Project Director, Full-Service Community Schools State Scale-Up

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 (PD) is a key, full-time position, responsible for management of the project, program development, and refinement of program operations to ensure that objectives are achieved, while following the four FSCS pillars: (1) holistic integrated student supports; (2) expanded, enriched learning time and opportunities from cradle to career; (3) family and community engagement; (4) collaborative leadership and practices. The Project Director must ensure compliance with U.S. Department of Education guidelines; manage daily operations through hiring, supervision, and training of staff; guide staff in the development, implementation, and evaluation of program activities; and operate the program in a fiscally prudent manner that is in compliance with all federal guidelines. Additionally, the Project Director will work with the Kentucky Department of Education, partner districts, evaluators, and data contractors to implement the FSCS data system, ensuring that data drives services, while documenting continuous project improvement. The Project Director 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 daily operations, including staff supervision, hiring, development, implementation and evaluation of program activities
• Develop and refine program operations, ensuring objectives are achieved
• Ensure program compliance within ED guidelines and all fiscal requirements
• Work closely with Kentucky Department of Education, partner districts, evaluators and data contractors to implement the FSCS data system
• Compile all required reports accurately and timely
• Provide leadership to the FSCS Partnership Council
• Identify and engage partners in supporting the FSCS model; develop a sustainability plan to expand and sustain the most effective programs
• Perform related duties

Position Location & Schedule

The position will be considered for 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. 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 educational administration or related field; doctorate preferred

Experience required to ensure success in this position:

• Ten years' experience in program, personnel, and fiscal management
• Experience with federal grants management, including budgetary responsibility
• Supervision and project management experience

Special skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge and leadership in the areas of school reform, college/career readiness, and evaluation
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Capacity to multi-task and achieve deadlines
• Strong organizational, project management and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications
• Familiarity with the full-services community school model
• Belief that all students can succeed

License, certification, or registration necessary:

• Valid driver’s license
• 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 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.