Strategic State Funding & Policy Sales Leader

Pearson; Bismarck (ND); 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 guide market and policy alignment and lead a team focused on securing state appropriations and other funding to support K-12 programs.

You will meet with state education leaders, governors’ offices, and appropriations officials, developing relationships and negotiating contracts with Pearson’s Government Affairs team.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in state policy, education policy, budget strategy, or related commercial roles combining policy expertise and proven commercial impact.
• Direct experience securing K-12 state funding (appropriations, grants, federal passthrough) — ideally for CTE, workforce development, or career pathway initiatives.
• Proven track record of owning and closing significant state-level deals and partnerships with direct accountability for revenue.
• Success building and maintaining long-term relationships with state education officials, governors' staff, appropriations leaders, and key state decision-makers, in coordination with Pearson's Government Affairs team.

Responsibilities

• Own a portfolio of strategic states and carry quota responsibility for securing $20M+ in state appropriations, grants, and other state funding mechanisms.
• Meet directly with state education leadership, governors’ offices, and appropriations officials; develop and maintain key relationships; and lead contract negotiations in partnership with Pearson’s Government Affairs team.
• Conduct research and analysis of state trends, budget priorities, and legislative activity to identify funding opportunities and inform commercial priorities.
• Develop integrated state strategy frameworks that connect state priorities, funding mechanisms, regulatory requirements, and commercial opportunity into coordinated go-to-market plays.
• Lead state certification placements and ensure Pearson offerings are positioned competitively in state procurement and funding decisions.

Skills

State policy experience

Education policy

Budget strategy

Commercial impact

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's 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 guide market and policy alignment and lead a team focused on securing state appropriations and other funding to support K-12 programs.

You will meet with state education leaders, governors’ offices, and appropriations officials, developing relationships and negotiating contracts with Pearson’s Government Affairs team.