Partners for Rural Impact’s (PRI) ultimate 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 places achieve success. Partners for Rural Impact was born out of our place-based partnership in Appalachia, where we’ve worked for 25 years to create student opportunity and success.
Position Summary
The Senior Director, Maryland at PRI, reporting to Vice President, Executive Vice President Office, will lead and coordinate the organization’s strategic efforts across rural Maryland, advancing cradle-to-career (C2C) and place-based partnership (PBP) initiatives statewide. This role will play a central leadership role in developing and supporting a cohort of rural Maryland-based partnerships, maintaining deep thought partnership with the private funders and other key state and national partners, supporting regional and statewide fundraising efforts, and serving as a visible ambassador of PRI’s work across Maryland.
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.
Maryland Strategy & State-Level Leadership
- Lead PRI’s strategic efforts across rural Maryland
- Serve as the public face of PRI’s Maryland efforts, building trust with local, regional, and statewide stakeholders
- Work closely with the Maryland ENOUGH initiative and fellow technical assistance partners to align efforts to ensure all rural children and youth are provided a path to economic mobility
- Build multi-sector partnerships with government agencies, funders, and educational institutions to drive statewide impact in Maryland
Measuring & Sustaining Impact
Monitor the effectiveness of PRI’s rural strategies in Maryland, using data to inform course corrections and continuous improvementDevelop shared metrics of success to track outcomes, ensuring initiatives are delivering measurable impactStrategic Leadership & Team Management
Provide strategic input to PRI leadership on opportunities for statewide impact and scalingSupport and mentor leaders within rural Maryland communities to strengthen local capacity and sustainabilityProvide supervision and / or guidance to PRI team members working in MarylandEffectively build and maintain internal relationships with PRI teams to successfully marshal PRI resources and expertise as needed to advance Maryland strategyCollaboration & Thought Leadership
Collaborate with PRI’s leadership to document rural Maryland-based learningsRepresent PRI as a speaker, facilitator, and advisor at local, regional, and national conveningsGuide learning communities and leadership development programs that build capacity among local and state-level leadersStakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development
Cultivate and manage rural cross-sector partnerships with Maryland-based funders, educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizationsConvene and facilitate learning communities, strategy sessions, and workshops to advance rural outcomesFinancial Oversight & Resource Development
Support PRI, the ENOUGH Initiative and its grantees, and other Maryland partners as they identify and secure funding opportunities (public and private) to support rural Maryland initiativesOversee the effective management and reporting on Maryland-specific funding streamsProject Leadership & Management
Serve as Project Director for key state-based, funder-supported projects, with responsibility for implementation, partner / field engagement, and funder communicationsBuild and steward strong relationships with funders and field partners, positioning PRI as a trusted collaborator and ensuring that initiatives in Maryland are impactful, sustainable, and well-aligned with PRI’s broader strategic prioritiesOther roles / duties will be assigned as necessary to assist and support in the attainment of our mission, All Rural Students Succeed
Position Location & Schedule
This hybrid role will regularly work from an office space in Baltimore, MD, co-located with national technical assistance partners supporting the ENOUGH Initiative and its grantees. Local, state, and sometimes national travel required.
Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 : 00 a.m. to 5 : 00 p.m. ET with in-office, hybrid and / or remote work a possibility.
Minimum Qualifications
Education required to ensure success in this position :
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or higher preferredExperience required to ensure success in this position :
10+ years of senior-level leadership with demonstrated success in community-based initiatives, program scaling, and systems changeRelevant experience in education, public policy, nonprofit leadership, or community development.Deep familiarity with Maryland's education, philanthropic, and policy ecosystems—particularly in rural areasSuccessful track record of partnering with philanthropy to advance organizational and community goalsExpertise in place-based strategies, cradle-to-career models, and leadership developmentSpecial skills, knowledge and abilities :
Proven ability to build trust and lead cross-sector collaborations involving funders, local leaders, and public officialsStrong public speaking, facilitation, and storytelling skills to engage diverse audiencesSuperior interpersonal and organizational skillsCompetencies to effectively supervise staffLicense, certification, or registration necessary :
Valid driver’s licenseSuccessfully complete pre-employment background checkPhysical requirements :
Ability to work in a high-energy officeAbility to accurately communicate and exchange information with partners, stakeholders, and / or meeting participantsAbility to occasionally lift up to 25 lbsAbility to travel independently by car and plane regionally and nationallyAbility to operate standard office equipmentAbility to operate motor vehicleEnvironmental conditions :
Work in a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions and shifting prioritiesAdditional 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr