Executive Director of State Programs
Executive Director of State Programs
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 Executive Director of State Programs (ED) is a senior executive responsible for leading Accelerates state strategy to scale proven, evidence-based practices that deliver measurable gains for students. This role involves positioning multi-million dollar state grant programs to align research, policy, and practice in service of the organization's strategic goals to drive outcomes at scale by turning evidence into action.
Reporting to the CEO, the ED will lead Accelerates state strategy, directly managing senior staff responsible for government relations and state program execution. 20 % travel is anticipated.
What Youll Help Us Do
Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement Accelerates external state strategy and engagement approach, aligned with organizational mission and goals
Drive public discourse on proven, evidence-based practices that deliver measurable gains for students at scale
Recruit and support state programs to drive student outcomes
Legislation and Policy
Monitor and analyze legislation, regulations, and emerging policy issues impacting education, providing timely guidance to inform strategy and external engagement
Develop model policies and regulations that facilitate the implementation of evidence-based practices in education
Coalition Building and Knowledge Sharing
Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, government officials, and advocacy and nonprofit groups
Partner with the broader education and national service community to work as a coalition on key federal agendas
People Management & Culture
Build and lead a high-performing team; provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and development opportunities
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 a senior role in a State Education Agency preferred
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
Executive Director of State Programs
Executive Director of State Programs
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 Executive Director of State Programs (ED) is a senior executive responsible for leading Accelerates state strategy to scale proven, evidence-based practices that deliver measurable gains for students. This role involves positioning multi-million dollar state grant programs to align research, policy, and practice in service of the organization's strategic goals to drive outcomes at scale by turning evidence into action.
Reporting to the CEO, the ED will lead Accelerates state strategy, directly managing senior staff responsible for government relations and state program execution. 20 % travel is anticipated.
What Youll Help Us Do
Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement Accelerates external state strategy and engagement approach, aligned with organizational mission and goals
Drive public discourse on proven, evidence-based practices that deliver measurable gains for students at scale
Recruit and support state programs to drive student outcomes
Legislation and Policy
Monitor and analyze legislation, regulations, and emerging policy issues impacting education, providing timely guidance to inform strategy and external engagement
Develop model policies and regulations that facilitate the implementation of evidence-based practices in education
Coalition Building and Knowledge Sharing
Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, government officials, and advocacy and nonprofit groups
Partner with the broader education and national service community to work as a coalition on key federal agendas
People Management & Culture
Build and lead a high-performing team; provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and development opportunities
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 a senior role in a State Education Agency preferred
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.