Research and Data Coordinator
Appalachia Funders Network (AFN)
Salary range: $68,000 – $78,000 (commensurate with experience)
Location: Remote
The Appalachia Funders Network (AFN) is a cross-sector funder network working collaboratively
to support a just Appalachian transition. Our members include private and family foundations,
government agencies, banks, and community development entities. As a growing organization,
AFN seeks to expand its capacity for data collection, analysis, and dissemination to support
disaster recovery efforts, strategic philanthropic investments, and regional economic
development. The Research and Data Coordinator will play a critical role in developing AFN’s
data infrastructure, ensuring funders and partners have access to timely, accurate, and
actionable information to guide recovery and long-term investment strategies.
AFN is fiscally sponsored by the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky (FAKY), a nationally
accredited community foundation based in Hazard, KY. The Research and Data Coordinator will
be a remote employee with access to FAKY’s benefits package, including a generous retirement
plan, full vision and dental coverage, and health insurance with 100% of the employee’s
premium covered by the employer.
Position Summary
The Research and Data Coordinator will be responsible for gathering, structuring, analyzing,
and visualizing critical data from AFN members, government agencies, and philanthropic
partners. A significant part of the role will be convening monthly meetings focused on tracking
Helene recovery efforts across all impacted communities, not just Appalachia, using data to
assess ongoing needs and funding gaps. Additionally, the coordinator will establish and
maintain a cadence for meetings related to other intersectional data needs tied to the region’s
recovery, ensuring that AFN members and partners have the necessary information to guide
their funding and philanthropic strategies.
This position will also coordinate ongoing research projects with partners and contractors
concerning regional funding trends, the local news and information media ecosystem, and other
topics relevant to AFN’s mission. The coordinator will develop interactive dashboards, GIS
mapping tools, and data reports to make regional trends and funding landscapes easily
accessible, supporting both immediate disaster response and long-term planning.
Key Responsibilities
Data Collection, Analysis, and Visualization
- Serve as the central hub for collecting, uplifting, and platforming data focused on Central
Appalachia
- Collecting, consolidating, and visualizing data related to Helene recovery and broader
AFN research efforts.
- Develop and maintain GIS mapping tools, interactive dashboards, and other data
visualizations to track regional funding, disaster response, and long-term recovery.
- Establish structured data collection processes, including survey tools and partner
reporting mechanisms, to ensure consistent and reliable updates from funders,
government agencies, and community partners.
- Cross-reference public datasets (e.g., FEMA funding, USDA investments, CDC Social
Vulnerability Index) with member-submitted data to identify funding gaps and disparities
in recovery efforts.
- Provide regular updates and reports to AFN members, tracking trends over time and
helping guide philanthropic investments.
Partner Engagement, Research Coordination, and Data Management
- Convene and facilitate monthly meetings on Helene recovery data, ensuring that funders
and partners have up-to-date insights on the status of disaster recovery across affected
regions as well as ongoing community needs.
- Establish a structured cadence for meetings focused on other intersectional data needs
beyond Helene recovery, aligning with AFN’s broader research priorities.
- Work with AFN members, partners, and government agencies to ensure consistent data
sharing and integration into AFN’s systems.
- Develop and maintain a transparent and accessible data repository that allows funders
and stakeholders to access the latest information.
- Coordinate and manage ongoing research projects with external partners and
contractors, focusing on topics such as the state of funding in the region and the local
news and information media ecosystem.
Technology and Infrastructure Development
- Oversee the development and maintenance of a data platform for AFN and its many
network partners, ensuring usability and long-term sustainability.
- Manage GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.), data storage systems, and security
protocols to protect sensitive information.
- Work with web developers to integrate data visualization tools into AFN’s public-facing
websites.
- Stay up to date on best practices in disaster recovery tracking, philanthropy data
analysis, and GIS mapping to continually enhance AFN’s research efforts.
Qualifications
- Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.) and
GIS mapping.
- Strong skills in data analysis, dashboard development, and research methodology.
- Knowledge of public datasets relevant to philanthropy, economic development, and
disaster recovery (e.g., FEMA, USDA, Census Bureau).
- Relational skills to engage funders and partners in data-sharing agreements and ensure
ongoing collaboration.
- Experience structuring large datasets and managing ongoing data collection processes.
- Strong project management and organizational skills to track multiple data sources,
produce timely reports, and manage research efforts effectively.
- Proficiency in Google Suite, database management, and online survey tools (Google
Forms, Typeform, SurveyMonkey, etc.).
- Ability to work independently in a remote setting while collaborating with a diverse set of
stakeholders.
- A strong commitment to equity and social justice in data collection and research
practices.
Preferred Qualifications
- A master’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as data science, research methods,
economics, or social sciences.
- Experience with philanthropic research, disaster recovery data tracking, or community
development initiatives.
- Familiarity with Appalachian regional challenges, culture, and funding landscapes.
- Background in nonprofit, policy, or academic research with a focus on economic
development, equity, or disaster response.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $68,000 – $78,000 (commensurate with experience).
- Employer-paid health insurance, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement benefits with employer contributions (vested after 6-months FTE).
- Technology stipend to support remote work setup.
- Occasional travel opportunities for site visits and convenings (public safety permitting).
Employment Term & Location
This position is currently funded for two years, with the goal of securing additional funding for
long-term sustainability. The first six months will be a probationary contract period, after which
the position will transition into full-time employment if both parties agree it is a good fit.
The Research and Data Coordinator must be based in or willing to relocate to an Appalachian
Regional Commission-designated county within West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Tennessee,
Kentucky, or North Carolina. This is a remote position, with support provided for home office
technology and communication needs.
Application Process
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and two data-related work samples (such as a
report, data visualization, or dashboard screenshot) to [email protected] with
“Research and Data Coordinator” in the subject line.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority consideration given to those
received by March 31, 2025. The anticipated start date is between May 1-15, 2025 (flexible).
AFN and its fiscal sponsor, the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, are equal-opportunity
employers committed to building an inclusive and diverse team. We encourage applications
from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience in the Appalachian
region.
