Director Business Development

Pearson; Denver (CO); Remote; USD 140,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic Director of Business Development to drive growth in virtual education partnerships. This role involves developing strategic relationships with key decision-makers in education and influencing public policy to support new opportunities. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating exceptional leadership and communication skills while navigating the complexities of educational reform. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to transforming learning experiences and making a significant impact in the field of education.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in education reform or strategic partnerships required.
• Strong persuasion and relationship-building skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development and partnership strategies for virtual schools.
• Collaborate with sales teams to achieve new partner school goals.

Skills

Business Development

Educational Policy

Strategic Partnerships

Relationship Building

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree (JD, MBA, etc.)

Job description

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Position Summary

Working from a home office with ability for substantial travel, the Director of Policy and Educational Partnerships at Pearson Virtual Schools is a field professional reporting 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. You will establish relationships with key decision makers and influencers in education, such as state/district/school administrators, state legislators, associations, company executives, and university leadership. Leverage your experience, relationships, and expertise to create new growth opportunities for Pearson Virtual Schools. The role requires independence, innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and knowledge to bring large opportunities to successful outcomes. You will set and execute business strategies in your region, be forward-thinking, and negotiate terms beneficial to Pearson and its customers. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex problems, provides leadership across cross-functional teams, demonstrates exceptional communication skills, exhibits Pearson's core values, and thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Demonstrate expertise in business development and state policy, being recognized as a leader in these areas. Deliver new full-time virtual school opportunities aligned with organizational strategy to meet or exceed goals.
2. Lead projects to successful completion, demonstrating leadership skills internally and externally.
3. Develop partnership strategies and go-to-market plans to meet regional and national objectives, including college-career and other new partnership models.
4. Educate, inform, interpret, and influence public policies supporting the development of virtual schools and programs; lead relationships with high-profile new customers.
5. Collaborate with sales and Customer Success teams to identify paths to achieve new partner school goals leveraging existing relationships.
6. Work with state-based lobbyists and advocates to monitor and influence legislation, regulations, and policies affecting Pearson Virtual Schools in the U.S.
7. Understand key national and state issues, rules, and regulations; implement state-specific strategic initiatives to meet new business objectives; communicate these effectively to stakeholders.
8. Cultivate relationships with regulators, policy influencers, and advocacy organizations.
9. Develop and implement public policy plans to enter new markets and states, aligning with Pearson's strategic plan.
10. Collaborate with Pearson’s US Government Affairs team to support broader public policy interests.
11. Research, report, and communicate policies, legislation, and regulations to stakeholders.
12. Communicate complex ideas persuasively with school leaders, policymakers, and leadership teams to identify and secure strategic partnerships.
13. Analyze industry trends and market data, applying knowledge of online learning theories and practices.
14. Address key concerns and present mutually beneficial solutions.
15. Lead internal teams in new school development, building trust and solving operational and complex issues to achieve business goals.
16. Make operational and commercial decisions on new opportunities by evaluating economic and strategic factors.
17. Provide deep subject matter expertise, understanding business needs, solutions, and demonstrating how they meet customer needs.
18. Oversee the proposal process, coordinating with stakeholders to design solutions and meet deadlines.
19. Build and nurture a network of stakeholders, including education, legislative, community, and business leaders, and families.
20. Lead and empower a diverse group of founding board members; establish local advocacy networks and communication strategies to foster community and influence policy.
21. Manage cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives, including legal, finance, marketing, product, and customer success.
22. Execute medium-term strategies to achieve new school targets, aligning opportunities with product roadmaps, financial goals, and compliance.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

1. 10+ years in education reform, school development, educational policy, government affairs, strategic partnerships, or online learning.
2. Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred (e.g., JD, Master’s in Political Science, Economics, Public Policy, MBA, or School Administration). Knowledge of online learning and education policy is desirable.
3. Strong persuasion, prioritization, and relationship-building skills; ability to influence at all levels.
4. Proven success in cross-functional environments and understanding complex sales processes.
5. Comfort with change and influencing others about change.
6. Team player with collaborative spirit and proven success.
7. Independent, proactive, and self-motivated.
8. Ability to network with educational decision-makers and stakeholders.
9. Knowledge of virtual education policy issues and experience in policy change implementation.
10. Experience working with all levels of administration and policymakers.
11. Excellent work ethic, managing multiple projects simultaneously, with no prior issues related to relationships or integrity.
12. Willingness to travel frequently (at least 50%) and valid driver’s license required.
13. End-to-end negotiation experience, including developing and executing partnerships.
14. Strategic and creative thinking with sound business judgment and analytics.
15. Excellent oral and written communication skills for complex issues and influence.

Compensation varies based on skills, experience, and location. The salary range for this position in certain states is $140,000 - $145,000. The role is eligible for an annual incentive program. Benefits information is available here.

Who We Are

At Pearson, our purpose is to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe every learning opportunity is a chance for personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. Learning is who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson.

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and E-Verify participant. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need, without regard to protected characteristics. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request via email.

Job Details

• Job: SALES
• Organization: Virtual Learning
• Schedule: FULL_TIME
• Workplace Type: Remote
• Req ID: 19560