Director Growth & Development

Help shape how Appalachia Advisory grows, builds relationships, and expands its impact across Appalachia.

This is a part-time, volunteer leadership opportunity with Appalachia Advisory, a chartered non-profit corporation connecting students and young professionals with underserved small businesses across Appalachia through pro bono consulting engagements.

As a Director of Growth & Development, you will help lead 3-5 Growth & Development analysts responsible for building the relationships, partnerships, and organizational infrastructure that enable Appalachia Advisory to grow. You will work alongside the Executive Board and lead a team focused on high-priority growth initiatives across our external ecosystem and internal development efforts.

The specific scope of work may vary based on organizational priorities and your interests and experience. Potential areas include strategic partnerships, client sourcing, fundraising, Board of Advisor engagement, donor & partner relations and network & ecosystem strategy. 

Key Responsibilities

• Help develop and execute Appalachia Advisory's broader Growth & Development strategy
• Lead and mentor Growth & Development Analysts and provide direction across high-priority initiatives
• Identify opportunities to expand Appalachia Advisory's reach, partnerships, client pipeline, and organizational capacity
• Develop and maintain relationships with prospective clients, nonprofit and community organizations, universities, government and economic development organizations, corporations, donors, and other stakeholders
• Help strengthen and activate Appalachia Advisory's broader ecosystem, including our Board of Advisors and external professional network
• Identify opportunities to build scalable systems, processes, and resources that support the organization's long-term growth
• Collaborate with the Executive Board and other Directors to align Growth & Development priorities with organizational goals and consulting capacity
• Develop materials, presentations, and updates for organizational leadership and the Board of Advisors
• Identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities within the organization and take ownership of developing solutions
• Represent Appalachia Advisory in conversations with prospective partners, clients, advisors, donors, and community organizations

Ideal Candidates

We are looking for strategic thinkers, relationship builders, and emerging leaders who are excited by the opportunity to help build a growing organization.

Ideal candidates are self-starters who are comfortable operating in an entrepreneurial environment, taking ownership of ambiguous problems, and turning ideas into action. They should be strong communicators, organized project managers, and confident working with both internal teams and external stakeholders.

We are specifically seeking individuals who are passionate about our mission, supporting small businesses, and advancing social impact initiatives that create meaningful change in marginalized communities.

Previous experience in strategy consulting, partnerships, fundraising, marketing, nonprofit leadership, business development, entrepreneurship, or project management is preferred, but demonstrated leadership and initiative are equally valued.

What You'll Gain

• Organizational leadership: Help shape the growth strategy and long-term direction of a growing nonprofit
• Business development experience: Work on real client, partnership, and organizational growth opportunities
• Strategic partnership experience: Build relationships across nonprofit, corporate, academic, government, and community organizations
• Fundraising & development experience: Gain exposure to fundraising, donor engagement, sponsorships, and other development initiatives
• Network strategy: Help develop and activate a growing ecosystem of advisors, professionals, organizations, and community partners
• Team leadership: Mentor Analysts and develop your ability to lead through others
• Strategic problem solving: Work on ambiguous, high-priority organizational challenges with meaningful ownership
• Executive exposure: Collaborate with the Executive Board and Board of Advisors on organizational priorities
• Community impact: Help expand access to strategic resources for underserved small businesses across Appalachia

About Us

Gain real leadership experience with real community impact.

Appalachia Advisory is a chartered non-profit corporation in the State of Tennessee connecting students and young professionals from across the U.S. with small businesses throughout Appalachia.

Through ~8 week pro bono consulting engagements, our teams provide strategic support in areas such as marketing, strategy, operations, growth, and organizational enablement.

Our Growth & Strategy arm helps build the ecosystem that makes this work possible. We identify new client opportunities and develop strategic partnerships to strengthen relationships with advisors, donors, and organizations across the region.

Our work is entirely pro bono for clients, allowing our members to develop meaningful professional experience while creating tangible value for underserved communities.

Position Details

Job Title: Director of Growth & Development
Position Type: Part-Time / Volunteer Leadership Experience
Location: Remote
Schedule: Part-Time
Expected Time Commitment: Approximately 6–8 hours per week
Compensation: Unpaid
Work Authorization: U.S. work authorization not required

Recommended Candidate Background

School Year: Junior, Senior, Graduate Student, or Alumni

Relevant Majors / Backgrounds:
Business Administration & Management, Consulting, Marketing, Finance, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics, Nonprofit Management, Public Policy, Communications, or related fields

 Applications Close September 16, 2026 11:59 PM