Continuous Improvement Program Manager Jobs in Kentucky

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 supporting the GEAR UP Promise Zone (GUPZ) grant in Harlan County. Reporting to the Project Director, the Program Manager (PM) provides operational leadership for the day-to-day implementation of grant-funded initiatives, ensuring high-quality program execution, effective staff supervision, compliance with grant requirements, continuous improvement, and strong collaboration with schools and community partners.
The Program Manager oversees assigned program activities to ensure alignment with grant objectives, project timelines, performance expectations, and the GEAR UP model. This role fosters a culture of accountability, data-informed decision-making, and operational excellence while supporting the successful implementation of services that improve outcomes for students, families, schools, and communities.
The Program Manager dedicates 100% of their time to GEAR UP Promise Zone grant activities and serves in a year-round capacity. This 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 essential functions.
Grant and Program Management:

• Support the Project Director in ensuring accountability for grant management, including financial, programmatic, and compliance requirements

• Manage assigned components of the project, ensuring alignment with timelines, deliverables, and overall objectives

• Monitor implementation progress, identify potential risks or barriers, and recommend solutions to support successful project execution

Staff Leadership and Program Implementation:

• Provide day-to-day supervision and guidance to project staff, supporting the effective development, implementation, and evaluation of program activities

• Guide staff in program planning and execution to ensure effective implementation and achievement of program goals

• Provide oversight and support to ensure consistent implementation of the GEAR UP Promise Zone model across assigned school sites

• Collaborate with PRI staff to design training materials and deliver training that supports implementation of the community school model

Compliance and Fiscal Stewardship:

• Assist in ensuring compliance with U.S. Department of Education guidelines and all applicable federal legislation and regulations

• Support grant financial management processes by assisting with the collection of supporting documentation, program reporting, and activities that help maintain fiscal integrity

• Ensure the program operates in a fiscally responsible manner, maximizing the effective use of resources

• Monitor documentation and record-keeping practices, recommending process improvements that strengthen operational efficiency, accountability, and compliance

Continuous Improvement and Data Management:

• Lead continuous improvement efforts by monitoring performance, identifying trends, and recommending program and operational adjustments

• Oversee and support data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform decision-making and refine program operations

• Monitor implementation across assigned program areas, using performance data to identify challenges, share best practices, and improve service delivery

Partnership Development:

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with school leaders, community partners, and other stakeholders to support successful program implementation

• Oversee partner match documentation and monitor partnership activities to ensure alignment with grant objectives and program expectations

Other Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission that All Rural Students Succeed.

Position Location & Schedule
This position is designated as an on-site position at the PRI office located in Hazard, KY, and requires work to be performed at the assigned work location during Partners for Rural Impact's (PRI) regular business hours. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET. This position may occasionally require work during the early morning, evening, or weekend hours to support events, training, meetings, and business or program needs.
This is a 12-month, year-round position. Employees in this role follow PRI's work schedule and holiday calendar and are expected to work during periods when the assigned school district is not in session, unless otherwise approved. Regular, reliable onsite attendance is an essential function of this position. Remote or hybrid work is not a standard arrangement for this role.
Routine regional travel is required to support business and program operations, including meetings, trainings, conferences, and other organizational events. Occasional statewide and national travel may also be required, including overnight stays, depending on business needs.
Minimum Qualifications
Education required to ensure success in this position:

• Bachelor's degree in education or related field required, 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 GEAR UP 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:

• 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 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.