Project Director, GEAR UP Promise Zone

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 

Project Director for PRI’s GEAR UP Promise Zone grant is a key full-time position. Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Project Director will work closely with partners, school systems, and stakeholders to ensure objectives are met. The Project Director is responsible for ensuring that the program complies with the 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 follows all federal requirements. Additional responsibilities include utilizing Results Based Accountability (RBA) and engaging stakeholders in aligning contributions and braiding funding to achieve the project objectives. 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 , 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 project operations to ensure that objectives are met 

• Manage a federal budget, and ensure that all expenditures are allowable, allocable and reasonable 

• Ensure services as proposed in the grant application are being effectively and efficiently delivered 

• Manage project budgets and work with lead agencies/partners to ensure all expenditures are allowable and within the scope of the work 

• Audit and approve all required reports 

• Work with the Director of Programs and Data and Evaluation Team to ensure fidelity in delivery of services, alignment to logic model, and progress toward outcomes 

• Ensure data is collected in a timely and efficient manner and provide feedback to key stakeholders 

• Guide development of yearly Results Plan ensuring strategies meet the needs of students, schools, and families 

• Provide leadership and vision to the project consortiums – particularly key partners in ensuring continuous improvement 

• 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 Project Director will be located in one of the Promise Zone designated counties of eastern Kentucky. This position may be considered for hybrid work with local, state, and sometimes national travel . Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with in-office and/or remote work a possibility. Because of the nature of the responsibility to schools, partners, funders, and 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 applicable field 

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.  

• Experience and commitment to working within rural communities.  

• Demonstrated success in a complex, fast-paced, high-performing organization, with the ability to prioritize projects and work cross-functionally. 

Special skills, knowledge and abilities: 

• Demonstrated knowledge and leadership in the areas of school reform, parent engagement or program evaluation  

• Familiarity with GEAR UP.  

• A commitment to the whole-child approach.  

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.  

• Capacity to multi-task and achieve deadlines.  

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.  

• A commitment to students from diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds.  

• Computer skills including Microsoft Office applications, Adobe, Instructional Design Software. 

License, certification, or registration necessary: 

• Access to reliable transportation  

• 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 travel independently by car and plane both locally 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.