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 Program Manager (PM), Academics is a full-time, key role responsible for the implementation of academic services and academic case management across the continuum including early learning, intermediate and transitions. Reporting to the Project Director, Letcher Promise Neighborhood, the PM will work closely with the Project Director, school districts, other PRI staff, and community partners. This work includes leading development and implementation of the Promise Neighborhood academic strategies and services for all districts, providing professional development to academic interventionists and other staff around case management, evaluation of case management, data collection and analysis. The PM provides oversight of case management ensuring best practices are followed in case management and academic services, that evidence-based programs are implemented, and that academic caseload data is monitored, making necessary implementation modifications. The PM will assist schools in developing integrated Promise Neighborhood academic program plans that align with their school plans. The PM will work with PRI staff in designing materials and training school and program staff on the community school model; and operating the program in a fiscally prudent manner that is in compliance with all federal requirements. 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.

• Accountable for grant financial management, including collection of all supporting documentation and program reporting staying in compliance with Federal legislation and regulations

• Supervise staff coordinating academic services, ensuring seamless collaboration among all areas of continuum

• Work with PRI staff and schools to support student achievement toward Promise Neighborhood target and results

• Provide training and professional development around case management and academic services to staff

• Create standards of operation and train staff and key partners on uniform guidance, scope of work, allowable expenses and documentation requirements

• Align Kentucky Department of Education, partner districts, evaluators, and data contractors to ensure data is collected, analyzed, and shared with program staff

• Monitor departmental documentation and record keeping with a focus on improving efficiencies in daily operations

• Continuously review documentation to identify, analyze and interpret trends or patterns and recommend program changes and standard operating procedure adjustments

• Develop and maintain partner relationships and partner match documentation

• Maintains financial integrity of the grant through training staff, verifying and approving expenditures

• 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 located remotely in KY 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 in education or related field; Master’s preferred

Experience required to ensure success in this position:

• Minimum five years’ experience in personnel, program, and fiscal management

• Minimum five years’ experience in elementary, intermediate and/or secondary education

• Demonstrated experience with federal grants compliance, including budget responsibility

• Demonstrated knowledge and leadership in school reform, college/career readiness, and evaluation

• Familiarity with the community school model

Special skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Superior interpersonal and organizational skills

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills regarding finance and statistical analysis

• Knowledge of database operations and management

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Demonstrated analytical skills

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting with a focus on problem solving

• Experience in implementing, monitoring and evaluating federal or state grants

• Experience with the financial management of grant funds, including understanding of U.S. Department of Education financial guidelines on federal funds

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

• Computer skills including data processing and financial spreadsheets; Microsoft Office, Adobe

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 occasionally lift up to 25 lbs

• Ability to travel independently by car and plane regionally and nationally

• Ability to operate standard office equipment

• Ability to operate motor vehicle

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.