Director Business Development

Pearson; Santa Fe (NM); Remote; USD 140,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Director of Business Development to drive growth through innovative partnerships in the educational sector. This role offers the opportunity to work independently while collaborating with various stakeholders to influence policies and establish new virtual school opportunities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in education reform, exceptional negotiation skills, and a passion for creating impactful educational experiences. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are ready to make a difference, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in education reform, school development, or online learning.
• Strong persuasion and relationship-building skills required.

Responsibilities

• Develop new partnerships and influence public policies for virtual schools.
• Lead strategies to meet regional and national objectives.

Skills

Business Development

Policy Influence

Negotiation Skills

Relationship Building

Strategic Thinking

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree (JD, MPP, MBA)

Job description

Join to apply for the Director Business Development role at Pearson.

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, and university leadership. The role requires an independent, innovative, and entrepreneurial mindset to create growth opportunities and execute business strategies, negotiate beneficial terms, and lead cross-functional teams effectively.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Demonstrate expertise in business development and state policy, delivering new full-time virtual school opportunities aligned with organizational strategies.
2. Lead partnership strategies and go-to-market plans to meet regional and national objectives, including college-career and new partnership models.
3. Develop and implement strategies to influence public policies supporting virtual schools, building relationships with high-profile customers and policy influencers.
4. Collaborate with sales and Customer Success teams to identify pathways to achieve partner school goals.
5. Work with lobbyists and advocates to monitor and influence legislation, regulations, and policies affecting Pearson Virtual Schools.
6. Research, analyze, and communicate policies and legislation to stakeholders.
7. Build and nurture relationships with regulators, policy influencers, and advocacy organizations.
8. Develop public policy plans for new markets, collaborating with the Government Affairs team as needed.
9. Lead internal teams through new school development, building trust and solving operational challenges.
10. Make operational and strategic decisions on new business opportunities, evaluating economic and strategic factors.
11. Oversee proposal processes, coordinate with stakeholders, and meet deadlines.
12. Build networks with education, legislative, community, business leaders, and families.
13. Manage and empower a diverse group of stakeholders and advocacy networks to support new schools.
14. Align business planning, goal setting, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve targets.
15. Execute medium-term strategies to meet school development goals in line with product roadmaps and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

1. 10+ years in education reform, school development, policy, government affairs, or online learning.
2. Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred (e.g., JD, MPP, MBA, or related fields).
3. Strong persuasion, relationship-building, and influence skills.
4. Proven success in cross-functional environments and complex sales processes.
5. Ability to adapt to change and work independently.
6. Experience with virtual education policy and influencing policy changes.
7. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
8. Frequent travel required (at least 50%), valid driver’s license necessary.
9. Negotiation experience and strategic thinking skills.

Compensation ranges from $140,000 to $145,000, with eligibility for incentives and benefits. Pearson is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.