Chief of Staff- Level II

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 Chief of Staff (COS) - Level II is a full-time role reporting to the Senior Vice President (SVP) of Strategic Impact designed to ensure the SVP has the necessary capacity and support to manage complex, high-impact projects and partnerships. The COS will work closely with both internal and external stakeholders to cultivate and maintain key relationships, manage critical project components, and optimize PRI’s resources to maximize the senior leader’s time. This position plays a key role in executing strategic priorities, engaging partners, and fostering high performance within the management team, while ensuring seamless communication and collaboration across functions. 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 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.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the SVP, developing and executing strategic priorities assigned to the team, offering advice within project parameters
• Build and steward strategic partnerships and relationships including relationships with donors, funders and partners across the nation
• Supervise and support assigned staff or project teams, providing direction, feedback, and professional development to ensure successful execution of strategic initiatives
• Implement strategy with moderate adjustments, ensuring alignment with PRI’s goals and driving successful outcomes for key projects and initiatives
• Manage projects by simplifying complexity and ensuring efficient execution from idea to delivery, overseeing timelines, budgets, and resources
• Provide strategic thinking and problem analysis to support SVP in identifying solutions, optimizing workflows, and addressing challenges within the team and projects
• Coordinate and facilitate cross-functional collaboration ensuring smooth communication, alignment, and progress on critical business initiatives
• Identify opportunities to streamline operations within the team, recommending and implementing strategies to improve efficiency and impact on project delivery
• Manage materials and resources for the management team, fostering a high-performance culture, and enhancing internal communication to support team success
• Maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, ensuring timely communication and the successful execution of activities
• Other 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 role is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, meaning some duties may be performed remotely. However, there is a regular expectation for in-person work at our office in Berea, KY. The position also requires local, state, and occasional national travel.

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. Because of the nature of the responsibility to schools, partners, funders, and to 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 Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Political Science, or a related field

Experience required to ensure success in this position:

• 7+ years of experience in project management, operations, or strategic leadership role
• Demonstrated experience in donor and partner relationship management
• Experience in cross-functional collaboration and managing complex projects in a fast-paced environment
• Proven track record of successfully implementing strategic initiatives and leading operational improvements
• Experience working with senior leadership and providing strategic advice within an organization
• Experience working with a diverse set of rural communities and rural serving partners across the US
• Strong experience in stakeholder management and working with both internal and external partners

Special skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Strategic thinking and ability to align organizational goals with long-term priorities and deliver key projects successfully
• Expertise in project management, from ideation to execution, ensuring timelines, budgets, and resources are effectively managed
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to proactively identify issues, recommend solutions, and address challenges
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Skilled in facilitating collaboration across different teams and functions to drive progress and align efforts
• Ability to assess processes and identify opportunities to streamline and improve efficiencies within the team or organization
• Demonstrated experience in building and cultivating relationships with donors, grantors, and partners interested in supporting PRI’s work
• Proven ability to influence and motivate teams, driving a high-performance culture
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering trust and ensuring timely communication and effective execution of initiatives
• Capable of adjusting to changing priorities and navigating ambiguous or complex situations with composure

License, certification, or registration necessary:

• Valid driver’s license
• 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
• Ability to operate motor vehicle

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.