Talent is evenly distributed,

opportunity is not.

We exist to change that.

 

 

The National Education Opportunity Network (NEON) is a rapidly scaling education justice non-profit that seeks to propel economic mobility by democratizing access to higher education. We deliver and support actual college credit-bearing courses from our nation’s top universities (Howard, Stanford, Wharton, Spelman, Brown, Wesleyan, Dartmouth, and more) into teacher-led high school classrooms in low-income, Title 1 high schools - at no cost to students. Since our inception in 2019, we have reached nearly 60,000 scholars from 160 districts in 34 states and are on track to serve 1 million scholars within the next decade. 

 

We are a passionate team of former education and civil rights leaders, teachers, policy-wonks, and consultants – with an active board, including former U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan; founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, Marian Wright Edelman; University of Pennsylvania Professor, Angela Duckworth; CEO of the Common App, Jenny Rickard; and former Howard University President, Dr. Wayne Frederick.

 

To learn more about our mission and our work, please read this New York Times front-page feature, this Forbes article, or just click this 3 minute video clip of the experts (our scholars!) discussing the impact of this opportunity with Judge Ann Claire Williams, Ret., trustee, Carnegie Corporation of New York.

 

THE ROLE

The External Affairs Lead will define and elevate NEON’s public voice - transforming our mission into a compelling national narrative. Operating as both a strategist and a doer, this leader will set direction, build scalable systems, and ensure NEON’s story and impact resonate powerfully with stakeholders nationwide. This five-month consulting role offers the opportunity to shape a rapidly growing organization, with strong potential to transition into a full-time position. Though the role responsibilities will shift to meet the evolving needs of NEON, your skills and expertise will be leveraged to:

 

  • Strategy & Leadership:

    • Execute a comprehensive external communications strategy that advances NEON’s mission and accelerates organizational growth, in close partnership with the Managing Director of Communications.

    • Build scalable systems that strengthen consistency, clarity, and impact across all external communications.

  • Media Relations & Public Relations:

    • Cultivate media relationships and create press materials to expand NEON’s national visibility and credibility.

    • Prepare and coach leadership for media engagement and manage crisis communications and rapid response with clarity and strategic judgment.

  • Content Creation & Storytelling:

    • Drive NEON’s storytelling and digital presence to amplify the brand and impact stories, ensuring consistent, high-quality messaging across all channels.

    • Lead internal communications, talking points, and advocacy tools that align and energize staff and board leadership around NEON’s priorities and progress.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration:

    • Partner with senior leadership, development, and program teams to surface compelling stories and translate impact data into clear, persuasive narratives.

    • Develop donor-facing communications - including appeals and stewardship materials - that convey NEON’s impact, value, and case for investment.

 

THE QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

 

  • Education & Experience:

    • 6+ years in fast-paced, rigorous environments (e.g., public relations, consulting, strategy, policy, or high-growth nonprofits). Traditional PR experience is welcome.

  • Skills & Competencies:

    • Proven ability to build trust, influence senior stakeholders, and manage complex external relationships with discretion and emotional intelligence.
    • Exceptional writing, storytelling, and public speaking skills, with the ability to turn complex work into compelling narratives.
    • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional workstreams, set priorities, manage deadlines, and drive toward outcomes.
    • Eagerness to design, test, and improve systems and approaches; ability to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels.

  • Commitment to Educational Equity:

    • A deep, personal commitment to advancing educational equity and supporting students from underserved backgrounds.

    • Passion for expanding opportunities and addressing the systemic challenges that exist in Title I schools.

 

THE SALARY

The External Affairs Lead role offers a competitive compensation package that is prorated based on an annual salary range of $125,000 to $175,000, with final salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. New hires typically start between the range minimum and midpoint. For full-time positions, a comprehensive benefits package is also available.

 

 

THE TEAM

The External Affairs Lead will join a fast-paced team committed to providing opportunities for students who have historically and systemically been left out of opportunities. This position will report to the President and Chief Operating Officer, with frequent interactions with the CEO. Our organization is 100% remote, with team gatherings throughout the year, and opportunities to travel. Applicants do not need to live in the state of New York.   

 

 

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter on our website. This is a competitive and active national search. You will be notified promptly if you are being considered for this position.

 

 

Thank you for your interest in propelling opportunities!

 

 

It is the policy of the National Education Opportunity Network not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or citizenship status. We will take specific action to ensure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or citizenship status. Such action shall include, but not be limited to the following: recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other Terms and Conditions of Employment except as provided by law.