Government Relations Associate

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture Ascend Learning, a leading healthcare and learning technology company, is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data-driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning. From testing to certification, Ascend Learning products are used by physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers. Headquartered in Burlington, MA, with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America’s 2025 Greatest Workplaces as well as America’s Best Places to work for Mental Well-Being for 2025. We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Government Relations Associate plays a critical role in expanding Ascend Learning's state-level policy awareness and engagement in a complex, rapidly changing regulatory environment. You will monitor state regulatory changes and build relationships with regulatory agencies—especially State Boards of Nursing—to manage risk and create opportunities. You'll establish a regular external communication cadence that shares government relations and policy insights, while supporting grassroots advocacy efforts with clients and stakeholders. By translating legislative and regulatory developments into actionable business insights, you'll strengthen Ascend Learning's advocacy at both the federal and state levels and deliver added value to clients through collaborative policy and advocacy initiatives.

WHERE YOU'LL WORK

This position offers the flexibility of remote work within the United States.

HOW YOU'LL SPEND YOUR TIME

Policy Awareness & Engagement:Monitor and analyze state-level legislative and regulatory developments impacting nursing education and healthcare workforce policy, and expand engagement with state agencies, boards, and policymakers to anticipate emerging issues and opportunities. External Thought Leadership: Develop and maintain regular policy updates for clients and stakeholders, translating legislative and regulatory developments into actionable business insights and reinforcing Ascend's position as a trusted source of healthcare workforce and nursing education policy expertise. Policymaker Engagement:Build and sustain regular communication and outreach with federal and state policymakers, sharing insights that inform policy development and supporting relationship-building with legislative, executive, and regulatory officials. Grassroots Advocacy Support:Help stand up and support grassroots engagement initiatives with clients and stakeholders, coordinating advocacy and public affairs campaigns and equipping participants with tools and resources to engage in policy discussions. Certification Project Management:Manage timelines and deliverables for state certification requirements, ensuring consistency and continuity across states.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Health Administration, or a related field required. Minimum 2 years experience in government relations, public affairs, or regulatory compliance; postsecondary education or healthcare policy experience preferred. Demonstrated ability to analyze legislative and regulatory developments and communicate their implications to diverse audiences. Strong organizational and project management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment. Ability to travel occasionally for policymaker engagement and advocacy activities. Familiarity with state-level healthcare and healthcare education regulations and certification processes preferred. Familiarity with emerging AI policy, regulation, and governance issues, including their implications for healthcare providers, workforce development, education, credentialing, and assessment programs preferred. Experience with stakeholder engagement and advocacy campaigns preferred.

HIRING RANGE

The current full-time, annualized base pay hiring range for this role is $72,600.00-$103,840.00. In accordance with applicable state laws, we are providing the expected pay range for this position. Individual compensation will be determined by various factors, including relevant experience, qualifications, current business needs and local market factors. Most regular, full-time employees are eligible to participate in an Ascend incentive bonus or sales plan.

BENEFITS

Health, dental, and vision insurance Company paid life Insurance 401(k) with company match Paid time off and parental leave Employee assistance program Other wellness programs such as Headspace and Airvet Charitable matching program Fostering A Sense of Belonging Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and be authentic. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging. Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S.-based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.