State Education Funding & Sales Leader

Pearson; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Pearson is seeking a senior leader to drive the Career Ready commercial strategy at the state level in the United States. You will architect and execute state-level sales and appropriations, guiding a team of strategy and implementation managers to grow state-funded curriculum and certifications.

You will work closely with Government Affairs, education officials, and governors’ offices to shape policy-aligned budgets, opportunities, and revenue growth across your portfolio.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in state policy, education policy, budget strategy, or related commercial roles.
• Direct experience securing K-12 state funding (appropriations, grants, federal passthrough).
• Proven track record closing state-level deals with revenue responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Own a portfolio of strategic states with $20M+ quota in state funding.
• Meet with state education leadership, governors’ offices, and appropriations officials; negotiate contracts with Government Affairs.
• Research state trends and budgets to identify funding opportunities and inform priorities.
• Develop integrated state strategy frameworks linking priorities, funding, regulation, and go-to-market.
• Lead state certification placements and drive procurement positioning.

Skills

State policy

Education policy

Budget strategy

Sales leadership

Relationship building

Policy communications

Education

Bachelor's in Political Science

Public Policy degree

Job description

Pearson is seeking a senior leader to drive the Career Ready commercial strategy at the state level in the United States. You will architect and execute state-level sales and appropriations, guiding a team of strategy and implementation managers to grow state-funded curriculum and certifications.

You will work closely with Government Affairs, education officials, and governors’ offices to shape policy-aligned budgets, opportunities, and revenue growth across your portfolio.