Position Summary

The Senior Director, Rural Early Childhood Systems, reporting to the Chief of Staff- Level II, provides strategic, operational, and thought leadership for PRI's Rural Early Childhood Initiative. This position is responsible for advancing PRI's vision for strengthening rural early childhood systems by leading the development, implementation, sustainability, and growth of the organization's early childhood portfolio.

The Senior Director serves as the strategic lead for this body of work, positioning PRI as a recognized leader in rural early childhood systems change and place-based innovation. The Senior Director oversees the implementation of complex, cross-sector initiatives while building the organizational infrastructure, partnerships, staff capacity, learning agenda, and funding strategy necessary for long-term success. Working collaboratively across PRI and with community partners, philanthropic organizations, government agencies, higher education institutions, and national networks, this position advances systems-level solutions that elevate family leadership, strengthen trusted caregiver networks, promote continuous learning, and improve outcomes for children and families in rural communities.

This is a grant-funded position with an initial funding period of two years. Continued employment is dependent upon future funding and organizational needs.

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 the essential functions.

Strategic Leadership:

• Lead the strategic direction, implementation, and long-term growth of PRI's Rural Early Childhood Initiative

• Translate organizational priorities into multi-year strategies, annual operating plans, and measurable implementation goals

• Identify emerging trends, policy developments, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships that advance PRI's rural early childhood portfolio

• Advise executive leadership on strategy, risks, opportunities, and organizational priorities related to rural early childhood systems

Portfolio & Program Leadership:

• Provide executive oversight for PRI's portfolio of rural early childhood initiatives, ensuring successful implementation of grant-funded and philanthropic investments

• Lead implementation across the initiative's core focus areas, including Family Leadership, Trusted Caregiver Networks, Systems Learning, and other strategic priorities

• Ensure project goals, budgets, timelines, contracts, deliverables, compliance requirements, and reporting obligations are achieved

• Establish implementation priorities, monitor organizational performance, and remove barriers to successful execution

• Supervise, coach, and develop project staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture

Partnership Development & External Engagement:

• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with funders, government agencies, school districts, higher education institutions, community organizations, philanthropy, and national networks

• Serve as PRI's representative for rural early childhood initiatives in regional, state, and national forums

• Cultivate relationships that strengthen implementation, increase organizational visibility, and support future growth

• Partner with organizational leadership to identify and pursue funding opportunities that sustain and expand PRI's early childhood portfolio

• Represent PRI before funders, policymakers, community leaders, and national partners, serving as a trusted ambassador for the organization's rural early childhood strategy

Systems Learning & Field Building:

• Provide strategic oversight for evaluation, continuous improvement, knowledge management, and organizational learning related to rural early childhood initiatives

• Ensure implementation experiences are documented and translated into practical tools, learning products, and evidence-informed practices

• Promote data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement across the initiative

• Advance rural perspectives in state and national conversations on early childhood policy, practice, and systems change

Organizational Capacity Building:

• Foster collaboration across PRI departments to ensure alignment and integration of early childhood initiatives

• Lead through influence, collaboration, and shared accountability across internal teams and external partners

• Strengthen PRI's organizational capacity to design, implement, and sustain rural early childhood systems initiatives

• Develop performance goals, key performance indicators, and implementation dashboards to monitor organizational progress

• Build organizational capacity by strengthening systems, processes, and internal infrastructure that support long-term growth

• Champion a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning

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

Work Location & Work Schedule

This position is designated as a hybrid position and is based at Partners for Rural Impact's (PRI) Berea Office, located in Berea, KY. Employees are expected to work onsite at the Berea Office on designated in-office days and at other times as required to meet business or program needs. Remote work may be performed in accordance with PRI's Hybrid Work Policy and applicable departmental guidelines. The approved hybrid work schedule is established by the department based on operational needs and may not be modified without prior management approval. PRI reserves the right to adjust or discontinue hybrid work arrangements at any time to meet business or program needs.

The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. Occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary to support schools, community partners, funders, and the service region.

Regular on-site engagement throughout Berea and surrounding partner communities is an essential function of this position. Regional travel is required to support business and program operations. Occasional national travel may also be required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education required to ensure success in this position:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Public Administration, Public Policy, Community Development, Human Services, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Social Work, or a related field required; Master's degree or higher preferred

Experience required to ensure success in this position:

• 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit management, early childhood, education, community development, philanthropy, public administration, or related field

• At least three (3) years of experience supervising professional staff and leading cross-functional teams

• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-year initiatives involving multiple stakeholders

• Experience managing grant-funded programs or philanthropic investments, including budgeting, implementation, compliance, and reporting

• Experience developing strategic partnerships across public, private, nonprofit, and community sectors

• Experience developing strategic plans, implementation frameworks, and performance measures

Special skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Knowledge of early childhood systems, nonprofit management, grant administration, and community-based partnerships

• Strong strategic thinking, organizational leadership, and systems thinking skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives, manage multiple priorities, and achieve measurable results

• Ability to build collaborative relationships and influence diverse stakeholders across sectors

• Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, and interpersonal skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to use data to inform strategy and continuous improvement

• Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, and develop high-performing teams

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn organizational technology and data management systems

License, certification, or registration necessary:

• Access to reliable transportation

• Ability to 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.