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Common App is currently searching for a Director, Government Relations & State Partnerships. This role is a critical part of the Network Growth division within the Constituent Engagement team and reports to the Senior Director of State Partnerships.
Job Responsibility:
Executing on Common App’s strategy to engage federal, state, and local government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders and secure system level agreements for Common App products, programs and services
Acting as the primary liaison between Common App and government entities and leads strategic business development for state-level initiatives
Ensuring that Common App’s priorities are represented in the policymaking arena and that new partnership opportunities are proactively identified and pursued
Monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, assess potential policy and market impacts, and provide strategic recommendations to leadership
Cultivating, pitching, and securing agreements with state systems, higher education agencies, and education coalitions, positioning Common App as a trusted voice and preferred partner in state and national higher education policy and access initiatives
Requirements:
Candidates must live in the United States
Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat
Bachelor’s degree, in public administration, government, or education, or a relevant field
or an equivalent combination of education and experience
8-10 years of functional experience
6-8 years of experience as people manager
Proven ability to engage higher education executives (Presidents, Provosts, and system heads) and other stakeholders, such as associations or partner organizations, to build strategic partnerships and influence policy
Skilled at representing organizational priorities in public forums, including policy discussions, state convenings, and national conferences
Demonstrated proficiency in multi-state government relations, including demonstrated work with state legislatures, education agencies, schools, districts, and higher education institutions
Demonstrated ability to identify, develop, and close strategic partnership opportunities in the education or public sector market
Expertise in government affairs with the ability to influence and advance policy goals
Demonstrated success with consultative or solution-based selling to state-level education agencies or systems
Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship management skills
Proven track record with state contracting and procurement processes
Strong verbal and written communication skills
skilled storyteller with the ability to convey complex issues clearly
Strategic, proactive, and adaptable thinker who can effectively communicate priorities to leadership, colleagues, and policymakers
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously
Deep knowledge of the higher education landscape, including state and system-level policy
Proven track record in building and scaling new initiatives
Nice to have:
Graduate degree in public administration, education, or a relevant field
Certificate in lobbying and government relations (i.e. PAC or NILE)
Agile or other project management methodology experience and training
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Salesforce, or related software
A passion for higher education is a plus
What we offer:
Work-Life balance
Virtual-first office
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Seven company-wide holidays
Nine floating holidays*
Sick leave
Monthly mental health day
Virtual-first support
Choice of PC of MAC laptop
May choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
One-time office set-up stipend
Monthly remote work stipend
Monthly mobile stipend
Financial security
Market-based salaries
Performance-based bonus
403(b) retirement plan
5% company contribution
additional 5% company match
3-year vesting schedule
Participation may begin immediately
Health & wellness
Choice of two health insurance plans
Health Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
Medical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Insurance coverage begins on the date of hire
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health
Company provided life and ad&d insurance
Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents
Company provided short and long-term disability insurance
Career development
Budgeted annual funds for professional development