Director Business Development

Pearson; Columbia (SC); Remote; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Business Development to spearhead partnerships and influence educational policy. This pivotal role involves working independently from a home office while traveling extensively to build relationships with key stakeholders in the education sector. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong background in business development, strategic partnerships, and policy advocacy. With a focus on innovative solutions and community engagement, this position offers an exciting opportunity to drive growth and make a meaningful impact in the world of virtual education. If you are a proactive leader with a passion for education reform, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in education reform, policy, or strategic partnerships.
• Strong persuasion and relationship-building skills.
• Proven success in cross-functional environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop new partnerships and influence public policy for virtual schools.
• Lead projects and collaborate with sales teams to achieve goals.
• Build relationships with education decision-makers and regulators.

Skills

Business Development

Policy Influence

Strategic Partnerships

Negotiation

Relationship Building

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education Reform

Change Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree (e.g., JD, MBA)

Job description

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Position Summary

Working from a home office with the ability for substantial travel, the Director of Policy and Educational Partnerships at Pearson Virtual Schools reports to the Vice President of Policy and Educational Partnerships. The primary responsibility is to develop new Connections Academy partnerships and foster a positive policy environment in an assigned geographic region. Responsibilities include establishing relationships with key decision-makers and influencers in education, such as state/district/school administrators, legislators, associations, company executives, and university leadership. The role requires leveraging experience, relationships, and expertise to create new growth opportunities for Pearson Virtual Schools.

The ideal candidate must be independent, innovative, entrepreneurial, creative, and knowledgeable, with the ability to bring large opportunities to successful outcomes. They will set and execute business strategies regionally, be forward-thinking, negotiate effectively, and demonstrate leadership in solving complex problems, communicating effectively, and thriving in a fast-paced environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Demonstrate expertise in business development and state policy, delivering new full-time virtual school opportunities aligned with organizational strategy.
• Lead projects to successful completion, both internally and externally.
• Develop partnership strategies and go-to-market plans to meet regional and national objectives.
• Educate, inform, interpret, and influence public policies supporting virtual schools and programs, leading relationships with high-profile customers.
• Collaborate with sales and Customer Success teams to achieve new partner school goals.
• Work with state-based lobbyists and advocates to monitor and influence legislation and policies.
• Understand key national and state issues, regulations, and implement strategic initiatives accordingly.
• Build relationships with regulators, policy influencers, and advocacy organizations.
• Develop and implement public policy plans for entering new markets and states.
• Collaborate with the US Government Affairs team to support broader policy interests.
• Research and communicate policies, legislation, and regulations to stakeholders.
• Communicate complex ideas persuasively to various stakeholders to close long-term strategic partnerships.
• Analyze industry trends, market research, and professional publications to demonstrate knowledge of online learning theories and practices.
• Address key concerns and present mutually beneficial solutions.
• Lead internal teams in new school development, building trust and solving operational problems.
• Make operational and commercial decisions on new business opportunities based on economic and strategic evaluations.
• Provide deep subject matter expertise, understanding business needs, and demonstrating solutions effectively.
• Oversee the proposal process, coordinating with stakeholders and designing solutions.
• Build and nurture a network of stakeholders including education, legislative, community, and business leaders.
• Lead and empower a diverse group of founding board members and establish a local advocacy network.
• Implement communication tactics and messaging to foster community relationships and influence public policy.
• Manage cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives, including legal, finance, marketing, product, and customer success.
• Execute and be accountable for medium-term strategies to meet new school targets, aligning with product roadmaps, financial goals, and compliance.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 10+ years in education reform, school development, policy, government affairs, strategic partnerships, or online learning.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred (e.g., JD, Master of Political Science, Economics, Public Policy, MBA, or School Administration).
• Strong persuasion, prioritization, relationship-building skills, and experience influencing at all organizational levels.
• Successful experience working in cross-functional environments and understanding the complex sales process.
• Ability to embrace change and influence others regarding change.
• Collaborative team player with proven success in similar environments.
• Independent, proactive, requiring minimal supervision.
• Ability to network and generate relationships with educational decision-makers.
• Knowledge of virtual education policy issues and experience in policy change.
• Experience collaborating with administration and policymakers, including senior management.
• Outstanding work ethic, ability to manage multiple projects, and integrity.
• Willingness to travel frequently (at least 50%) and valid driver’s license.
• End-to-end negotiation experience in developing and executing successful partnerships.
• Strategic and creative thinking with sound business judgment and analytics.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.