Northern Lakes Economic Alliance - Rural Partners Corps Fellow

Note: This is a full-time RPC AmeriCorps position with the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) About the Rural Partners Corps:The Rural Partners Corps (RPC) is a new AmeriCorps service fellowship from Lead For America (LFA) that places locally rooted fellows with rural, place-based backbone organizations. Fellows already live in or near the communities they serve. They bring local knowledge, transferable skills, relationships, and a commitment to making their communities stronger. RPC Fellows will serve 40 hours per week from December through August, working alongside Host Site staff and community partners to build organizational and community capacity and advance cradle-to-career economic mobility for rural young people.About The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA)The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) is a 501(c)(3) regional economic development organization with a four-county service area: Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties. Our mission is to drive economic resiliency by ensuring the resources, infrastructure, and policies exist to fuel business growth and community prosperity.Position OverviewThe Rural Partners Corp (RPC) Fellow will join the NLEA to support the NLEA's efforts to promote economic development strategies and capacities within Northern Lower Michigan. The Member will support research efforts into the region's manufacturing sector as part of historical impact research as well as forward looking market analyses. The Member will also assist with the development of the organization's 2028-2031 Strategic Plan through stakeholder engagement.The Member will perform research, information-gathering, and planning support under the direction of NLEA staff, consistent with the approved AmeriCorps State and National grant and its performance measures.Key ResponsibilitiesThe RPC fellow will:Economic Impact Research & Case Study Development: Support comprehensive research on the Boyne City Industrial Park through historical record reviews and founder interviews to analyze its lifetime economic impact and deliver actionable insights for other Northern Lower Michigan communities. Compile and organize research findings to support a case study that can inform community-level economic development planningRegional Manufacturing Data Analysis: Support data collection and market analysis for a US Economic Development Administration (EDA) planning grant, evaluating regional manufacturing trends, capacity, and growth opportunities across Northern Lower Michigan. Collect, organize, and summarize regional data for planning purposes and share findings with NLEA staff. Activities must support regional or community-level planning rather than provide individualized consulting or other direct services to a specific businessStrategic Planning & Process Support: Assist NLEA leadership with the design and execution of the strategic planning process for the 2028-2031 Strategic Plan, helping align regional economic priorities and organizational goals. Support staff-directed stakeholder engagement, meeting preparation, documentation, and synthesis of stakeholder input. NLEA leadership will retain responsibility for strategic decisions and approval of the final planRegional Economic Capacity Building:Collaborate on broader economic development initiatives across Northern Lower Michigan, supporting strategies that strengthen local business infrastructure, community capacity, and regional competitiveness. Support research, resource mapping, and coordination with community organizations and regional stakeholders to strengthen community capacity and address identified regional needs. Activities must remain consistent with the AmeriCorps guidelines and may not displace or duplicate the work of existing employees or other workersLearning & Development OpportunitiesAs an RPC fellow, you will receive structured training and support throughout your service year, including:A week-long virtual orientation with the national cohort to kick off the service yearA week-long, in-person national Winter Institute convening with your Lead For America cohort — travel, lodging, and a per diem stipend are fully coveredTwice-monthly virtual training on skills for service, including project management, asset-based community development, grant writing, and serving vulnerable populations, plus self-paced curricula with opportunities to earn badges and credentialsA structured community listening tour at the start of service to understand local needs, assets, and opportunitiesDedicated 1:1 support from a Lead For America Program Coordinator and twice-monthly peer pod meetings for networking and professional developmentAccess to a national network of Lead For America fellows, alumni, and community partnersRequirementsWho We're Looking ForThe ideal RPC Fellow is a community-rooted, service-oriented, self-directed professional who lives in or near the rural community where they will serve.The ideal candidate brings:A meaningful connection to the community and understanding of its strengths, priorities, and relationshipsA commitment to serving the community where they liveStrong relationship-building, communication, and collaboration skillsInitiative and independence to organize work and move projects forwardTransferable skills in areas such as project management, community engagement, youth development, workforce development, partnership development, communications, or organizational capacity buildingThe ability to work across nonprofit, government, education, business, and community sectorsHumility and curiosity—the ability to learn from community members and local leaders rather than arrive with predetermined solutionsAlignment with the Host Site's mission, values, culture, and prioritiesReadiness to meet LFA, AmeriCorps, and service fellowship expectationsEligibility:Be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent ResidentHold a high school diploma or GED equivalentBe 17 years of age or older by the start of serviceHave not already served four (4) or more AmeriCorps State/National terms. Timeline:We are currently recruiting fellows to serve from December 7th, 2026 - August 13th, 2027. Fellows will serve full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), completing 1200 hours of service over the course of the term.Application Process:Submit Your Application: Complete the application on the next page to join our general talent poolHost Site Review: Our host site organization will review your application, and invite those moving forward to interviewLead For America Interview: Finalist candidates will be invited to interview with the Lead For America teamBenefitsFull-time RPC fellows receive:Stipend: $23,300 living allowance dispersed biweekly over the course of the service termEducation Award: $5,220 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the programSupport: Access to a national network of fellows, community partners, alumni, and 1:1 supportStudent loan forbearance and childcare support for eligible fellowsHealthcare coverage: Medical, dental, and vision coverage (if applicable)Fully-funded training throughout the yearHands-on experience, in-demand skills, and career exploration in community development and digital inclusionNon-DiscriminationThis institution operates in accordance with Federal and AmeriCorps civil rights and non-discrimination requirements. This program is available to all. 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.orgNote: The RPC program does not offer part-time or remote fellow positions at this time.