Program Manager, 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 

This is a key full-time position with Partners for Rural Impact for the Full Service Community Schools Promise Zone State Scale-Up project. Reporting to the Project Director, the Program Manager (PM) has responsibility for the day-to-day supervision of staff implementing the project; management of portions of the project; continuous improvement to ensure that objectives are met; assisting the Project Director with financial and program compliance with U.S. Department of Education guidelines; guiding staff in the development, implementation, and evaluation of program activities; working 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 and in compliance with all federal requirements. Additionally, the PM will work closely with the Project Director to ensure alignment with the Kentucky Department of Education, partner districts, evaluators, and data contractors to ensure data is collected, analyzed, and shared within the program to refine operations. The Program Manager will work to achieve the result- 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 

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

• Consistently 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 

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

• Ensure paperwork is completed accurately 

• Remain current on all rules and regulations; accountable for grant compliance with Federal legislation and regulations 

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

• 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 Program Manager will be located primarily in Appalachia Kentucky 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 in education or related field, master’s degree preferred 

Experience required to ensure success in this position: 

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

• Demonstrated experience with federal grants compliance, including budget responsibility 

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

• Belief that all students can succeed, and familiarity with the full services community school model 

Special skills, knowledge and abilities: 

• Exceptional 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 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 

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.