Community Engagement Specialist (Rebuilding Together Howard County) - ACC Member

Volunteer Outreach & Communication Support: Assist staff with drafting and distributing volunteer communications, including newsletters, email updates, and social media content, using staff-approved messaging, to help keep volunteers informed about service opportunities and organizational activities. 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.

Note: This is a full-time ACC AmeriCorps position with Rebuilding Together Howard County.

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 serve 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 Rebuilding Together Howard County

Rebuilding Together Howard County's mission is Repairing Homes, Revitalizing Communities, and Rebuilding Lives in Howard County, Maryland. As a local affiliate of the national Rebuilding Together network, we mobilize skilled contractors and volunteers to provide critical home repairs for low-income residents at no cost to them. In FY26, we completed 355+ repairs for 179 residents, helping our most vulnerable neighbors remain safely in their homes. We believe that home stability is foundational to individual well-being and community strength, and that everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home. Our work is made possible by a network of more than 2,000 volunteers, public and private partners, and dedicated community supporters across Howard County.

Position Overview

The Member will support the staff-led expansion of volunteer engagement initiatives at Rebuilding Together Howard County, contributing to our capacity to connect our community of 2,000+ volunteers to meaningful service opportunities year-round. Under the direction of the host site supervisor, the Member will assist staff with the design and content development of a digital volunteer portal, support volunteer outreach and communication efforts, and help identify pathways for deeper volunteer involvement with the organization's mission. A small portion of the Member's time (approximately 5-10%) will be dedicated to assisting homeowner applicants who face digital barriers with navigating our online intake process, ensuring that the residents who need us most can reach us. By supporting and strengthening our volunteer pipeline, the Member will contribute to our capacity to complete more home repairs for low-income residents of Howard County, Maryland.

Key Responsibilities

The ACC Member will:

• Volunteer Portal Support: Under staff direction, assist with research, content development, and user feedback collection to support the development of a digital volunteer engagement portal; compile information and provide input to staff for review and approval.
• Volunteer Outreach & Communication Support: Assist staff with drafting and distributing volunteer communications, including newsletters, email updates, and social media content, using staff-approved messaging, to help keep volunteers informed about service opportunities and organizational activities.
• Volunteer Engagement Research: Help collect and compile information on volunteer interests, skills, and availability; assist staff with identifying opportunities for skill-based and recurring volunteer service.
• Technology Assistance Support: Provide basic technology assistance to homeowner applicants experiencing digital barriers while navigating the organization's online intake process, under staff supervision (approximately 5–10% of service time).
• Event Support: Assist staff with the planning, preparation, and implementation of volunteer appreciation events, volunteer orientation sessions, and community engagement activities as assigned.
• Data Collection & Reporting: Collect and compile service-related data on volunteer engagement activities and participation; maintain records and provide summaries to staff to support program evaluation and reporting.
• Community Network Participation: Attend local nonprofit network meetings, Howard County Chamber events, and other community gatherings as directed by the host site supervisor to provide information about volunteer opportunities and connect interested individuals with staff and volunteer resources.

All activities performed by the AmeriCorps Member will occur under staff supervision and within the approved AmeriCorps position description and program scope. The Member serves in a direct service and capacity-building role and may not independently manage programs, supervise staff or contractors, determine eligibility, engage in fundraising or grant writing leadership, or perform duties that duplicate, displace, or supplant employees or contractors.

Learning & Development Opportunities

As an ACC Member, 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 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:

The Community Engagement Specialist will serve from November 16th, 2026 - August 13th, 2027. They will serve full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), completing 1200 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 $23,300 living stipend (dispersed bi-weekly over the course of the service term)
• A $5,220 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

ACCinfo@leadforamerica.org

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.