Strategic State Sales Director — $20M+ Portfolio

Pearson; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Pearson is seeking a Senior State Strategy and Partnerships leader to drive the Career Ready commercial strategy across U.S. states, translating education funding patterns into strategic opportunities and revenue.

This role combines strategic vision with hands-on execution to achieve a $20M+ annual target. You will lead a nationwide portfolio of state education partnerships and manage a team of state strategy managers, partnering with Pearson’s Government Affairs to engage governors’ offices,

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in state policy, education policy, budget strategy, or related commercial roles combining policy expertise and proven commercial impact.

Responsibilities

• Own a portfolio of strategic states and carry quota responsibility for securing $20M+ in state funding and grants.
• 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

Education policy

Budget strategy

Relationship building

Sales leadership

Contract negotiations

Strategic thinking

Executive communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Business, Education, Economics, or related field

Job description

Pearson is seeking a Senior State Strategy and Partnerships leader to drive the Career Ready commercial strategy across U.S. states, translating education funding patterns into strategic opportunities and revenue.

This role combines strategic vision with hands-on execution to achieve a $20M+ annual target. You will lead a nationwide portfolio of state education partnerships and manage a team of state strategy managers, partnering with Pearson’s Government Affairs to engage governors’ offices,