Project Director, Perkins Innovation and Modernization Initiative

Salary: Salary Grade 9

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 

The Project Director for the Perkins Innovation and Modernization (PIM) Initiative is a key full-time position contingent on grant award. The project director has responsibility for the management of the project; program development and refinement of program operations to ensure that objectives are met and ensuring the program is following the four key components of PIMs including: 1) postsecondary navigation, 2) dual enrollment preparation and course taking, 3) work-based learning, and 4) industry-recognized credentials. The Project Director is responsible for ensuring that the program is in compliance with U.S. Department of Education guidelines; management of daily operation of the program through hiring, supervising, training, and guiding staff in the development, implementation, and evaluation of program activities; and operating the program in a fiscally prudent manner that is in compliance with all federal requirements. Additionally, the project director will work with the Department of Education, partner districts, evaluators, and data contractors to implement the PIM data system, affirming that data drives services, and documenting continuous project improvement. The position leads and operates with the goal that 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. 

  

• Oversee all aspects of the project to include the daily operation of the program through hiring, supervising, training, and guiding staff in the development, implementation, and evaluation of program activities. 
• Develop and refine program operations to ensure that objectives are met. 
• Ensure the program is in compliance with the ED guidelines. 
• Ensure the project is operated in a fiscally prudent manner and is in compliance with all fiscal requirements. 
• Work with the Department of Education, partner districts, evaluators and data contractors to implement the PIM data system; ensure the data drives services; and ensure continuous improvement of services. 
• Compile all required reports accurately and timely. 
• Provide leadership to the PIM Partnership Council. 
• Identify and engage partners in supporting the PIM model; develop a sustainability plan to expand and sustain the most effective programs 
• 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 

The position will be considered for hybrid work, including a combination of in-person and remote work, with local, state, and sometimes national travel required. 

 

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 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 educational administration, or related field, with a doctorate preferred 

 

Experience required to ensure success in this position: 

• Minimum ten years’ experience in personnel, program, and fiscal management 
• Demonstrated experience with federal grants management, including budget responsibility 
• Demonstrated knowledge and leadership in school reform, college/career readiness, and evaluation 
• Belief that all students can succeed; familiarity with navigating the college and career process 

 

Special skills, knowledge and abilities: 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Superior interpersonal and organizational skills 
   

License, certification, or registration necessary: 

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

 
 

Physical requirements: 

• Ability to work in a team environment 
• Occasionally lift or carry up to 20 lbs. 
• Ability to work within a high energy office all day 
• Strong verbal presentation skills 
• Ability to travel independently 
• Ability to drive car/van 
   

Environmental conditions: 

• Work in a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions and shifting priorities 

 

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.