Associate Director Programs Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Partners for Rural Impact's (PRI)ultimategoal 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 ruralplacesachieve success. Partners for Rural Impact was born out of our place-based partnership in Appalachia, wherewe'veworked for 25 years to create studentopportunityand success.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Associate Director (AD)is responsible forthe successful execution, performance, and compliance of a portfolio of programs and grants from launch through close-out. This role oversees program quality, financial stewardship, risk management, and measurable outcomes to ensure all initiatives meet grant requirements and organizational expectations.The ADmaintainsa strong working knowledge of each project's design, staffing, budget, performance metrics, and operational risks, using data tomonitorprogress,identifygaps, and support continuous improvement. In partnership with the Director, the AD ensures Project Directors have the tools, support, and accountability structures needed to achieve results aligned with grantobjectives, school accountability systems, curriculum standards, and state assessments.This role enforces strong compliance across human resources,financial management, contracts, procurement, data governance, and audit readiness, while fostering a culture of ownership, transparency, and results-based accountability.The position leads andoperateswith the goal thatAll 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 abilityrequired, with regular and predictable attendance essential. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Program & Grant Management

• Partner with Project Directors to ensure the successful execution of programs and grants across the full lifecycle, including launch, implementation, monitoring, and close-out

• Ensure programs align with grant requirements, school accountability systems, curriculum standards, and state assessments

• Support day-to-day operations andlead assigned workstreams within the portfolio

• Facilitate collaboration across teams and partners to promote alignment, communication, and shared accountability

Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor grant deliverables, implementation progress, performance measures, and operational data toidentifyemerging concerns, supporttimelyintervention, and inform course correction efforts in partnership with the Director of Programs

• Analyze program data and reports toidentifygaps, elevate risks, and support continuous improvement across the portfolio

• Foster a culture of accountability,high expectations, and continuous improvement to ensure staff have the knowledge, support, and resources needed for success

Compliance, Financial Oversight & Risk Management

• Support leadership inmaintainingcompliance acrossfinancial management, human resources, data governance, contracts, procurement, and audit readiness

• Ensure expenditurescomply withfederal and grant requirements for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness, withappropriate documentationand financial controls in place

• Identify,monitor, and mitigate programmatic, financial, and operational risks to support effective risk management practices

• Ensure consistent implementation of organizational policies, procedures, and operational standards across all programs

Leadership & Staff Support

• Provide coaching, guidance, and oversight to Project Directors to strengthen program implementation, problem-solving, and results

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program goals andmaintaina positive, respectful learning environment for staff and students

• Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary toassistand support in the attainment of our mission, All Rural Students Succeed

Position Location & Schedule

The positionis a hybrid position with in-office presencerequiredin Hazard, KYwith local, state, and sometimes national travelrequired.

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.ETwith in-office, hybrid and/or remoteworka 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 human servicesor a related field,Master'sdegree preferred

Experience required to ensure success in this position:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in program administration, federal or state grant management,nonprofit leadership,educationor a related fieldwith a bachelor's degree

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in program administration, federal or state grant management, education,nonprofit leadership, or a related field with amaster's degree

• Supervisory experiencerequiredif the role includes direct staff supervision

• Experience analyzing and using data to develop strategies that improve student outcomes and academic performance

• Experiencefacilitatingmeetings, cross-functional teams, and working groups to drive results and collaboration

• Experience providing technicalassistance, operational support, and problem-solving guidance

• Experience with federal grant management, budget oversight, project management, and staff supervision

• Experience managing the day-to-day operations of grant-funded programs

Special skills,knowledgeand abilities:

• Experience with data collection, analysis and planning nextsteps

• Experience implementing,monitoringand evaluating federal or stategrants

• Experience hiring and trainingstaff

• Experience with management of grant funds, including understanding guidelines on federalfunds

• Capacity to manage multiple tasks and to meet deadlines andexpectations

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Computer skills including data processing and financialspreadsheets

• Superior interpersonal and organizational skills

• Belief that all rural students cansucceed

License, certification, or registration necessary:

• Must have access to reliable transportation

• 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 tooperatestandard 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 shiftingpriorities

• 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 employeeassistanceprogram.

• 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.

• Tuitionassistanceand 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.