The Rural Philanthropy Institute (RPI) brings practitioners, academics, and interested people together to develop data, share stories and experiences, and gain insights that offer a greater understanding of what’s required to have a healthy community in rural areas. We disseminate what we learn. We look at the practical application of it. And we openly share it.
The Associate Director works with RPI leadership to identify, plan and implement research initiatives and program activities that enhance the understanding of the nonprofit sector in rural regions. They will report directly to the Director in a highly collaborative relationship. The Associate Director is responsible for the daily operations of RPI and works across a variety of operational, programmatic, and communications functions to ensure external researchers and program participants are supported, collected publications are being shared effectively, sponsored gatherings are successful, project timelines are being met, and RPI continuously reaches more people. The role functions with a good degree of independence.
The role ideally works from our South Dakota office. Remote work will be considered.
Primary Responsibilities
Coordinate and Conduct Research
- Establish systems to expand and manage the research initiatives of RPI
- Support writing and editing of reports and articles across a wide range of issues and topics
- Support research projects through careful and through data collection
- Manage calls for proposal and application processes
- Oversee the compilation of identified articles and research papers
- Work with RPI’s publishing firm to ensure articles move smoothly through the publishing process
Share RPI’s Work
- Provide planning and logistical support for meetings and gatherings for researchers and practitioners
- Manage communications with RPI constituents, including social media
- Actively identify and engage peer organizations for greater networking and collaboration
- Represent RPI to stakeholder groups and promote awareness of our work in order to expand it
- Effectively promote RPI’s published articles and research
Program Planning and Support
- Identify and pursue program opportunities with RPI leadership
- Oversee the implementation of existing programs and related activities in a manner consistent with the participant-focus of RPI and our goals
- Provide training to nonprofit leaders participating in RPI programs
- Support the fund development activities that make RPI’s program work possible
- Engage and manage oversight committees that advise on programs
- Produce accurate and timely reporting of program status
- Ensure programs operates within an approved budget
Other duties as assigned
Associate Director Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications are preferred, not required. Professional and academic backgrounds of several types could be successful in this role.
- Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, and others are welcomed and encouraged to apply.
- Master’s degree in a field of study which required academic research.
- Interest, or lived experience, in rural communities.
- Proven experience in project management.
- Familiarity with the processes involved in publication.
- Ability and experience working independently with minimal direction.
- Entrepreneurial experience.
- Proven stakeholder management skills.
- Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- A minimum of seven years of relevant work experience in the nonprofit sector
- Experience working in diverse communities and across social, economic and cultural differences
To apply please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected].