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 what’s 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 Accelerate’s 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 Accelerate’s 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. Approximately 20% travel is anticipated.

What You’ll Help Us Do

Fundraising and Development

• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership to set, execute, and oversee a comprehensive, long-term fundraising strategy that sustains Accelerate’s growth and secures multi-year commitments for grant-funded and research initiatives

• Cultivate and steward high-value relationships with current and prospective funders, clearly articulating Accelerate’s vision, strategy, and impact

• Provide executive oversight of government and foundation grants, ensuring strong compliance and effective funder partnership

Thought Leadership & Field Influence

• Set and lead Accelerate’s external engagement and field-facing strategy, aligned to organizational mission and strategic goals

• Shape and advance public discourse around proven, evidence-based practices that deliver measurable gains for students at scale

• Support knowledge sharing and field engagement efforts that elevate effective models and innovations 

Communications and Brand Management

• Set the strategic direction for communications and public relations to strengthen Accelerate’s national profile and credibility

• Guide the growth and stewardship of Accelerate’s brand across key audiences and platforms

• Ensure consistent, clear, and accurate messaging across the organization; equip leaders and staff to represent Accelerate effectively externally

• Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure cohesive and aligned 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, trusted relationships across departments to support collaboration and shared ownership of outcomes

Who You Are

Successful employees at Accelerate:

• Advance equity and opportunity at scale, articulating and championing a clear vision for student success that embeds diversity, equity, and inclusion into strategy, culture, and decision-making

• Exhibit steady, grounded leadership under complexity, bringing calm judgment and prioritization to high-stakes, fast-moving environments

• Communicate with clarity and influence, building trust-based relationships and alignment across senior internal leaders, boards, partners, and external stakeholders

• Lead with curiosity, humility, and authenticity, engaging meaningfully with diverse communities, including students, families, educators, policymakers, local leaders, and funders - and translating learning into action

• Demonstrate disciplined execution and operational rigor, ensuring strong systems and sound judgment in navigating complex requirements, policies, and constraints

What You’ve 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. 

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.