Director, State Policy, Planning and Mobilization

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 Director, State Policy, Planning and Mobilization is a key full-time position. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Policy, this role will play a role in shaping and implementing our organization's policy and mobilization initiatives at the state level in multiple states and regions.   The Director will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to influence and advance policy priorities, collaborating with key stakeholders, and ensuring effective communication with policymakers, advocacy groups, and the public. 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. 

Policy Development and Analysis: 

• Monitor state legislative and regulatory changes, assessing their impact on PRI and other rural communities, and recommend appropriate responses 
• Support the development and provision of public comment on proposed regulatory and policy changes 
• Conduct research to support advocacy efforts and white paper development at the state and regional level (Appalachian Region, Delta Region, etc.) 

Government Relations: 

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key government officials, agencies, and policymakers at the state and regional level, including the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and Delta Regional Authority (DRA) 
• Advise on and advocate for PRI's policy priorities and funding needs in legislative and regulatory processes 
• Successfully create new funding streams to support moving outcomes in rural communities at the state level 
• Influence existing funding streams at the state level to be more equitably accessible to rural communities 
• Work with the executive branch and cabinet leaders to identify and secure discretionary funding that supports moving outcomes for rural young people 
• Identify and work to secure resources from DRA and ARC that support moving outcomes for rural young people. 
• Provide written and oral testimony at the state level 
• Facilitate stakeholder management to create and ensure timely reporting around all state and ARC/DRA funded projects 
• Manage contracts of lobbyists and other related consultants 

Advocacy and Mobilization: 

• Support the development and oversight of PRI’s mobilization efforts including aligning with others to conduct state and regional convenings that raise awareness and foster alignment across rural issues and opportunities 
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies to promote PRI's policy agenda and priorities 
• Collaborate with the communications team to create messaging and materials supporting policy and funding initiatives 
• Develop and implement strategies that equip and engage proximate leaders in effective advocacy efforts 
• Represent PRI in meetings, hearings, and other forums to advocate for our policy priorities 
• Organize, develop, and implement statewide policy coalitions in identified states 
• Engage with various coalitions critical to PRI’s work including Rural to Rural Collaborative, National Coalition for Promise Neighborhoods, Voices for National Service steering committee, etc. 

Strategic Planning: 

• Contribute to the development of PRI's strategic plan, ensuring alignment between policy priorities and funding strategies 
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on policy 
• Prepare reports, presentations, and other materials for senior leadership and board of directors’ meetings, summarizing policy developments and their implications for PRI 
• Support PRI’s annual policy priority planning and coordinate alignment with national, regional, and state partners 
• Ensure PRI is compliant with all federal and state regulations related to lobbying, policy, and advocacy efforts 
• 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 

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. 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 public policy, political science, business, or a related field. Master's degree preferred. 

Experience required to ensure success in this position: 

• 5 years of experience in policy development and government relations 
• Experiencing working with and leading (preferred) coalitions  

Special skills, knowledge and abilities: 

• Strong understanding of relevant regulatory and legislative processes 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills  
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills 
• Relationship management 
• Research and analysis 
• Meeting facilitation 
• Familiarity with state and federal education policy, experience in Kentucky, Texas and Missouri state policy a plus 
• Works well in a high paced, ambiguous environment 

License, certification, or registration necessary: 

• Valid driver’s license 
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment background check 

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.