Strategic State Sales Leader for $20M+ Funding

Pearson; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive program

Job summary

Pearson's Career Ready portfolio aims to help state systems, institutions, and employers access workforce-aligned learning and certification programs.

This role positions you as both the strategic architect and lead revenue driver of the Career Ready commercial strategy — understanding how states invest in career readiness, translating that into coordinated commercial strategy, and directly executing state-level sales and appropriations strategy with a $20M+ target.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in state policy or related commercial roles.
• Direct experience securing K-12 state funding (appropriations, grants, federal passthrough).
• Proven track record of owning and closing significant state-level deals and revenue.
• Strong relationships with state education officials and budget decision-makers.
• Deep understanding of state education systems and funding pathways.
• Experience leading sales or state strategy teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with executives.
• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Business, Education, Economics, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Own a portfolio of strategic states and carry quota for $20M+ in state funding.
• Meet with state education leadership and appropriations officials; negotiate contracts with Government Affairs.
• Research state trends, budgets, and legislation to identify funding opportunities.
• Develop integrated state strategy frameworks aligning priorities with funding and commercial opportunities.
• Lead state certification placements and ensure offerings are competitive in procurement.

Skills

State policy

Education policy

Budget strategy

Sales leadership

Team management

C-suite communication

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Pearson's Career Ready portfolio aims to help state systems, institutions, and employers access workforce-aligned learning and certification programs.

This role positions you as both the strategic architect and lead revenue driver of the Career Ready commercial strategy — understanding how states invest in career readiness, translating that into coordinated commercial strategy, and directly executing state-level sales and appropriations strategy with a $20M+ target.