Managing Director, State Programs

Managing Director, 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 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 Managing Director of State Programs is a senior leadership role responsible for driving implementation of Accelerate's state programs to scale proven, evidence-based practices that deliver measurable gains for students. This role will primarily  manage engagement with a portfolio of states through the State Implementation Fund.
 

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Managing Director will contribute meaningfully to shaping the emerging strategy of the state implementation fund, and will serve as a key external-facing leader with state grantees and partners. The Managing Director will work alongside the managing directors in other areas, including program, government affairs, research, and knowledge sharing, to ensure cohesive, high-quality program execution across the full state portfolio. 20% travel is anticipated.

What You’ll Help Us Do

Strategy & Vision

• Contribute substantive input and recommendations on Accelerate's state program strategy, bringing a practitioner's lens to organizational planning
• Partner with the CEO and peer MD of State Programs to ensure programs are aligned with Accelerate's mission and strategic priorities
• Synthesize learnings from state implementation to inform broader organizational knowledge and future program design

Program Leadership & Implementation

• Lead engagement with a portfolio of 4–6 states through the State Implementation Fund, serving as the primary relationship manager and strategic advisor for those states
• Translate organizational strategy into actionable program plans, managing timelines, deliverables, and quality across a complex multi-program portfolio
• Identify and address implementation barriers, connecting states to resources, evidence, and peer learning to drive continuous improvement

External Engagement & Relationship Management

• Cultivate and maintain deep, trusted relationships with state grantees, including state education agency leaders, district partners, and program staff
• Serve as a primary point of contact and thought partner for assigned state partners, providing responsive support and strategic guidance
• Monitor and analyze relevant legislation, regulations, and emerging policy issues affecting state program partners; provide timely intelligence to inform program support and internal planning
• Represent Accelerate externally with state-level stakeholders and, as appropriate, contribute to the organization's broader presence in the education field

People Management & Culture

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across Accelerate's team
• Model Accelerate's values in day-to-day work - with a particular emphasis on accountability for results, equity, and continuous learning
• Support a high-performance culture through clear communication, responsiveness, and a bias toward action

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
• Bring an implementation mindset - you think concretely about how change happens in schools and systems, and you get energy from moving from strategy to action

What You’ve Done

• Extensive professional experience with a minimum of 8–10 years in a senior leadership role, with meaningful experience managing large-scale programs or divisions
• Prior experience leading work within a State Education Agency strongly preferred; experience at a large, high-performing district or regional education organization also considered
• Demonstrated success driving implementation of complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives that produced measurable improvements in student outcomes
• Experience managing programs at scale - including managing grant relationships, setting performance expectations, and supporting partners through implementation challenges
• Track record of building trust with diverse state and district leaders and navigating complex stakeholder environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate evidence and data into actionable guidance for practitioners

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is between $150,000 and $210,000. Accelerate also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, technology stipend, 401(k) with employer match, and generous PTO.

How to Apply

Please submit your application here. The preferred application deadline for this position is June 3, 2026. 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.