Summer Economic Development Research Intern

About Appalachian Voices

Appalachian Voices is a nonprofit advocacy organization that brings people together to protect the land, air, and water of Central and Southern Appalachia and advance a just transition to a clean energy economy. We currently have over 40 staff members across the region, with offices located in Boone, North Carolina; Charlottesville, Virginia; Norton, Virginia; and Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Commitment to Equity

Appalachian Voices is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion both in our work and in our organizational structure. We seek applicants who share and exhibit these principles. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

We understand people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We encourage candidates to review the position details and responsibilities listed. If you have the transferable skills necessary to fulfill many of the requirements of this role, we encourage you to apply. We may tailor the role to a talented or passionate candidate.

Position Details

Appalachian Voices is seeking an Economic Development Research Intern for the summer of 2025 (anticipated term of May through August).

Federal investments including those from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, annual appropriations bills, the Farm Bill, and more are making their way to disadvantaged communities in Appalachia. This internship will focus on researching investments from economic development programs in coal-impacted communities, including for clean energy, climate resiliency, outdoor recreation, manufacturing and other economic development initiatives, in support of lobbying and advocacy efforts. 

The intern should be interested in learning about federal funding programs and how community-based organizations, businesses, and local governments use these funds for local projects and investments. Depending on the intern’s interests and skills, the internship will include conducting interviews, researching stories, writing and revising articles, writing a report, developing fact sheets, procuring images, producing videos, and/or developing social media content.

The position will report to the Director of Government Affairs & Strategy.  The start date and timing for this internship are flexible – the intern may begin in May 2025 or later and may work 20-40 hours per week for the contract term depending on candidate availability and as workload demands. This is a remote opportunity.

Skills/qualifications: 

• Commitment to environmental justice and Appalachia;
• Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills;
• Ability to meet deadlines and work well within a fast-paced team;
• Detail-oriented;
• Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds, including diverse political affiliations;
• Able to perform duties with minimal supervision;
• Flexible and able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances;
• A well-developed sense of humor.
   

To Apply: 

Using this link, please submit your resume and a short-answer response to: why do you want to serve as the Economic Development Research Intern? In addition to your resume and response, please include 2-3 writing samples (pieces written for a public audience preferred, but academic samples accepted).

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