Director of Youth

Director of Opportunity Youth

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.

The Reengaging Opportunity Youth in Deep East Texas is a regional partnership to reconnect rural young people ages 16–24 who are disconnected from school or work ("Opportunity Youth") with pathways to a high school diploma, postsecondary credentials, and high-wage, high-demand careers. The initiative brings together six rural school districts, education, workforce, postsecondary, and employer partners to create sustainable, flexible reengagement systems and workforce-aligned education opportunities.

The Director of Opportunity Youth is a full-time, key role that will work collaboratively with local and regional partners to ensure aligned vision and execution of the work supporting young people. The Director, reporting to the Vice President, will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the initiative across six rural East Texas districts. This role will lead and align work with education, workforce, and community partners to ensure effective program implementation, accountability, and sustainability.

The Director is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of rural education systems, Opportunity Youth reengagement, and cross-sector collaboration. The position leads and operates with the goal that All Rural Opportunity Youth are on a Path to Economic Mobility.

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.

Program Management and Leadership

• Lead in the development and implementation of the Reengaging Opportunity Youth initiative across six partner school districts (Central, Diboll, Hudson, Jasper, San Augustine, and West Sabine ISDs)
• Serve as the primary point of contact between Partners for Rural Impact, Region One and Region Seven ESCs, Stubblefield Learning Center, and district leaders
• Convene and facilitate partner meetings, ensuring alignment among education, workforce, and postsecondary partners
• Hold accountability for measurable, population-level reductions in Opportunity Youth disconnection across Deep East Texas, establishing shared targets and aligning cross-district strategies
• Lead the development and execution of a multi-year regional systems roadmap, identifying structural barriers, redesigning reengagement pathways, and institutionalizing flexible, competency-based options across partner districts.
• Identify and advocate for district and state policy that advances the improvement of Opportunity Youth outcomes
• Foster strong cross-functional relationships by regularly engaging with different departments (such as Finance, Communications and Data Evaluation)
• Provide oversight, coaching, and mentoring to direct reports

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local employers, colleges, and community-based organizations to create aligned career pathways and "learn and earn" opportunities
• Represent Partners for Rural Impact in regional, state, and national convenings and networks related to Opportunity Youth and rural systems innovation
• Design and steward a cross-sector structure that aligns school districts, workforce systems, postsecondary institutions, employers, and community partners around shared accountability, braided resources, and coordinated decision-making.

Data, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Region One and Region Seven ESCs to oversee shared data dashboards tracking reengagement, progress, and outcomes
• Lead data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement across partner sites
• Prepare progress reports, presentations, and documentation for funders and leadership
• Monitor, evaluate, and adjust strategies as needed in collaboration with partners

Sustainability & Policy Innovation

• Support development of local sustainability plans to embed reengagement and credentialing strategies within district operations
• Contribute to statewide learning networks and policy efforts that promote flexible, competency-based pathways for rural Opportunity Youth
• Collaborate with PRI Leadership and the TLL Temple Foundation to identify strategic partnerships that enhance program development, address resource gaps, and expand opportunities for opportunity youth
• Influence and align resource flows across partners, including development of braided and blended funding strategies,…