Pods, quarterly training retreats, and Life After LFA webinar series.
• Lead event planning and implement activities for two National Days of Service in your local area for both MLK Day of Service (January) and AmeriCorps Week (March).
• When applicable, recruit and coordinate local community volunteers to ensure buy-in and long-term sustainability of your projects.
• Serve productively and effectively across service environments and adhere to LFA, host site, and AmeriCorps policies and procedures.
• Meet AmeriCorps service hour benchmarks and complete the full term of service as indicated in the Member Service Agreement.
ANTICIPATED SERVICE SCHEDULE
This is a full-time AmeriCorps service term of 1700 hours over approximately 11 months, beginning on or about December 7th, 2026. The Member serves approximately 35 to 40 hours per week, primarily on weekdays during regular business hours, serving remotely in line with DR's work-from-home-first model. Occasional evening, weekend, or travel service is expected for in-person network events and gatherings, and for required ACC events, including pre-service Orientation, the Winter Institute, the end-of-term Convening, MLK Day of Service in January, and AmeriCorps Week in March.
COMPETENCIES
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities for all ACC AmeriCorps Members: Comfortable speaking to groups and giving short presentations on a topic; researching complex topics; facilitating meetings and discussions; attending virtual and online events; good written and verbal communication skills (including phone and email), and possessing basic skills related to Excel/Google sheets and note-taking.
Additional Dakota Resources Specific Competencies: • Experience using the Claude AI platform. • Strong interest in learning new software and AI tools. • Clear writing, especially for step-by-step documentation and guides. • Attention to detail when organizing a resource library. • Comfort testing tools and describing results plainly for non-technical colleagues. • Patience and empathy in helping colleagues learn. • Reliability and self-direction in a fully remote service setting.
Essential Functions: All functions and activities performed by the AmeriCorps Member are completed under the guidance, supervision, and direction of program and host site staff. • AI Workflow & Tool Support: Assist staff with documenting AI workflows and processes in clear, step-by-step form, and help maintain, organize, and update an internal library of AI prompts, skill files, guides, and templates. Help test and document new AI-assisted processes during pilots, under staff direction. Targets: help document 24 workflows and add 36 resources to the library over the term. • Knowledge Base & Database Development: Help develop internal and external knowledge bases and their supporting databases, gathering and organizing content for staff and community audiences under staff direction. This work is shared with the Thriverr 2.0 Network Launch Support Member on the resource-provider knowledge base. • Training & Learning Support: Support the delivery of internal AI training and DR's AI in Rural EDOs learning series, including online sessions, an in-person gathering, and a cohort course, by helping prepare materials and capturing notes. • Survey Support: Support DR's AI in Rural EDOs survey by helping prepare and distribute it to the rural EDO network and helping compile responses for staff review. • Data Collection & Reporting: Collect service-related data on AI adoption, compile staff and participant feedback, and share findings with staff to help track progress. • Event & Resource Coordination: Help organize virtual and in-person AI learning sessions and events that connect rural leaders with hands-on AI support. • Member Progress Review: Participate in regular check-ins with the site supervisor and DR's internal AI lead to share observations, make recommendations, receive guidance, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
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ANTICIPATED SERVICE SCHEDULE
This is a full-time AmeriCorps service term of 1700 hours over approximately 11 months, beginning on or about December 7th, 2026. The Member serves approximately 35 to 40 hours per week, primarily on weekdays during regular business hours, serving remotely in line with DR's work-from-home-first model. Occasional evening, weekend, or travel service is expected for the in-person Unlocking AI for EDOs Gathering in November, other AI learning sessions, and required ACC events, including pre-service Orientation, the Winter Institute, the end-of-term Convening, MLK Day of Service in January, and AmeriCorps Week in March.
BENEFITS
Full-time Members Receive:
• $33,000 stipend
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (available to those who are not already enrolled in Medicaid or other State plan, a spouse's plan, or a family member's health care plan)
• Student Loan Forbearance and Interest Accrual Payments (for most Federal loans)
• Childcare Support
• Upon successful completion of AmeriCorps term of service, eligible to receive Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395 that can be applied to current educational expenses at eligible institutions or to repay qualified student loans.
Training
• ACC Orientation & Leadership Training
• Winter Training Institute with your cohort
• Scholarship opportunity to attend the National Digital Inclusion Alliance summit or a similar professional conference of your choice
• Graduation ceremony and summit
Support
• Monthly 1:1 calls with a dedicated ACC Program Coordinator to support your professional and personal goals and planning for the future.
• Regular virtual Zoom trainings and pod sessions with your cohort.
• Access to a Member Assistance Program for legal, financial, tax, and mental health resources.
• Opportunity to participate in LFA Mentorship Program to forge meaningful and lasting relationships with LFA Alumni and seasoned career professionals, receive invaluable insight, and flourish after term of service.
Alumni
• Financial incentives to further your education, including scholarships, discounts, and waivers, through Lead For America's partnerships with prestigious educational institutions across the country.
• Membership in a lifelong alumni network of talented, passionate, and dynamic leaders across the country.
Stipend