We’re expanding our resilience work in Central Appalachia and hiring someone to help shape the region’s future.
Invest Appalachia is adding a new team member: Rural Resilience Specialist.
This role strengthens community-based resilience networks, climate adaptation efforts, and the investment readiness of projects across the region.
Through a new partnership with the NOAA Climate Adaptation Partnership/Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (CAP/RISA) program, this position will coordinate and strengthen a regional network of funders, practitioners, academics, and community partners to advance climate resilience and disaster recovery.
About the Rural Resilience Specialist Role
The Rural Resilience Specialist will serve as a connector across the region’s climate resilience landscape, helping strengthen the systems that support long-term resilience and disaster recovery.
The work includes supporting regional networks; coordinating with academic partners; strengthening the climate resilience ecosystem; helping advance a pipeline of investment-ready projects; developing tools and training; and supporting research, data, and reporting for IA and NOAA.
This is a full-time remote role for someone residing in or primarily based in Central Appalachia. The position is grant-funded through August 2028.
While applications will be accepted until the position is filled, our priority deadline is December 15, 2025.
Position Snapshot
-
- Coordinates regional partners advancing climate adaptation and disaster recovery
-
- Supports academic collaboration, applied research, and resilience planning
-
- Helps strengthen the regional climate resilience and investment ecosystem
-
- Identifies and supports resilience projects with potential for investment through community-focused and mission-driven capital tools
-
- Contributes to data, evaluation, and reporting in partnership with NOAA
-
- Remote, with up to 25% travel
-
- Salary range: $70,000–$85,000, plus comprehensive benefits
- Full description and Job Announcement below
Support the Search
Share this with partners and colleagues who are excited about long-term resilience in Central Appalachia!
