Educational Partnerships and State Policy Specialist

Specialist Educational Partnerships and State Policy

Company Summary :

At Pearson, we’re committed to a world that’s always learning and to our talented team who makes it all possible. We are the world’s learning company with more than 24,000 employees operating in 70 countries. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who push the boundaries of technology. We create seeds of learning that become the catalyst for the world’s innovations. Pearson’s Virtual Schools division has reimagined K-12 education through our virtual school and curriculum offerings. Our partner schools, Connections Academy and Pearson Online Academy, provide a best-in-class online learning environment for K-12 students to acquire the skills and confidence they need to adapt and thrive in a changing world. We also support school districts with curriculum, teachers and technology as they expand online learning opportunities to students. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced significant disruption and transformation to the K-12 learning market. This presents an incredible opportunity for our team to chart a ground-breaking path through this shifting environment to achieve continued success.

We value diversity, equity and inclusion. We value the power of an inclusive culture and a strong sense of belonging. We seek to infuse diversity and inclusion in everything we do while promoting a culture where differences are embraced as strengths; opportunities are equal and accessible; consideration and respect are the norm; and all team members are supported in reaching their full potential. Our company culture is built around our purpose “Add Life to a Lifetime of Learning”.

Position Summary :

Working from a home office with ability for substantial travel, the Specialist of Educational Partnerships and State Policy at Pearson Virtual Schools is a field professional reporting to the Vice President of Educational Partnerships and State Policy whose primary responsibility is to develop new Connections Academy partnerships and a positive policy environment in an assigned geographic region. You will be responsible for establishing relationships with key decisions makers and influencers in education i.e. state/district/school administrators, state legislators, state associations, company executives, university leadership, leveraging your experience, relationships, and expertise to create new growth opportunities for Pearson Virtual Schools. The Educational Partnerships and State Policy must be independent, innovative, entrepreneurial, creative and knowledgeable with the ability to bring large opportunities to successful outcomes. The Specialist of Educational Partnerships and State Policy will be forward-thinking and effectively negotiate terms that benefit Pearson and our customers. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex problems, works effectively with cross-functional teams, exhibits Pearson core values, and thrives in a fast-paced setting that is constantly evolving.

Primary Responsibilities :

• Successfully balances new school development and educational policy to generate new opportunities for growth.
• Delivers new full-time virtual school opportunities aligned to organizational strategy to meet or exceed goals .
• Work with state-based lobbyists and advocates to monitor and influence legislation, regulations, and policies affecting all lines of business with Pearson Virtual Schools in the United States.
• Collaborates with sales to identify paths to achieve new partner school goals leveraging existing relationships in target states.
• Develops knowledge of key national and state issues, rules, and regulations and communicates these to appropriate internal and external stakeholders.
• Develops relationships with regulators, public policy influencers, and advocacy organizations.
• Collaborate with Pearson’s United States Government Affairs team to support broader company public policy interests as applicable.
• Research, report and communicate policies, enacted legislation and regulation to internal and external stakeholders.
• Works collaboratively with organizational leadership including but not limited to state and district school leaders, school board members, university and corporate decisions makers, and leadership team members to successfully identify and close long-term strategic partnerships.
• Build trust and successful relationships during the new school development process to ensure finalization and closure of contracts.
• Collaborates with finance to evaluate the economic and strategic cost-benefit of partnerships.
• Oversee the proposal process as it relates to identifying the right opportunity, coordinating with internal stakeholders, designing solutions, and meeting all deadlines.
• Develops job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining professional networks.
• Begins to build the support of a network of state and national stakeholders including education, legislative, community and business leaders, and families.
• Identify, recommend and nurture a diverse group of founders to establish advocacy and new school opportunities in states.
• In partnership with marketing, strategize and implement communication tactics and messaging to foster community relationships and affect public policy and new school opportunities.
• Drive business planning, goal setting, and consensus working with cross-functional teams (Legal, Finance, Marketing, Product, etc.) to achieve business objectives
• Be accountable for achieving new school targets with opportunities that align to product roadmaps, financial goals, and regulatory compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements :

• 5 years in education reform, school development, educational policy, government affairs, strategic partnerships, or online learning experience is required.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s preferred. (Juris Doctor, Masters of Political Science, Economics, Public Policy, MBA, or School Administration) a plus. Knowledge of and experience in education and/or online learning, is desired.
• Strong persuasion, prioritization, and relationship building skills are essential; and comfort influencing partners and co-workers at all levels of an organization.
• Demonstrated aptitude in understanding the complex sales process and/or educational policy issues.
• Team player. Enjoys collaborative work environment and can demonstrate proven success.
• Independent, demonstrates initiative and requires minimal supervision.
• Ability to generate relationships with significant educational decision-makers. Understands how to network.
• Demonstrated experience successfully collaborating with all levels of administration and policy makers, including senior management staff and senior level customers.
• Outstanding work ethic with ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously; No previous performance issues around relationships, work ethic, integrity or initiative.
• Must be able to travel frequently throughout a territory at least 50% of the time; must have valid driver’s license;
• Excellent oral and written skills to communicate complex issues and influence others internally and externally.

Key Capabilities :

• Customer Centric – Acts with a strong customer mindset (both internal and external) and is a visible advocate for the customer. Builds strong relationships with customers and uses those to improve their experience and outcomes.
• Delivering Financial Results – A strong track record of delivering sales and profitability against budgets and commitments.
• Communications - A great communicator who engages teams and stakeholders with thoughtful delivery and messages that resonate.
• Works well in a matrix - Models collaboration, solves problems with peers, builds trust and support.
• Takes personal responsibility – Can be relied on to complete tasks timely and well, demonstrates “ownership” regardless of the outcome, proactive in exploring and exploiting new opportunities.
• Manages customer expectations - Works closely with the sales team to outline expectations for deliverables without customer escalation.
• Fully engaged in growing the business - By building a reputation within {Pearson Virtual Schools in growing the business, proactively problem solving, and offering suggestions on how we can improve as an organization.

Behaviors :

• Responding constructively to others' ideas and suggestions.
• Encouraging active participation and cooperation within the team.
• Finding solutions to problems that impact performance.
• Helping others to manage the emotional impact of change.
• Embracing change and proposing more effective ways of working.
• Able to tackle unforeseen challenges using existing resources
• Anticipating stumbling blocks, customer questions, and developing contingency plans.
• Recognize and regulate your emotions and behaviors with internal and external teams.
• Recognize others’ emotions and perspectives and take them into account.
• Communicating openly and honestly with colleagues and customers.
• Taking personal responsibility for the quality and content of your work.
• Effectively communicate and demonstrate Pearson’s values, culture, and student focus.
• Demonstrate high standards for trustworthiness, dependability, and decency.

The anticipated starting salary range for Colorado-based individuals expressing interest in this position is $130,000-$140,000. This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program. Benefits available to eligible employees can be seen at: https://pearsonbenefitsus.com/

Learning is the most powerful force for change in the world. More than 20,000 Pearson employees deliver our products and services in nearly 200 countries, all working towards a common purpose – to help everyone achieve their potential through learning. We do that by providing high quality, digital content and learning experiences, as well as assessments and qualifications that help people build their skills and grow with the world around them. We are the world’s leading learning company. Learn more at pearsonplc.com.

Pearson believes that wherever learning flourishes, so do people. We are committed to being an anti-racist company in everything we do. We value the power of an inclusive culture and a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm, and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to a sustainable environment and workplace where talent can learn, grow, and thrive.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, please click here: http://www.pearson.com/careers/diversity-and-inclusion.html

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other group protected by law.

Job: SALES

Organization: Virtual Learning

Schedule: FULL\_TIME

Req ID: 4164