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, First-Year Experience (PMFYE) is a full-time, key role with a focus on providing support and resources to first-year college students. The PMFYE will collaborate directly with the Project Director, other GEAR UP Program Managers, college personnel, and key community partners to facilitate a successful transition from high school to college. This role will prioritize initiatives that promote student adjustment, retention, and academic success. The PMFYE will lead efforts to provide first-year college students with resources related to academic planning, financial literacy, time management, and on-campus support services. Additionally, the PMFYE will oversee workshops, training sessions, and community-building activities aimed at addressing common challenges faced by new college students, such as navigating financial aid, understanding scholarship requirements, and adapting to the college environment. 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.

• Design and implement programs to support first-year college students in their transition from high school

• Coordinate with college personnel to schedule workshops on financial literacy, time management, and campus resources

• Organize community-building events, such as peer mentorship programs and transition workshops

• Serve as the primary point of contact for first-year students seeking assistance with financial aid, scholarship renewals, and academic resources

• Lead professional development workshops focused on advising skills, engagement strategies, and student success methodologies

• Collect and analyze data on program effectiveness, student retention, and engagement to enhance services

• Partner with college staff, parents, and community organizations to build a supportive network for first-year students

• Develop and manage peer mentoring groups to foster a sense of belonging and community among first-year students

• Facilitate activities that help students build critical skills, resilience, and a supportive peer network on campus

• Promote campus resources, tutoring services, and extracurricular opportunities available to first-year students

• 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 remote work with local, state, and sometimes national travel required. The home office for this role will be in Hazard, KY.

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 a related field. (Master's degree preferred)

Experience required to ensure success in this position:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in postsecondary support services, college access and success best practices

• Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating programs or workshops aimed at student engagement, retention, or skill-building

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver and adapt programs to meet diverse student needs

Special skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Understanding of student transition challenges and support strategies specific to first-year students, particularly in rural or underrepresented communities

• Ability to design, implement, and assess programs that promote student engagement, retention, and success

• Strong understanding of issues facing rural, Appalachian, or underrepresented student populations and a commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with parents and community partners to create a supportive network for students

• Event planning experience

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Superior interpersonal and organizational skills

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 operate standard office equipment

• 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
  

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.