Associate Vice President of Policy 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 Associate Vice President (AVP) of Policy is a key full-time position. Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Impact, the AVP will lead out organization’s policy development and advocacy efforts.  The AVP of Policy is instrumental in shaping PRI's approach and advocacy on critical issues impacting the success of rural youth in America. 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 and federal legislative and regulatory changes, assessing their impact on PRI and other rural communities, and recommend appropriate responses 
• Develop and provide public comment on proposed regulatory and policy changes 
• Conduct research to support advocacy efforts at both federal and state levels 

Government Relations: 

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key government officials, agencies, and policymakers 
• 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 and federal level 
• Influence existing funding streams at the state and federal level to be more equitably accessible to rural communities 
• Provide written and oral testimony at the national and state levels 

Advocacy and Mobilization: 

• 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 oversee PRI’s mobilization efforts including aligning with others to conduct national, regional, and state convenings that raise awareness and foster alignment across rural around issues and opportunities 
• Develop and implement strategies that equip and engage proximate leaders in effective advocacy efforts 
• Lead and/or 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 
• Organize and direct PRI’s annual policy priority planning and coordinate alignment with national, regional, and state partners 

Team Leadership: 

• Lead and inspire the policy team at PRI, supervise staff, foster collaboration, and cultivate a results-oriented culture 
• Ensure PRI is compliant with all federal and state regulations related to lobbying, policy, and advocacy efforts 
• Manage contracts of lobbyists and other related consultants 
• 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: 

• 10 years of experience in policy development and government relations (required) with experience working in Washington, DC preferred  
• Experience leading, managing, and motivating high-performing teams 

Special skills, knowledge and abilities: 

• Strong understanding of relevant regulatory and legislative processes 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills 

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.