Partners for Rural Impact’s (PRI) ultimate goal is for an America where all kids are successful, regardless of zip code, income, background, or ability. At PRI, our focus is on ensuring that all children in rural places achieve success. Partners for Rural Impact was born out of our place-based partnership in Appalachia, where we’ve worked for 25 years to create student opportunity and success.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of PRI Appalachia, the Program Director (PD) provides strategic leadership to a portfolio of Partners for Rural Impact programs and grants; will coach and supervise a team of Project Directors for attaining all program and grant outcomes; will implement a continuous improvement model within all grants to ensure high program quality; will ensure that Risk Management is implemented within all programs and compliant with Partners for Rural Impact and funder requirements. Additionally, the PD will provide training and support to Project Directors to ensure a culture of risk management, results-based accountability and results-based leadership within all programs within his/her respective portfolios; and will work with the PRI Appalachia Leadership Team to secure funding to sustain and/or develop programs. The Director of Programs will work to achieve the result All Rural Students Succeed.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements of the position are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with regular and predictable attendance essential. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Partner with PRI Appalachia Leadership Team to secure funding for the sustainment and/or development of programs; identify resource gaps and expansion opportunities
• Maintain expert knowledge of programs and grants with the PRI portfolio to provide strategic leadership, vision, and monitoring of the programs' budget, goals & objectives, and assessment measures
• Launch, implement, and monitor grants, program goals, strategies and strands to support continuous improvement
• Collaborate with team members to develop protocols and processes for risk management within all programs and grants
• Monitor all programs and grants to ensure compliance with PRI and funder requirements
• Reinforce a data-informed culture by implementing and modeling Results Count processes and systems
• Provide oversight, coaching, and mentoring to Project Directors and direct reports to ensure that all team members have the capacity, knowledge, and resources to successfully lead their programs
• Serve on PRI Appalachia's Leadership Team and work to achieve the result All Rural Students Succeed
• Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist and support in the attainment of our mission, All Rural Students Succeed

Position Location & Schedule

This is a remote role requiring extensive travel throughout eastern Kentucky and some national travel, as required.

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET with in-office, hybrid and/or remote work a possibility. Because of the nature of the responsibility to schools, partners, funders, and to the service region, individual offices or departments may have operating hours that extend beyond this period and may include evening and/or weekend hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Education required to ensure success in this position:

• Master’s degree in education, business, social work, or related field

Experience required to ensure success in this position:

• Five years' experience in federal or state grants management
• Five years' experience in supervision and personnel management
• Demonstrated knowledge and leadership in the area(s) of school reform, college and career readiness and program evaluation

Special skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Experience in implementing, monitoring, and evaluating federal or state grants
• Demonstrated proficiency with the financial management of grant funds, understanding of U.S. Department of Education finance guidelines on federal funds
• A commitment to students from diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications, including data processing and financial spreadsheets

License, certification, or registration necessary:

• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment background check

Physical requirements:

• Ability to work in a high energy office
• Ability to accurately communicate and exchange information with partners, stakeholders, and/or meeting participants
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and computer software programs
• Ability to operate motor vehicle
• Ability to travel independently by car and plane to eastern Kentucky, statewide sites, and nationally

Environmental conditions:

• Work in a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions and shifting priorities
• Periodic travel to meetings and events

Additional Company Information

PRI offers a wide array of benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, and health needs of you and your family.

• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts, plus an employee assistance program.
• Life and long-term disability insurance and retirement plan.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, and annual holidays, in addition to paid parental leave.
• Tuition assistance and professional development for employees.

Partners for Rural Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.