Associate Director, Implementation and Improvement

Partners for Rural Impact • Remote- Continental United States, KY

13d • Remote

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, education, organizational or related field
• 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
• 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
• Access to reliable transportation
• Successfully complete pre-employment background check

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in public administration, education, organizational leadership, or related field preferred
• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program
• Life and long-term disability insurance
• Retirement plan
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, and annual holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition assistance
• Professional development for employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level