Project Director, Letcher Promise Neighborhood

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, Letcher Promise Neighborhood, will develop and refine program operations to ensure objective achievement; will manage the daily operations of the program through hiring, supervision, training, and guide the staff in the development, implementation & evaluation of program activities. Incumbent must ensure that the program remains in compliance with ED guidelines and ensure the project operates in a fiscally prudent manner. Additionally, the Project Director will work with the Kentucky Department of Education, partner districts, evaluators, and data contractors to implement the Promise Neighborhood longitudinal data system, ensuring data drives services and continuous improvement of services. 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. 

• Manage the daily operation of the program through supervising, training, and guiding staff in the development, implementation, and evaluation of program activities 
• Develop and refine program operations to ensure achievement of objectives 
• Oversight of budget planning, federal and match ensuring all expenditures are allowable and within the scope of work 
• Compile required reports and monitor partner programmatic activities and outcomes 
• Ensure program compliance with USDOE and EDGAR 
• Guide development of 7-year plan of operation with specific strategies to meet student, parent, and school needs 
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data gathered on program activities, lead continuous improvement cycle using Results-Based Accountability framework 
• Collaborate with the Kentucky Department of Education, partner districts, evaluators and contractors to implement the data system 
• Identify and engage partners in supporting the Promise Neighborhood (PN) model 
• Build and maintain relationships with partners, ensuring all stakeholders (administrators, teachers, students, community members and parents) have input and are held accountable 
• Other roles/duties may be assigned to assist the program in attainment of goals and the enhancement of a positive, respectful learning environment for all staff and students 

Government Relations: 

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key government officials, agencies, and policymakers 
• Advocate for PRI's policy priorities and funding needs in legislative and regulatory processes 
• Successfully create new funding streams to support moving outcomes in rural communities at the state and federal level 
• Influence existing funding streams at the state and federal level to be more equitably accessible to rural communities 
• Provide written and oral testimony at the national and state levels 

Position Location & Schedule 

The Project Director will be located primarily in Letcher County, KY but may be considered for hybrid 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. 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: 

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred in education administration or related field, or significant experience leading educational reform efforts 

Experience required to ensure success in this position: 

• Minimum five years' experience in personnel, program, and fiscal management 
• Organizational management background strongly preferred 

Special skills, knowledge and abilities: 

• Demonstrated experience with federal grants management, including budgetary responsibility 
• Demonstrated knowledge and leadership in complex organizational systems, school reform, college/career readiness, school-based partnerships, and evaluation 
• Excellent written and oral communications skills and presentation skills 
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to multi-task 
• Belief that all students can succeed 

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 
• Occasionally lift up to 20 lbs. 

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.