Job Description

This position will be a 900 hour, full-time service position from April - October 2026.

About the American Connection Corps:

Where we live increasingly determines which people, places, and possibilities we can access. The American Connection Corps (ACC) is dedicated to addressing this challenge by recruiting and placing members in communities to expand economic opportunities, bridge social networks, and introduce new career pathways.

Position Overview:

This Fellow position will partner closely with STRONG ACC leadership and staff, backbone partners, and community organizations to expand education, social and economic opportunities, and foster meaningful community connections. By engaging residents, organizations, and local institutions, the Fellow will help advance STRONG ACC’s cradle-to-career goals—supporting children and families in areas such as early childhood education, youth success, and workforce development—while creating sustainable systems changes that continue to generate impact long after the fellowship year.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct outreach and engagement with local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to orient them to the STRONG ACC's mission and priorities and discuss opportunities to join the work.
• Assist in implementing programs that connect youth and young adults to workforce development opportunities, training programs, and employment pathways aligned with local labor market needs.
• Build relationships with diverse community members, ensuring the voices of parents/caregivers and students -- and especially historically underserved populations -- are heard and connected.
• Organize and facilitate community gatherings, workshops, or engagement events to strengthen local networks.
• Serve as a liaison between STRONG ACC workgroups, backbone partners, and community stakeholders to promote collaboration and shared goals.
• Adapt initiatives to meet the unique needs and cultural context of each community within the STRONG ACC footprint.
• Conduct research, data collection, and needs assessments to guide program planning and measure impact.
• Support communication efforts, including social media, e-newsletters, and community updates, to amplify STRONG ACC initiatives.
• Develop resources, toolkits, or other initiatives that continue to benefit the region after the fellowship concludes.
• Support the STRONG ACC in re-positioning its organizational structure, capacity, and funding to ensure long-term sustainability
• Document and share best practices and lessons learned to inform strategies and community interventions within the STRONG ACC footprint.
• Attend STRONG ACC meetings, including weekly staff meetings, monthly and quarterly committee members, monthly workgroup meetings, and other convenings supported by the STRONG ACC.
• Collaborate with other fellows and national peers to exchange ideas, strategies, and resources that support local impact.
• Participate in American Connection Corps programmatic activities including: bi-weekly timesheets and monthly impact reports, monthly 1:1 with your designated ACC Program Coordinator, key training modules and certifications, ACC meetings and trainings, and Life After LFA webinar series.

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.
• Community Engagement : Builds trust with diverse populations and strengthens local networks through facilitation and relationship-building.
• Cultural Competence: Understands rural Appalachian contexts, socio-economic disparities, and adapts initiatives to community needs.
• Project Management: Plans, implements, and tracks initiatives with attention to detail and measurable outcomes.
• Communication: Effectively communicates with multiple audiences and leverages digital tools to expand access and engagement.
• Data Analysis: Collects and interprets regional and community data to inform decisions, measure impact, and guide sustainable solutions.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Works seamlessly with STRONG ACC partners, workgroups, and other Fellows to advance shared goals.
• Leadership & Initiative: Proactively identifies opportunities for impact and serves as a visible ambassador for the STRONG ACC’s mission.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: C reatively addresses barriers to social, economic, and digital inclusion while remaining flexible and responsive.

Eligibility:

• Be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident .
• Hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Be 17 years of age or older by the start of service.
• Have not already served four (4) or more AmeriCorps State/National terms.

Benefits

This ACC Member (serving April - October) will receive:

• A $17,470 living stipend .
• A $3,697.50 Education Award through AmeriCorps, which can be applied to any education-related expenses after the program concludes (including repayment of qualifying student loans).
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (if applicable).
• Access to childcare benefits .
• Student loan forbearance during your year of service.
• Fully-funded travel and trainings throughout the year.

Non-Discrimination

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.

All program documents, including compliance history information, may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact us at ACCinfo@leadforamerica.org

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