Chief External Affairs Officer
Chief External Affairs Officer
Location: Remote
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
About Accelerate
Accelerate exists to dramatically improve student outcomes at scale by turning evidence into action. As a hub for advancing what works, Accelerate partners with states to scale proven, evidence-based practices that deliver measurable gains for students. We share knowledge and insights across the field to expand whats possible, working alongside leaders to embed effective solutions into the fabric of public education. By aligning research, policy, and practice through state implementation, we turn evidence into measurable progress, helping students thrive.
Accelerate is a growing organization - equity-centered, results-oriented, and grounded in both optimism and practical implementation. We aim to build a small, talented, diverse team that embodies our core values: accelerating student achievement, seeking truth through evidence, embracing new ideas, multiplying impact through collaboration, and upholding accountability for results and how we achieve them. Team members bring both systemic experience and an entrepreneurial spirit to the work.
About the Role
The Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) is a senior executive responsible for Accelerates public-facing strategy, including fundraising, communications, storytelling, and brand management. This role involves aligning external efforts with the organization's strategic goals, building and maintaining key stakeholder relationships, and overseeing media, marketing, and development/fundraising functions to enhance Accelerates national brand and presence.
Reporting to the CEO, the CEAO will oversee the Managing Director of Development and Communications and the Managing Director of Strategy. 20% travel is anticipated.
What Youll Help Us Do
Fundraising and Development
Partner with senior executives to design a long-term fundraising strategy that sustains Accelerates growth
Develop and oversee a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure multi-year commitments for grant and research initiatives
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective funders, clearly articulating Accelerates vision and impact
Oversee the management and compliance of government and foundation grants
Thought Leadership & Field Influence
Develop and implement Accelerates external engagement strategy, aligned to organizational mission and goals
Drive public discourse on proven, evidence-based practices that deliver measurable gains for students at scale
Support knowledge sharing with the field to elevate effective models and innovations
Communications and Brand Management
Develop and execute a communications and public relations strategy that strengthens Accelerates national presence
Guide the growth of brand awareness and reputation across key audiences
Align staff on consistent, accurate messaging; equip team members to engage effectively with external stakeholders
Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure cohesive external strategy across departments
People Management & Culture
Build and lead a high-performing team; provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and development opportunities
Foster a mission-aligned, inclusive culture in partnership with the Leadership Team.
Build strong, trusting relationships across departments
Who You Are
Successful employees at Accelerate:
Champion the potential of all students and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion
Model an easygoing, approachable, and calm demeanor while multitasking in a fast-paced environment
Communicate clearly and build strong relationships across a variety of internal and external stakeholders
Listen openly, learn continuously, and connect authentically with diverse communities, including students, families, educators, policymakers, local leaders, and funders
Demonstrate strong organization and attention to detail while interpreting and following complex guidelines and instructions
What Youve Done
Extensive professional experience with a minimum of 10 years in a senior leadership and/or executive role
Prior experience in public affairs, communications, and/or donor relations required.
Prior experience in K12 policy, nonprofit management, and/or philanthropy required
Compensation
The annual salary range for this position is between $200,000 and $250,000. Accelerate also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, technology stipend, 401k with employer match, and generous PTO.
How to Apply
Please submit your application here. The preferred application deadline for this position is December 11, 2025. Note that we do not guarantee review of applications after this date.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Accelerate is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to building a diverse and inclusive team. As such, it is the continuing policy of Accelerate to consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
About the job
Apply for this position
Chief External Affairs Officer
Chief External Affairs Officer
Location: Remote
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
About Accelerate
Accelerate exists to dramatically improve student outcomes at scale by turning evidence into action. As a hub for advancing what works, Accelerate partners with states to scale proven, evidence-based practices that deliver measurable gains for students. We share knowledge and insights across the field to expand whats possible, working alongside leaders to embed effective solutions into the fabric of public education. By aligning research, policy, and practice through state implementation, we turn evidence into measurable progress, helping students thrive.
Accelerate is a growing organization - equity-centered, results-oriented, and grounded in both optimism and practical implementation. We aim to build a small, talented, diverse team that embodies our core values: accelerating student achievement, seeking truth through evidence, embracing new ideas, multiplying impact through collaboration, and upholding accountability for results and how we achieve them. Team members bring both systemic experience and an entrepreneurial spirit to the work.
About the Role
The Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) is a senior executive responsible for Accelerates public-facing strategy, including fundraising, communications, storytelling, and brand management. This role involves aligning external efforts with the organization's strategic goals, building and maintaining key stakeholder relationships, and overseeing media, marketing, and development/fundraising functions to enhance Accelerates national brand and presence.
Reporting to the CEO, the CEAO will oversee the Managing Director of Development and Communications and the Managing Director of Strategy. 20% travel is anticipated.
What Youll Help Us Do
Fundraising and Development
Partner with senior executives to design a long-term fundraising strategy that sustains Accelerates growth
Develop and oversee a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure multi-year commitments for grant and research initiatives
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective funders, clearly articulating Accelerates vision and impact
Oversee the management and compliance of government and foundation grants
Thought Leadership & Field Influence
Develop and implement Accelerates external engagement strategy, aligned to organizational mission and goals
Drive public discourse on proven, evidence-based practices that deliver measurable gains for students at scale
Support knowledge sharing with the field to elevate effective models and innovations
Communications and Brand Management
Develop and execute a communications and public relations strategy that strengthens Accelerates national presence
Guide the growth of brand awareness and reputation across key audiences
Align staff on consistent, accurate messaging; equip team members to engage effectively with external stakeholders
Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure cohesive external strategy across departments
People Management & Culture
Build and lead a high-performing team; provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and development opportunities
Foster a mission-aligned, inclusive culture in partnership with the Leadership Team.
Build strong, trusting relationships across departments
Who You Are
Successful employees at Accelerate:
Champion the potential of all students and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion
Model an easygoing, approachable, and calm demeanor while multitasking in a fast-paced environment
Communicate clearly and build strong relationships across a variety of internal and external stakeholders
Listen openly, learn continuously, and connect authentically with diverse communities, including students, families, educators, policymakers, local leaders, and funders
Demonstrate strong organization and attention to detail while interpreting and following complex guidelines and instructions
What Youve Done
Extensive professional experience with a minimum of 10 years in a senior leadership and/or executive role
Prior experience in public affairs, communications, and/or donor relations required.
Prior experience in K12 policy, nonprofit management, and/or philanthropy required
Compensation
The annual salary range for this position is between $200,000 and $250,000. Accelerate also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, technology stipend, 401k with employer match, and generous PTO.
How to Apply
Please submit your application here. The preferred application deadline for this position is December 11, 2025. Note that we do not guarantee review of applications after this date.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Accelerate is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to building a diverse and inclusive team. As such, it is the continuing policy of Accelerate to consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.