About this role
Position Summary:
Under the guidance, supervision, and direction of Dakota Resources staff, the AmeriCorps Member will support capacity-building efforts for the launch of Thriverr 2.0, a learning and action network serving 60 to 80 rural community and economic development leaders. The Member will assist staff with the transition to the updated Thriverr online platform, support the coordination of new AI-based connectivity tools, and participate in community outreach to expand the network to resource partners. Through these supportive efforts, the Member will help small-town leaders better collaborate and access vital programs and resources at the right time.
DR is a work-from-home-first organization; some travel would be required across South Dakota.
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.
• Platform & Tool Support: Assist staff with the coordination and staff-led implementation of the Thriverr 2.0 online platform transition. Help maintain, organize, and update resources and materials embedded within the new AI-based connectivity tools.
• Network Collaboration: Support staff efforts to foster collaboration among the 60 to 80 rural community and economic development leaders within the virtual and in-person network.
• Partnership Outreach: Support the expansion of community outreach efforts by helping staff connect with and engage new resource partners for the second side of the network. Target: help identify 2 to 3 prospective partners per month.
• Knowledge Base & Database Development: Help develop a shared resource-provider knowledge base by gathering, organizing, and tagging resources contributed by partners, and by helping develop the structure and content of the supporting database, under staff direction. This work is shared with the AI Adoption and Capacity-Building Support Member. Target: help add 100 resources over the term.
• Data Collection & Reporting: Collect service-related data regarding network engagement, compile feedback from rural leaders, and share findings with staff to help track the progress of the Thriverr 2.0 rollout.
• Event & Resource Coordination: Help organize virtual meetings, training sessions, and in-person network events designed to connect small-town leaders with community development support.
• Member Progress Review: Participate in regular check-ins with the site supervisor to share observations, make recommendations, receive guidance, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
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 1100 hours over approximately 8 months, beginning on or about December 7, 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 possess basic skills related to Excel/Google sheets and notetaking.
Additional Dakota Resources Specific Competencies:
• Interest in rural economic development and rural communities.
• Comfort reaching out to new people and building relationships by phone, email, and video.
• Comfort helping others use online platforms and digital tools.
• Attention to detail when organizing and tagging information and resources.
• Reliability and self-direction in a fully remote service setting.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To serve in AmeriCorps, you must:
• Be 17 years of age or older (no upper age restriction)
• Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
• Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Pass a National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) that includes: an FBI fingerprint check, a National Sex Offender Registry check, and state-specific criminal history checks for both the State of Service and State of Residence.
• Not hold other full-time employment; other obligations should be temporary or part-time in nature and must not interfere with the program schedule and requirements (i.e. 35-40 hours/week, training dates, etc.). (ACC Program specific requirement)
• Not be enrolled in a full-time Undergraduate or Professional degree program during the term of service. (ACC Program specific requirement)
• Agree to maintain full healthcare coverage during the entirety of the term of service, recognizing that LFA provides healthcare coverage to all full-time Members that are not otherwise covered.
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.
This institution operates in accordance with Federal and AmeriCorps civil rights and non-discrimination requirements. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information and military service.