About the role#
The Community and Business Development Specialist is a full-time Rural Partners Corps (RPC) AmeriCorps service fellowship. You will serve with the Tuscola County Economic Development Corporation in Caro, Michigan. This role focuses on strengthening local businesses and advancing economic development priorities. You will work 40 hours per week from December 2026 through August 2027 to build organizational capacity and support economic mobility in the region.
What you'll do#
- Assist staff with business retention and expansion visits, including business intakes, resource referrals, and follow-up.
- Conduct community development research, documentation, and project tracking.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among businesses, municipalities, schools, workforce organizations, and agency partners.
- Develop and improve resource materials, intake tools, and tracking systems to support organizational goals.
- Prepare outreach materials, organize meetings, summarize projects, and document community outcomes.
What you'll need#
- A meaningful connection to the community and an understanding of its strengths and relationships.
- A commitment to serving the community where you live.
- Strong skills in relationship-building, communication, and collaboration.
- Initiative and the ability to organize work independently.
- Transferable skills in project management, community engagement, youth development, workforce development, or organizational capacity building.
- The ability to work across nonprofit, government, education, and business sectors.
- Humility and curiosity to learn from community members.
- U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident status.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- At least 17 years of age by the start of service.
- Must not have served four or more AmeriCorps State/National terms.
Location & details#
- Location: Caro, Michigan (On-site).
- Term: Winter 2027 through Summer 2027.
- This is a full-time, paid position.
About Lead For America
Lead For America is a national service organization based in Wichita, Kansas. Founded in 2018, the nonprofit focuses on local public service and civic engagement. It operates across 44 states and has created over 500 fellowships. The organization supports programs like the American Connection Corps to improve community economic and social outcomes.
How to get in at Lead For America
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