Program Manager, Maryland

Our work began more than 30 years ago with a place-based partnership in Appalachian Kentucky, where we’ve shown demographics don’t have to determine destiny. Today, we partner with rural leaders and allies across the country to share that work and build local partnerships that put young people on a path to economic mobility. 

Position Summary 

The Program Manager (PM), Maryland is a full-time position reporting to the Senior Director, Maryland. The PM provides strategic and operational support to the Senior Director, Maryland by coordinating and delivering technical assistance to local place-based partnerships serving high-poverty rural communities across the state, including communities funded through the ENOUGH Initiative.  The PM manages key operational functions, including budget tracking, calendar management, project coordination, and process improvement, to ensure the efficient execution of the team's priorities. This position supports initiatives across seven Maryland counties and contributes to PRI's mission of ensuring all rural young people are on a path to economic mobility.  The PM also collaborates with national place-based partners and thought leaders, including the William Julius Wilson Institute, Purpose Built Communities, and Strive Together, to advance community-based strategies and shared learning. 

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. 

Leadership Support & Strategic Coordination  

• Provide strategic and operational support to the Senior Director, including preparation for meetings, stakeholder engagements, and priority initiatives 

• Apply working knowledge of statewide partnership goals and organizational objectives to inform planning, anticipate needs, and support decision-making 

• Develop status reports, executive summaries, and professional presentations for internal and external stakeholders 

• Integrate PRI's Strategic Plan 2030 and organizational priorities into work products, documentation, and operational processes to support the successful execution of strategic initiatives 

Operations & Project Management 

• Coordinate day-to-day operations across the assigned portfolio to ensure projects, deliverables, and initiatives progress efficiently 

• Manage project timelines, milestones, and competing priorities across the partnership and geographic portfolio to ensure timely completion of key deliverables 

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve standard operating procedures, templates, and operational documentation to promote consistency, quality, and operational effectiveness 

• Plan and execute meetings, convenings, and events, including logistics, scheduling, travel arrangements, and participant communications 

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement 

• Manage and provide technical assistance, consultation, and ongoing support to partners and stakeholders 

• Support the planning and facilitation of community conversations, stakeholder meetings, and listening sessions 

• Cultivate collaborative relationships with internal and external partners to support statewide implementation efforts 

• Provides day-to-day supervision, guidance, and performance oversight for AmeriCorps members, Maryland Service Corps members, interns, and graduate fellows  

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Communications & Resource Development 

• Design professional presentations and visually engaging digital and print materials that effectively communicate data, key messages, and strategic priorities to diverse audiences 

• Support place-based sustainability efforts through prospect research, grant writing, and the preparation and review of grant proposals and funder reports 

Financial & Grant Administration 

• Assist with budget administration by tracking expenditures, monitoring funding allocations, and supporting financial reporting 

• Maintain accurate records of grant applications, reporting deadlines, budgets, and other critical program documentation 

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental objectives and PRI's mission. 

Position Location & Schedule 

This position is designated as a remote, field-based position and requires the employee to maintain a home office within the State of Maryland.  Residence in Maryland is a condition of employment and is required to support regular travel throughout the assigned service area. 

The primary work location is the employee’s home office; however, the essential functions of this position are performed primarily in the field.  Regular travel is required to community partner locations, meetings, trainings, and other business-related sites throughout Maryland.  Employees are expected to travel as needed to support business program operations. 

The standard work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET.  Occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary to support community partners, funders, and the service region.  

Occasional travel outside of Maryland, including regional or national, for meetings, conferences, trainings, or other organizational events, may also be required.  Travel may include overnight stays, depending on business needs. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Education required to ensure success in this position: 

• Bachelor's degree in education, social sciences, management, communications, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred    

Experience required to ensure success in this position: 

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in grant administration, program operations, project coordination, or a related field 

• Experience supporting grant writing, prospect research, fundraising, and the preparation of grant proposals and funder reports 

• Experience with budget administration, project coordination, calendar management, and operational or administrative support. 

• Experience working in a nonprofit organization preferred 

• Experience working with or serving rural communities preferred 

Special skills, knowledge and abilities: 

• Demonstrated success working in a complex, fast-paced, and collaborative environment with the ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate cross-functional initiatives, and adapt to changing business needs 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing, editing, presentation development, and professional correspondence 

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.  

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize information and support sound decision-making 

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a collaborative team member 

• Knowledge of grant administration, including grant implementation, compliance, monitoring, reporting, and financial stewardship 

• Knowledge of Results-Based Accountability (RBA) principles preferred 

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to effectively use technology platforms that support virtual collaboration, learning, and project management 

• Commitment to PRI's mission and a demonstrated passion for serving rural communities, children, and families 

License, certification, or registration necessary: 

• Must have access to reliable transportation 

• 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 operate standard office equipment and computer software programs 

• Ability to operate motor vehicle 

• Ability to travel independently throughout Maryland to statewide sites, and occasionally nationally 

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.