September 2, 2026

Title: Responsible Development Associate

Scope of Work: ReImagine Appalachia has been a regional leader in the conversation around responsible development with community benefits in Appalachia since 2020. This position will help grow that work by facilitating and supporting partnership development and networking as well as conducting, compiling and sharing research on best practices and policies for maximizing benefits to communities from publicly-subsidized economic development efforts, including data center development, in Appalachia.  The Responsible Development Associate will assist with the development and implementation of a dynamic, multi-state strategy in close consultation with our Director of Programs as well as the ReImagine Appalachia co-directors, advisory committee, and other members of the ReImagine Appalachia team and network.  

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Lead the creation of educational resources, issue briefs, webinars, training materials, and communications that translate complex development issues into practical tools for local leaders.
• With input from the team, plan and host activities designed to educate as well as to build stronger alliances across partner groups to ensure that the Appalachian region benefits from taxpayer investments. 
• Support the development of model community benefit frameworks and best practices
• Help mobilize public, stakeholder, and policymaker support for responsible development. 
• Support the development of, and the implementation of, an outreach strategy to educate, learn from and engage union, environmental and racial justice leaders, elected officials, their staff and other decisionmakers.
• Support research on the topic of responsible development in Appalachia, including questions around the development of data centers and sustainable manufacturing.
• Work with partners to expand the number and diversity of engaged organizations and supporters through communication and training, webinars, and other events designed to engage organizations and supporters in our research and advocacy

Qualifications:

• One – five years experience in a related field, or, an alternative equivalent combination of education and work experience
• Demonstrated commitment and sensitivity to the unique concerns of underrepresented communities and organized labor. 
• Well-developed interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, and the ability to work effectively and professionally with different internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced and changing environment, to take initiative and to independently manage multiple priorities.
• Responsiveness; managing relationships, correspondence and documents in a timely manner, with clear and effective written and oral communications
• Excellent communication (written and oral) skills
• Proficiency with Google Workspace tools such as Google Documents, Sheets, Slides, and other online collaborative tools such as Zoom.
• The ideal candidate is someone deeply invested in the region. We value knowledge of or a willingness to learn about the political landscape, labor and community networks in the Ohio River Valley; regional cultural competency; a background in public policy, economics, political science and/or community or political organizing; as well as experience in educating and convening community leaders and grass tops stakeholders.

Reports to: Director of Programs

Compensation Range: This is a remote-based contract position. Achieving monthly project deliverables not to exceed a billing for 120 hours per month at a rate between $25.00-$40.00/hour (depending on relevant experience). This is a six month contract. After the six month period, there is potential for the contract to be extended or the position to evolve into full-time employment.

Location: This position is fully remote. However, preference will be given to residents of the Appalachian portion of West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Kentucky.  

Travel: Though day-to-day work is fully remote, the applicant should expect travel to in-person events within the region a few times per year. 

Start and end dates are negotiable.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:Diversity, equity, and inclusion are all important at ReImagine Appalachia – our coalition will provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law