Port Operations and Community Economic Development Fellow (Port of Chinook)

Rural Partners Corps (RPC) is a new service fellowship from Lead For America (LFA) designed to help rural communities build the local capacity, partnerships, and talent needed to expand economic opportunity for children and youth—from cradle to career. Through RPC, rural place-based backbone organizations host a dedicated AmeriCorps Member who spends a full service term working alongside local partners to strengthen the systems, relationships, and infrastructure that help young people and families thrive.

Note: This is a full-time RPC AmeriCorps position with Port of Chinook.

About the Rural Partners Corps

Rural Partners Corps (RPC) is a new service fellowship from Lead For America (LFA) designed to help rural communities build the local capacity, partnerships, and talent needed to expand economic opportunity for children and youth—from cradle to career.

Through RPC, rural place-based backbone organizations host a dedicated AmeriCorps Member who spends a full service term working alongside local partners to strengthen the systems, relationships, and infrastructure that help young people and families thrive.

About Port of Chinook

Port of Chinook is focused on rural marine economic infrastructure. We are successfully revitalizing a rural Port Authority. We are creating jobs, new industry, and new recreation in the face of decades of doubt and pessimism. We are the greatest success story in true rural Ports in the entire Pacific Northwest.

Position Overview

The AmeriCorps Fellow will engage in a variety of community-focused data collection, organization, and public information activities. A Port on any given day has numbers and information flowing in from its physical assets and businesses. For example, tonnage of seafood, rent, fuel sales, hoist earnings, moorage fees, parking, boat launch uses, cost/benefit items, and much more. All of this data can help inform understanding of Port activity, community needs, and local economic conditions. Especially when coupled with high public interaction and new business.

The Fellow's service will focus on helping the Port organize and summarize appropriate, nonconfidential information and support access to general public resources, under the guidance and direction of Port staff. The Fellow will assist with community-facing information and data activities that support the Port's broader public service and community development goals. This will assist the Port of Chinook, its community, and economic zone by strengthening access to information and supporting community understanding of Port-related economic activity. The Fellow's service will contribute to larger community development efforts that may have benefits for Pacific County and southwest Washington.

The Fellow will gain exposure to Port administration, community development, and Port-associated industries through staff-guided learning and service activities. This experience will provide opportunities to develop transferable skills in data organization, public communication, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• All activities are performed under the guidance, supervision, and direction of Port staff and are intended to support community-focused service and capacity-building objectives.
• Community Data Collection and Organization: Assist with collecting, organizing, and summarizing information related to Port operations, public assets, and community activity. Help maintain organized records and develop summaries that support staff-led planning, reporting, and community development efforts.
• Public Information and Community Engagement: Support staff with responding to general public inquiries, sharing approved Port information and resources, and assisting with community outreach and engagement activities. Help document questions and community needs for staff follow-up.
• Port and Regional Economic Development Research: Research Port-related industries, economic activity, and community development opportunities. Compile publicly available information and assist staff with preparing materials that support broader community and regional economic development initiatives.
• Program and Organizational Capacity Support: Assist with organizing project information, preparing outreach and informational materials, tracking service activities, and documenting outcomes. Share observations and research-based recommendations with staff to support improvements to community services and Port operations.
• Service Boundaries: The Fellow does not assume routine clerical or administrative responsibilities, perform financial transactions or accounting functions, replace paid staff, provide individualized services or consulting that directly benefit for-profit businesses, or exercise independent management, financial, or operational decision-making authority.

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

Learning & Development Opportunities

As 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 year.
• A week-long, in-person national Winter Institute convening with your 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 RPC Fellows, 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 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:

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 RPC Fellows 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 Winter Institute during 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.