Director, Higher Ed Strategy & Public Policy

Apply; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ownership program

Flexible work culture

Generous time off

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Instructure is seeking a Director, Strategic Affairs for Higher Education to lead NA policy initiatives and shape go-to-market strategy for Canvas, Mastery, and Parchment. You will collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Customer Success, and Product to translate policy insights into revenue opportunities, guiding procurement strategies and executive engagement.

This role reports to the VP, Strategic Affairs, travels as needed, and will oversee government affairs, partnerships, and international

Qualifications

• 5+ years in government affairs, public policy, or public sector sales.
• Proven track record of achieving revenue or pipeline targets.
• Experience working with C-suite and senior leaders in both public and private sectors.
• Strong understanding of education and workforce funding sources (e.g., ESSA, Perkins V).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to brief legislative briefings and sales teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead Government Affairs and go-to-market strategy for Instructure’s Higher Education in North America.
• Develop statewide deal pipelines by linking education/workforce funding to Canvas, Mastery, and Parchment opportunities.
• Monitor legislation and regulatory changes; translate into actionable guidance for Sales, Marketing, CS, and Product teams.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with policymakers, agency leaders, and education associations.
• Oversee advocacy partners and lobbying firms; set goals and measure results to align with business outcomes.
• Shape procurement strategies (cooperative contracts, alternative purchasing) to increase win rates without sole reliance on RFPs.
• Advise senior customer leaders on digital transformation, skills development, and technology adoption strategies.
• Own attribution of policy/government engagement to revenue, market share, and customer impact.
• Contribute to international public policy initiatives and global policy voice.
• Maintain efficient sales and delivery processes.

Skills

Government affairs

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Travel readiness

Job description

Instructure is seeking a Director, Strategic Affairs for Higher Education to lead NA policy initiatives and shape go-to-market strategy for Canvas, Mastery, and Parchment. You will collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Customer Success, and Product to translate policy insights into revenue opportunities, guiding procurement strategies and executive engagement.

This role reports to the VP, Strategic Affairs, travels as needed, and will oversee government affairs, partnerships, and international