Vice President of Federal Programs (Term-Limited Position)

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 Vice President (VP) of Federal Programs is a newly created, full-time role reporting directly to the Executive Vice President (EVP). This is a term-limited position expected to last 12 months. The Vice President of Federal Programs leads and oversees the execution and management of PRI’s federal programs and contracts. This role requires deep expertise in federal grant regulations and policies, along with strong leadership and project management skills. The VP collaborates with internal stakeholders, federal agencies, contractors, and project partners to ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with all regulations. Additionally, this role drives business growth by ensuring successful project implementation, maintaining strong relationships with federal agencies, and identifying and cultivating potential project partners.

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.

• Lead and oversee PRI’s federal programs and contracts, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and project goals, while effectively managing and guiding staff to achieve these outcomes
• Build and maintain strong relationships with federal agencies, stakeholders, and contractors to foster collaboration and communication
• Partner with fundraising and grant development teams to identify opportunities and advance grant initiatives
• Manage financial performance and budgets for federal programs, ensuring efficiency and resource optimization
• Monitor program performance against established metrics, milestones, and deliverables, implementing improvement plans as needed
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations, establish risk management processes, and mitigate potential risks to program success
• 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 administration, education, business administration, or a related area

Experience required to ensure success in this position:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience managing federal grants, contracts, and compliance in a nonprofit or government setting
• Proven experience in leading large-scale, federally funded programs and working with federal agencies
• Strong background in financial management, including budgeting, grant reporting, and resource allocation

Special skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Deep knowledge of federal grant regulations (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance, CFR, FAR) and compliance requirements
• Expertise in contract/grant management, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to oversee teams and build collaborative relationships
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Exceptional communication and negotiation abilities, particularly in working with federal agencies and external partners
• Ability to develop and implement continuous improvement processes for program performance and impact measurement

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

Compensation:

Hiring range is $168,000 - $196,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications

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.