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Request for Proposals

Evaluation and Learning Partner for the “Community Resilience Collaborative” 

Key Application Timeline

• Deadline for submission: October 9, 2026 via email to [email protected] 
• Estimated contract dates: November 2, 2026 – June 30, 2028 

Background 

Established in 2009, The West Virginia Community Development Hub (The Hub) has led West Virginia’s community development field for 17 years, working alongside rural communities to strengthen local leadership, build partnerships, and advance community-driven economic development projects. Anchored by the belief that residents are the experts in their communities, The Hub equips local leaders with the skills, relationships, and resources needed to envision and implement positive change. In our role as a regional intermediary, The Hub connects community leaders, local governments, nonprofits, and economic development partners across West Virginia and Central Appalachia to reduce barriers to investment and opportunity.  Since its founding, The Hub has supported more than 100 communities across seven states, helping them each to chart a unique path toward locally-driven economic development and leverage more than $100 million in outside funding for projects. 

Building on this experience, The Hub—in partnership with ReImagine Appalachia, Mountain Association, and Appalachian Voices—is launching the Community Resilience Collaborative, a multi-state initiative designed to strengthen civic infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and community resilience across 18 Appalachian communities that are recovering from economic disruption and natural disasters.

While the multi-state Community Resilience Collaborative is supported primarily through a Trust in Practice award by The Allstate Foundation, The Hub has also secured funding for the specific program model being implemented in West Virginia (titled “Accelerate WV”)  via the More Perfect Foundation, and has a pending application for funding with the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Disaster Supplemental Grant Program. Rather than conducting separate evaluations for each funding source, The Hub is implementing one integrated evaluation framework—the Community Resilience Collaborative evaluation—that satisfies reporting and evaluation requirements from funders and partners while generating practical knowledge and best practices about effective community development strategies across the region. 

The Hub seeks an experienced external evaluation partner to support the design and collaborative implementation of the evaluation framework between Fall 2026 and Summer 2028. The ideal partner will bring expertise in mixed-method evaluation, survey methodology, civic infrastructure or social capital research, community-based participatory evaluation, and developmental evaluation approaches. 

The purpose of this request is to solicit proposals from qualified individuals or institutions interested in supporting the West Virginia Community Development Hub as an external evaluation and learning partner. 

Scope of Work 

The selected individual or institution will provide the following services:

1. Evaluation Design Feedback. Provide strategic guidance during final refinement of the community collaborative framework. Responsibilities include:

• Build understanding of coaching framework, timeline, and implementation plans across the Allstate partners and the 18 participating communities  
• Review the draft evaluation framework and timeline and provide recommendations on the research design, methodology, and plan for implementation 
• Recommend approaches for integrating qualitative and quantitative findings, including through the use of participatory research methods 
• Provide recommendations regarding technical tools, data management, confidentiality, and ethics where appropriate

2. Survey Design and Implementation. Support development and implementation of program surveys measuring participant and community outcomes. Responsibilities include:

• Co-design baseline and post-program surveys with The Hub staff
• Refine survey instruments measuring:
  • Civic participation, trust and belonging, community optimism, disaster preparedness and resilience, entrepreneurship and economic opportunity
• Develop survey administration protocols
• Support survey deployment and response monitoring
• Clean and analyze survey datasets
• Produce summary reports comparing baseline and follow-up findings

3. Civic Infrastructure Landscape Analysis. Develop an assessment methodology for understanding changes in civic infrastructure within participating communities. Potential approaches may include:

• Network analysis, stakeholder mapping, civic participation indicators, organizational ecosystem analysis, community leadership mapping, other evidence-based methodologies proposed by the evaluator 
• Deliverables should include:
  • Civic Infrastructure Assessment methodology
  • Baseline analysis
  • Final comparative analysis
  • Interpretation of findings for practitioner audiences

4. Program Outcomes Analysis. Conduct an independent analysis of Community Resilience Collaborative outcomes using multiple data sources. The evaluator will work with The Hub staff to analyze:

• Participant and community outcomes, including unintended results, themes, or connections 
• Lessons learned and best practices for disaster resilience, community readiness, and recovery 
• Methods may include:
  • Mixed-method analysis, interviews, focus groups, Ripple Effects Mapping, document review, observation findings provided by program staff, other methodologies proposed by the evaluator

5. Learning Partnership and Technical Advising. Serve as a learning partner alongside implementation partners. 

• Participate in quarterly learning meetings with implementation partners,
• help interpret interim findings,
• recommend course corrections during implementation, and
• ensure the evaluation supports continuous learning rather than only end-of-project reporting.

Specific deliverables will include:

Fall 2026

• Evaluation design review and recommendations 
• Design + creation of survey instruments
• Survey implementation 
• Consultation and recommendation for civic infrastructure assessment methodology 

Winter 2026–2027

• Baseline survey analysis
• Implementation of civic infrastructure landscape analysis
• Presentation of initial findings to project partners

Spring–Summer 2027

• Participation in program observations, partner learning sessions as requested
• Support with mid-program evaluations 

Winter 2027–Summer 2028

• Final survey analysis
• Final civic infrastructure landscape analysis
• Program outcomes analysis
• Executive summary of findings
• Final evaluation report suitable for multiple funders and stakeholders 

Desired Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants with experience in one or more of the following:

• Community development or rural economic development research 
• Civic engagement or civic infrastructure research
• Disaster resilience research 
• Entrepreneurship ecosystem evaluation
• Multi-site or multi-state evaluations
• Participatory evaluation methods
• Program evaluation
• Mixed-method research
• Experience working in Appalachia or other rural regions (preferred)

Project Timeline

The anticipated evaluation period is November 2026 through June 2028, with major activities aligned to the program implementation timeline. Approximate milestones include:

Timeline Activity

Nov–Dec 2026 Evaluation design refinement

Dec 2026–Feb 2027 Baseline data collection including survey implementation and civic infrastructure assessment

Feb–Dec 2027 Ongoing analysis and technical support

Jan–Mar 2028 Final data collection

Apr–Jun 2028 Final analysis and reporting

The Hub anticipates working collaboratively with the selected evaluator throughout the project and expects regular check-ins to review progress and emerging findings.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated understanding of the project
• Experience conducting comparable evaluations
• Quality and feasibility of the proposed methodology
• Qualifications of project personnel
• Ability to collaborate and communicate findings effectively 
• Cost and overall value 

Conditions

• This contract will be supported through grant funding. The Hub reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, negotiate scope and budget with selected applicants, or cancel this solicitation if the circumstances warrant.
• The Hub makes every effort to pay contracts within 30 days of receipt of invoice. Contracts may be cancelled with 30 days notice in writing from either party. 

Questions About the Project

Questions about the project can be emailed to Katie Loudin at [email protected] by the deadline of September 18, 2026. The Community Resilience Collaborative will publish a Frequently Asked Questions document with responses on The Hub’s website at wvhub.org. Responses to questions will also be sent via email no later than September 28, 2026. 

RFP Response Submission Process

Interested individuals and/or institutions are invited to submit the following materials in PDF form via email to Katie Loudin ([email protected]) by October 9, 2026. 

• Letter summarizing  qualifications, interest in the project, and relevant project experience
• A summary of the individual or institution’s approach to collaborative partnerships, as well as participatory research and evaluation design, implementation, and analysis. 
• A brief description of the planned approach to this project, including activities, milestones, methodology and research platforms (eg. for conducting surveys).  
• Qualifications of project personnel, including resumes or CVs.
• Examples of past projects that demonstrate relevant experience.
• Proposed budget (October 2026 – April 2028)  including personnel, supplies, materials, and travel. 

Responses will be accepted until October 9, 2026. A selection will be made in October 2026. The Hub anticipates work will commence with the selected external evaluation and learning partner around November 2, 2026. The budget for this scope of work should not exceed $125,000. 

KWA is now accepting applications for its next Executive Director.
This is an exciting, pivotal moment for KWA. Over the past several years, the organization has significantly expanded its staff, programs, partnerships, and statewide impact. Today, KWA works with communities and partners across Kentucky to protect clean water through policy and advocacy, restore waterways and watersheds, and create opportunities for people throughout the Commonwealth to connect with and celebrate Kentucky’s extraordinary rivers, streams, and lakes. KWA is seeking a collaborative, strategic, energetic, and imaginative leader who can build on that momentum and guide the organization into its next chapter. The Executive Director will lead a talented statewide team, work closely with KWA’s Board and partners, strengthen and diversify the organization’s financial resources, and serve as a compelling advocate for clean water and healthy waterways across Kentucky.

About PEC

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) conserves and restores the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.

Your Role

PEC is seeking an enthusiastic and passionate individual to join our team and advocate for sustainable energy solutions in PEC’s nine-county region and the Commonwealth. The Senior Energy and Climate Policy Analyst will report to the Senior Energy and Climate Advisor and work in coordination with PEC’s Land Use and State Policy staff to represent the organization in energy policy matters at the local, regional and state level.

The analyst will further develop positions on significant areas of energy policy that impact our region and work with PEC staff to ensure those positions are consistently and accurately represented.

Other responsibilities include participating in the Virginia Conservation Network’s working groups related to energy matters and collaborating with individual partners on statewide and regional campaigns and legislative efforts that further the mission of the organization. This includes developing and advancing policy solutions on key energy/climate related issues (e.g., distributed generation development, utility-scale solar siting, agrivoltaics, storage, etc.) for our region and assisting in the identification and development of legislation that may be necessary to accomplish organizational goals.

A strong applicant will communicate effectively (written and verbally) with all levels throughout the organization and beyond. They must have a technical background in energy and climate policy with a commitment to advancing sustainable and clean energy policy solutions and environmental justice rulings, while keeping energy providers accountable. Familiarity with all aspects of energy production, transmission, distribution and regulation at state and federal levels is required. A working knowledge of land use planning and land conservation would be beneficial.

Key Responsibilities

Activities and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serving as a technical resource, providing guidance and recommendations to local land use representatives and management on local energy and climate-related issues, including, but not limited to, advising local zoning and ordinance development related to clean energy, providing input on energy projects, and assisting with implementation of local policies that encourage distributed generation.
• Facilitating the development of pilot projects and working with the PEC Communications team to highlight key distributed generation projects in the Piedmont region.
• Developing shareable metrics and data analysis for distributed generation projects (i.e., graphs highlighting data from PEC’s agrivoltaics project, solar energy savings charts/calculators, etc.)
• Assisting with research related to the development of legislative priorities and legislative language.
• Monitoring energy generation, transmission, transport and extraction trends and regulatory matters at the regional and state levels in anticipation of future challenges.
• Working with the President, Senior Energy and Climate Advisor, and Director of Land Use to evaluate and demonstrate the potential for distributed energy resource investments in our region (i.e., parking lot and rooftop solar, agrivoltaics, virtual power plants) and working with stakeholders to advance those projects.
• Staying apprised of and weighing in on energy plans, climate policy and related legislation.
• Assisting the President, Senior Energy and Climate Advisor and other relevant staff in the development of PEC responses to energy projects or issues of local, regional or statewide import.
• Updating staff regularly on energy matters.
• Representing the organization on technical advisory committees and workgroups (distributed generation, agrivoltaics, storage, etc.) at the state level and in regional energy discussions as needed.
• Working directly with Senior Energy and Climate Advisor and allied organizations to organize the public around campaigns, policies and outcomes supportive of the PEC mission, such as Solarize Piedmont, our annual Solar on the Farm events and certain legislative and regulatory actions.
• Developing summaries and reports for PEC’s website, online alerts, newsletters and fundraising materials.
• Analyzing the impact(s) of energy policy on meeting climate objectives both locally and statewide.
• Collaborating with Senior Energy and Climate Advisor, Communications and Advancement staff to secure appropriate funding, highlight the benefits of PEC’s energy work in the region, and mobilize supporters and the public at large.
• Representing PEC at public events and community functions, to potentially include appearing in organization social media, print publications and digital channels.

Geographic Focus

This position will be based out of PEC’s headquarters office in Warrenton, VA or in a hybrid manner to be decided jointly with their supervisor. PEC’s hybrid work policy includes a requirement of at least one day per week in the office. This position will require travel within PEC’s nine-county service area and Richmond, Virginia. Occasional nights and weekends may be required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in energy resources, public policy, engineering, or related field and a minimum of 7 years work experience is required.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including ability to
• write, edit and proofread written materials for PEC staff, Board of Directors, supporters and the public at large.
• Ability to organize, coordinate and manage diverse activities and deadlines with minimal
• supervision.
• Familiarity with computers and the use of online tools, such as Google Suite/Microsoft Office productivity software and GIS.
• Willingness and ability to work some weekends and evenings as events and meetings dictate.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of regulated natural gas and electric industry. Virginia, PJM and/or Dominion territory – specific knowledge is preferred.
• Effective interpersonal skills, including ability and desire to build relationships with a
• diverse constituency that includes political officials, nonprofit representatives, consultants and community members with a wide range of backgrounds, professions and perspectives.
• Ability to work in and create an effective and positive team environment, fostering mutual
• trust, respect and cooperation among staff and volunteers.
• Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

This position will be completed in an office environment. Office work requires extended sitting or standing and the use of a computer, keyboard, and mouse. Occasional lifting of materials up to 30 lbs. is required.  Due to the public-facing nature of PEC’s mission and community events, employees may occasionally be photographed, filmed or quoted for use in organization publications, promotional materials, social media and website content.

Compensation

Salary range is $80,000 – $100,000 and negotiable within the posted range, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits

PEC offers an outstanding and robust benefits package including:

• Two health plans (83% employer paid premium for employee only plan, 80% employer paid for added dependents)
• Short- & Long-Term Disability*
• Group Term Life*
• Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity insurances*
• HSA account (with employer match up to $750 per year)
• FSA accounts (health & dependent care)
• 403(b) pension plan with employer contribution after 1 year of service with 100% vesting from day one
• 10 paid holidays
• 2 floating holidays
• PTO leave – 24 days per year, accrued each pay period
• 1 day per year of paid leave to volunteer at another non-profit or charitable cause
• Salary continuation leave for employee or family illness – from 2 to 8 weeks fully paid leave eligibility every 24 months, depending on length of service
• Paid bereavement, jury duty and military service training leave
• Travel expense reimbursement
• Hybrid work environment and flexible work schedules
• Cell phone reimbursement, up to $75 per month
• Professional development support
• Payment for relevant licenses & professional membership fees.

*Indicates that this insurance premium is 100% paid by PEC for employee’s coverage.

Application Process

Interested applicants should fill out our job application form. Candidates must submit a cover letter and resumé as a PDF. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Application Deadline: Sept. 6th, 2026 The position will remain open until it is filled.

Desired start date: October 12th, 2026

If your qualifications and experience are a good fit, PEC will reach out to you within 2 weeks of receiving your application or 5 weeks after the application deadline closes, whichever is later. The following is what you can expect as part of our hiring process:

1. First Round of Interviews (Panel / Hiring Manager, Phone / In-Person)
2. Second Round of Interviews (Panel / Hiring Manager, Virtual / In-Person)
3. Final Interview with Hiring Manager and President (Virtual / In-Person)
4. Reference Check
5. Offer Letter and Background Check

The Piedmont Environmental Council recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job, and therefore our job descriptions are guidelines. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process may be requested. If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected].

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.

The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum is seeking a full-time Education Coordinator to lead and grow the Museum’s educational programming and outreach. This role is central to how the Museum engages students, educators, and the public, translating history into accessible, relevant learning experiences across the region.

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis.

To apply: Complete the application form and be prepared to include:

• A cover letter
• Your resume or CV
• Three professional references (including at least one former supervisor)
• Work samples that demonstrate related job capabilities.If you have any questions about the role or qualifications, please contact Thomas Jude at [email protected].

**Are you passionate about the outdoors and community connection?** Join AmeriCorps in Elkins, WV, as a vital bridge between the stunning Monongahela National Forest and its vibrant gateway communities. Based at the forest headquarters—with exciting potential to expand to the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center and Cranberry Mountain Nature Center—you will serve as the welcoming face of public lands. In this dynamic role, you will provide essential visitor services, deliver crucial safety and directional guidance, and help travelers seamlessly navigate the incredible recreation opportunities and local amenities that tie this beautiful region together.

Beyond customer service, you will unleash your creativity by amplifying the forest’s story through digital media and public affairs support. Collaborating directly with the U.S. Forest Service and the Mon Forest Towns Partnership (MFTP), you will draft engaging social media content, author web blogs, design regional promotional materials like maps and brochures, and coordinate press releases. If you are ready to build invaluable skills in public relations, communication, and natural resource management while making a tangible economic and conservation impact in West Virginia, apply today and help us care for the land and serve the people!