Learning Development Jobs in South Dakota (NOW HIRING)

Note: This is a full-time ACC AmeriCorps position with Dakota Resources, Inc.

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 Dakota Resources, Inc.

Our mission is to connect capital and leadership capacity to empower rural communities. We believe that rural communities can thrive. Rural communities thrive when local economic development organizations (EDOs) are strong. The EDOs we work with tell us the same thing again and again: they need deeper connections, more flexible capital, and stronger leadership. To accomplish our mission, we partner with mission-focused funders and community-minded for-profit businesses to help expand their reach to rural places. Our work has focused on connecting those partners with the rural places they want to see thrive.

Position Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Platform & Tool Support: Assist staff with coordinating and supporting the staff-led implementation of the Thriverr 2.0 online platform transition. Help organize, maintain, and update resources and materials embedded within AI-based connectivity tools under staff direction.
• Network Collaboration: Support staff efforts to foster collaboration among the 60 to 80 rural community and economic development leaders participating in the Thriverr network through virtual and in-person meetings, learning activities, and resource sharing.
• Partnership Outreach: Support staff-led community outreach efforts by helping identify, connect with, and engage prospective resource partners, and assist with maintaining ongoing communications and resource-sharing activities under staff direction.Target: help identify 2 to 3 prospective partners per month.
• Knowledge Base & Database Development: Assist staff with developing and maintaining a shared resource-provider knowledge base by gathering, organizing, tagging, and preparing partner-contributed resources and supporting database content 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 and compile service-related data, participant feedback, and activity summaries related to network engagement for staff review, program evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Event & Resource Coordination: Assist staff with organizing virtual meetings, training sessions, and in-person network events that connect rural leaders with community development resources, learning opportunities, and peer collaboration.
• Member Progress Review: Participate in regular supervision meetings with the Site Supervisor to discuss service activities, share observations, receive guidance, and ensure service activities remain aligned with the approved AmeriCorps position description and organizational priorities.

All functions and activities performed by the AmeriCorps Member are completed under the guidance, supervision, and direction of program and host site staff.

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.