Associate Director, Implementation and Improvement

Associate Director Of Implementation And Improvement

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.