Director Business Development at Pearson Sacramento, CA

Director Business Development job at Pearson. Sacramento, CA. Position Summary Working from a home office with ability for substantial travel, the Director of Policy and Educational Partnerships at Pearson Virtual Schools is a field professional reporting to the Vice President of Policy and Educational Partnerships whose primary responsibility is to develop new Connections Academy partnerships and a positive policy environment in an assigned geographic region. You will be responsible for establishing relationships with key decisions makers and influencers in education i.e. state/district/school administrators, state legislators, state associations, company executives, university leadership, leveraging your experience, relationships, and expertise to create new growth opportunities for Pearson Virtual Schools. The Director of Policy and Educational Partnerships must be independent, innovative, entrepreneurial, creative and knowledgeable with the ability to bring large opportunities to successful outcomes. The Director of Policy and Educational Partnerships will set and execute business strategies in a region, be forward-thinking and effectively negotiate terms that benefit Pearson and our customers. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex problems, provides leadership across cross-functional teams, demonstrates exceptional communication skills, exhibits Pearson core values, and thrives in a fast‑paced setting that is constantly evolving. Primary Responsibilities Demonstrates expertise in business development and state policy and is seen as a leader in these areas; delivers new full‑time virtual school opportunities aligned to organizational strategy to meet or exceed goals. Demonstrates leadership skills internally and externally by leading projects to successful completion. Leads partnership strategies and go‑to‑market plans to meet regional and national objectives including college‑career and other new partnership models. Develops, sets, and leads strategies and tactics to educate, inform, interpret, and influence public policies that support the development of new and existing virtual schools and programs and leads relationships with high‑profile new customers. Collaborates with sales and Customer Success team to identify paths to achieve new partner school goals leveraging existing relationships in target states. Works with state‑based lobbyists and advocates to monitor and influence legislation, regulations, and policies affecting all lines of business with Pearson Virtual Schools in the United States. Demonstrates and applies knowledge of key national and state issues, rules, and regulations, and implements state‑specific strategic initiatives to meet new business objectives, and effectively communicates these to appropriate internal and external stakeholders. Cultivates ongoing relationships with regulators, public policy influencers, and advocacy organizations. Develops and implements public policy plans to enter new markets and new states consistent with Pearson Virtual Schools strategic plan. Collaborates with Pearson’s United States Government Affairs team to support broader company public policy interests as applicable. Researches, reports, and communicates policies, enacted legislation and regulation to internal and external stakeholders. Communicates complex ideas and utilizes persuasive communication techniques with state and district school leaders, school board members, university and corporate decision makers, and leadership team members to successfully identify and close long‑term strategic partnerships. Demonstrates breadth and depth of online learning theories and practices by analyzing competitive data, reading professional publications, growing professional networks, tracking industry trends and market research. Successfully addresses key concerns and presents mutually beneficial solutions. Leads internal teams in the new school development process by building trust and helping others solve complex, operational problems to achieve business development goals. Makes key operational and/or commercial decisions on new business opportunities by evaluating the economic and strategic cost‑benefit of partnerships. Provides deep subject‑matter expertise, understands business needs, solution options, and describes how these solutions meet customer needs. Oversees the proposal process as it relates to identifying the right opportunity, coordinating with internal stakeholders, designing solutions, and meeting all deadlines. Builds, nurtures and enlists the support of a network of state and national stakeholders including education, legislative, community and business leaders, and families. Leads and empowers a diverse group of founding board members to understand the reasons for a new Connections Academy and establishes a local advocacy network to advocate on behalf of the new school; in partnership with marketing, strategizes and implements communication tactics and messaging to foster community relationships and affect public policy and new school opportunities. Manages indirectly to drive business planning, goal setting, and consensus working with cross‑functional teams (Legal, Finance, Marketing, Product, Customer Success, etc.) to achieve business objectives. Executes and is accountable for the medium‑term strategy for achieving new school targets with opportunities that align to product roadmaps, financial goals, and regulatory compliance. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements 10+ years in education reform, school development, educational policy, government affairs, strategic partnerships, or online learning experience. Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred (Juris Doctor, Master of Political Science, Economics, Public Policy, MBA, or School Administration a plus). Knowledge of and experience in education and/or online learning is desired. Strong persuasion, prioritization, and relationship‑building skills; comfort influencing partners and co‑workers at all levels of an organization. Demonstrated success working in a cross‑functional environment. Demonstrated success in understanding the complex sales process. Embraces change and influences others to understand the reasons for change. Team player; enjoys collaborative work environment and has proven success. Independent, demonstrates initiative and requires minimal supervision. Ability to generate relationships with significant educational decision makers and understand how to network. Demonstrated knowledge of virtual education policy issues and evidence of making policy changes. Demonstrated experience collaborating with all levels of administration and policy makers, including senior management staff and senior‑level customers. Outstanding work ethic, ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously; no previous performance issues around relationships, work ethic, integrity or initiative. Must be able to travel frequently throughout a territory at least 50% of the time; must have a valid driver’s license. End‑to‑end negotiation experience, including identifying, developing, and executing successful partnerships. Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively while applying sound business judgment and quantitative analytics. Excellent oral and written skills to communicate complex issues and influence others internally and externally. Compensation The minimum full‑time salary range is $140,000 – $145,000. This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program. Information on benefits offered is available upon request. Equal Opportunity Employer Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E‑Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Payfuture Technologies