Director Business Development

Pearson; Salem (OR); Remote; USD 140,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Director of Business Development to spearhead partnerships and drive policy initiatives for virtual education. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, requiring a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and educational expertise. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, leveraging strong communication and negotiation skills to foster relationships with key stakeholders. If you are passionate about transforming education and have a track record of success in business development, this is the opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in education reform, school development, or online learning.
• Proven success in cross-functional environments and complex sales processes.
• Strong persuasion and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development and policy initiatives for virtual schools.
• Build relationships with key decision-makers and influencers.
• Collaborate with internal teams to achieve partnership goals.

Skills

Business Development

Educational Policy

Strategic Partnerships

Negotiation Skills

Analytical Skills

Relationship Building

Communication Skills

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 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 leaders. Leveraging your experience, relationships, and expertise, you will create new growth opportunities for Pearson Virtual Schools. The role requires independence, innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and knowledge to bring large opportunities to successful outcomes. You will set and execute regional business strategies, be forward-thinking, and negotiate terms beneficial to Pearson and its customers. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex problems, leading cross-functional teams, demonstrating exceptional communication skills, embodying Pearson's core values, and thriving in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• 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.
• Lead internal and external projects to successful completion, demonstrating leadership skills.
• Develop partnership strategies and go-to-market plans to meet regional and national objectives, including college-career and new partnership models.
• Educate, inform, interpret, and influence public policies supporting virtual schools and programs. Build relationships with high-profile customers.
• Collaborate with sales and Customer Success teams to identify paths to achieve new partner school goals, leveraging existing relationships.
• Work with state lobbyists and advocates to monitor and influence legislation, regulations, and policies affecting Pearson Virtual Schools.
• Apply knowledge of key issues, rules, and regulations to implement state-specific strategic initiatives and communicate these effectively to stakeholders.
• Build ongoing relationships with regulators, policy influencers, and advocacy organizations.
• Develop and implement public policy plans to enter new markets and states, aligning with Pearson's strategic plan.
• Collaborate with Pearson’s US Government Affairs team to support broader public policy interests.
• Research, report, and communicate policies, enacted legislation, and regulations to stakeholders.
• Communicate complex ideas persuasively with school leaders, decision-makers, and leadership teams to identify and close long-term strategic partnerships.
• Analyze industry trends, competitive data, and market research 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 resolving operational challenges to meet business goals.
• Make operational and commercial decisions on new opportunities by evaluating economic and strategic factors.
• Provide deep subject matter expertise, understanding business needs, solutions, and demonstrating how they meet customer needs.
• Oversee proposal processes, coordinate with stakeholders, design solutions, and meet deadlines.
• Build and nurture a network of stakeholders, including education, legislative, community, and business leaders, and families.
• Lead and empower a diverse group of founding board members, establishing local advocacy networks and communication strategies.
• 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 regulatory requirements.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 10+ years in education reform, school development, educational policy, government affairs, strategic partnerships, or online learning experience.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred (e.g., JD, Master of Political Science, Economics, Public Policy, MBA, or School Administration). Knowledge of online learning and education policy is desired.
• Strong persuasion, prioritization, and relationship-building skills; ability to influence at all organizational levels.
• Proven success in cross-functional environments and understanding complex sales processes.
• Comfort with change and ability to influence others.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative approach and proven success.
• Independent, proactive, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to network with educational decision-makers and understand virtual education policy issues.
• Experience collaborating with administration and policy makers, including senior management.
• Excellent work ethic, managing multiple projects with integrity and initiative.
• Willingness to travel frequently (at least 50%) and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Experience in negotiation, strategic thinking, and analytical skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Compensation at Pearson depends on various factors. 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 on request.

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 a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For more information: We are Pearson.

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected groups. We seek qualified candidates, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request by emailing [e-mail].

Job Details

Job: SALES

Organization: Virtual Learning

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Workplace Type: Remote

Req ID: 19560