Commission Lead Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Note: This is a full-time ACC AmeriCorps position with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission

About the American Connection Corps:

The American Connection Corps (ACC), an AmeriCorps program of Lead For America (LFA), is a service fellowship program aimed at helping communities build the digital connectivity necessary to expand opportunity and economic mobility, ranging from healthcare access to quality employment.

ACC Members spend a year serving with locally-rooted organizations, helping address the digital divide and strengthen access to opportunity. Through their service, they gain hands-on experience, build in-demand skills, and explore career pathways while making a tangible impact in their communities.

About Berkshire Regional Planning Commission

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is the official region-wide planning agency in Berkshire County providing comprehensive planning services to municipalities which include land use, transportation, community and economic development, housing, public health, and environmental planning. BRPC promotes regional collaboration among communities and works to increase coordination between all levels of government.

Position Overview

BRPC seeks an AmeriCorps Member for a full-time position starting in September 2026 to support critical digital accessibility and digital skill needs across Berkshire County. The role involves three distinct service areas:

• Supporting BRPC's Economic Development Program to teach digital skills to low-income and older adults at two housing authorities through classes and one-on-one digital navigation support.
• Supporting BRPC's Public Health Program to understand the digital and community support needs of older adults, people in active use or early recovery from substance use disorder, and lower-income adults, including those experiencing homelessness.
• Supporting BRPC's Human Resources Administrator by assisting staff with reviewing and improving reports and plans created by the agency that are currently online to help support ADA digital accessibility.

This is an AmeriCorps State/National service position, and Members will engage in community service activities designed to strengthen community capacity and support older adults throughout Berkshire County.

Key Responsibilities

The ACC Member will:

Economic Development

• Participate in a five-week online training to become certified in the American Association of Retired Persons' (AARP) Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) curriculum.
• Deliver approved OATS curriculum to housing authority residents through presentations, hands-on workshops, and one-on-one digital navigation support to help participants use their existing devices (e.g., phones and computers) and become proficient with new iPads awarded through a state grant.
• Support staff communications with housing authority directors and resident coordinators by sharing participant progress, documenting observations, and communicating implementation challenges under staff direction.
• Document successes, challenges, and lessons learned for staff review and inclusion in required grant reporting and sustainability planning efforts.
• Assist staff with researching potential grant opportunities and sustainability resources that housing authorities may pursue following completion of the grant.

Public Health

• Conduct a series of stakeholder interviews with staff from libraries, councils on aging, recovery centers, and similar organizations to better understand community digital skill, technology, and support needs.
• Prepare a summary and analysis of stakeholder feedback regarding the digital and community support needs of priority populations.
• Support staff with coordinating and implementing on-site digital navigation hours based on identified community needs and program priorities.
• Assist staff with adapting or developing population-specific digital literacy guides, presentations, and educational materials based on identified community needs, using approved content and under staff direction.

Digital Accessibility Support

• Complete assigned accessibility training and review additional materials as needed.
• Assist staff with reviewing and remediating digital materials from BRPC's website and archives to help meet accessibility standards.
• Support the development and maintenance of internal guidance for accessible content creation.
• Track, document, and report progress on digital accessibility activities.
• Assist with identifying materials appropriate for archival or disposition without remediation in accordance with municipal record retention guidelines.

Agency Responsibilities

• All functions and activities performed by the AmeriCorps Member are completed under the guidance, supervision, and direction of BRPC staff.
• Participate in weekly supervision meetings with program staff to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps.
• Attend biweekly BRPC staff meetings to learn about regional planning initiatives and support collaboration across programs.
• Collect and compile service-related data, participant feedback, and program activity information for staff review and AmeriCorps reporting purposes.
• Share observations and recommendations with staff to support continuous improvement of digital inclusion, public health, and accessibility initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are directly related to the approved AmeriCorps position description, program scope, and allowable AmeriCorps service activities, under staff supervision.

This position is intended to provide direct service and capacity-building support and may not duplicate, displace, or supplant the duties of existing employees or volunteers. AmeriCorps Members may not engage in prohibited activities, including lobbying or partisan political activities, while serving or while representing the AmeriCorps program.

Learning & Development Opportunities

As an ACC Member, you will receive structured training and support throughout your service year, including: 

• A two-week-long virtual orientation with the national cohort to kick off the service year.
• A week-long, in-person national Winter Institute convening with your ACC cohort - travel, lodging, and a per diem stipend are fully covered.
• Twice-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 credentials.
• A structured community listening tour at the start of service to understand local needs, assets, and opportunities.
• Dedicated 1:1 support from a Lead For America Program Coordinator and twice-monthly peer pod meetings for networking and professional development.
• Access to a national network of ACC Members, alumni, and community partners.

Requirements

• Passion for community service and connecting your neighbors to the digital tools, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Interest in gaining experience in community development or digital inclusion.

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. 

Timeline:

We are currently recruiting Members to serve from September 8th, 2026 - August 13th, 2027. Members will serve full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), completing 1700 hours of service over the course of the term.

Application Process:

1. Submit Your Application: Complete the application on the next page to join our general talent pool.
2. Host Site Review: Our host site organization will review your application, and invite those moving forward to interview.
3. Lead For America Interview: Finalist candidates will be invited to interview with the Lead For America team.

Benefits

Full-time ACC Members receive: 

• A $33,000 living stipend (dispersed bi-weekly over the course of the service term)
• A $7,395 Segal Education Award through AmeriCorps, which can be applied to education-related expenses after the program concludes (including repayment of qualifying student loans).
• Healthcare coverage (if applicable).
• Access to childcare benefits.
• Student loan forbearance during your year of service.
• Fully-funded ACC Winter Institute druing 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. 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

Note: The ACC program does not offer part-time or remote member positions at this time.