Partners for Rural Impact’s (PRI) 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 areas succeed. Partners for Rural Impact was born out of our place-based partnership in Appalachia, where we’ve worked for 25 years to create opportunities and success for students.
Position Summary
The Associate Director of Implementation and Improvement is a full-time employee who will report to the Director of Collaborative Improvement. The role will serve as a cross-functional adaptive leader, supporting the strategic implementation and improvement of grants and initiatives. The role will be responsible for training support, implementation science, and continuous improvement processes. The role will work cross-functionally, engaging key stakeholders across departments, communities, and sectors to align efforts on strategy implementation and improvement. The primary function of this role is to translate organizational strategies into coordinated and measurable actions that are transferable across rural communities. 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 satisfy each primary duty. The requirements of the position are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with regular and predictable attendance essential. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Translate strategic priorities into actionable implementation plans
Design and manage implementation systems aligned to collaborative improvement practices, including planning cycles, progress monitoring, and feedback loops
Facilitate results-based planning processes, including defining outcomes, indicators, and strategies aligned to organizational goals
Monitor performance data and implementation fidelity, using insights to support continuous improvement and course correction
Partners with internal teams and external stakeholders to align efforts, remove barriers, and ensure coordinated execution
Establish and support implementation rhythms led by the Director of Collaborative Improvement (e.g., strategy reviews, progress check-ins, learning cycles)
Build capacity of staff and partners in strategy execution, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making
Identify risks to implementation and elevate insights and recommendations to the Director of Collaborative Improvement
Support the integration of evidence-based practices and continuous improvement methodologies across initiatives
Document progress, outcomes, and lessons learned to inform organizational learning and future strategy development
Maintain a professional relationship with students, families, and teachers, always operating in an ethical manner
Other roles/duties assigned to assist PRI in support of the organizational mission, All Rural Students Succeed
Position Location & Schedule
The position will be considered for remote 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. Because of the nature of responsibility to schools, partners, funders, and 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 public administration, education, organizational or related field required
Master’s degree in public administration, education, organizational leadership, or related field preferred
Experience required to ensure success in this position:
At least 5 years of experience in strategy implementation, program management, continuous improvement, or related work
At least 1 year of supervisory or team leadership experience required
Special skills, knowledge and abilities:
Demonstrated experience translating strategy into execution with measurable outcomes
Strong facilitation skills, including leading cross-functional groups and structured planning processes
Experience using data to inform decision-making and improve performance
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Preferred Experience:
Experience with results-based frameworks (e.g., Results-Based Accountability, collective impact)
Familiarity with implementation science and continuous improvement methodologies
Experience working in cross-sector or community-based initiatives
Background in education, nonprofit, or public sector environments
License, certification, and/or registration necessary:
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 occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
Ability to travel independently by car and plane regionally and nationally
Ability to operate standard office equipment
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.