Project Director

Partners for Rural Impact

Project Director managing GEAR UP Promise Zone grant operations. Overseeing program compliance, federal budget management, and engaging stakeholders for rural student success.

Posted 4/29/2026full-timeHazard • Kentucky • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee all aspects of the project to include the daily operation of the program through hiring, supervising, training, and guiding staff in the development, implementation, and evaluation of program activities.
Develop and refine project operations to ensure that objectives are met.
Manage a federal budget, and ensure that all expenditures are allowable, allocable and reasonable.
Ensure services as proposed in the grant application are being effectively and efficiently delivered.
Manage project budgets and work with lead agencies/partners to ensure all expenditures are allowable and within the scope of the work.
Audit and approve all required reports.
Work with the Director of Programs and Data and Evaluation Team to ensure fidelity in delivery of services, alignment to logic model, and progress toward outcomes.
Ensure data is collected in a timely and efficient manner and provide feedback to key stakeholders.
Guide development of yearly Results Plan ensuring strategies meet the needs of students, schools, and families.
Provide leadership and vision to the project consortiums – particularly key partners in ensuring continuous improvement.
Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist and support in the attainment of our mission, All Rural Students Succeed.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree in applicable field
Minimum ten years’ experience in personnel, program, and fiscal management.
Demonstrated experience with federal grants management, including budget responsibility.
Demonstrated knowledge and leadership in school reform, college/career readiness, and evaluation.
Experience and commitment to working within rural communities.
Demonstrated success in a complex, fast-paced, high-performing organization, with the ability to prioritize projects and work cross-functionally.
Demonstrated knowledge and leadership in the areas of school reform, parent engagement or program evaluation.
Familiarity with GEAR UP.
A commitment to the whole-child approach.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Capacity to multi-task and achieve deadlines.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
A commitment to students from diverse economic, social, and cultural backgrounds.
Computer skills including Microsoft Office applications, Adobe, Instructional Design Software.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

federal grants managementbudget managementprogram evaluationschool reformcollege readinesscareer readinessdata collectionresults planningpersonnel managementfiscal management

Soft Skills

leadershipinterpersonal skillsorganizational skillscommunication skillsmulti-taskingprioritizationcommitment to diversityvisionguidancecollaboration

Certifications

Master’s degree