Director, Global Government Affairs (SLED) - Cybersecurity

Tenable•Columbia, VA

7d•$188,000 - $250,667•Hybrid

About The Position

Tenable’s Director, Global Government Affairs (SLED) represents the company before state and local legislators, CIOs, CISOs, procurement officials, education leaders, national SLED organizations, trade associations, and coalitions. The role develops and executes state and local advocacy strategies in close alignment with SLED sales and business development leadership. It monitors state policy developments, manages contract lobbyists in target jurisdictions, and converts association and legislative intelligence into actionable growth strategies for field sales teams. The position partners with SLED sales teams to support public-sector business development, leads relationships with outside consultants and lobbyists, and represents Tenable in technology associations and national SLED organizations. It builds relationships with government technology and procurement leaders, tracks and influences legislation and executive policies related to cybersecurity, AI, and public-sector risk management, and ensures compliance with lobbying rules in coordination with legal and compliance teams. The role also advocates for Tenable’s exposure management platform and aligns government affairs strategies with product marketing, corporate communications, and executive leadership. Domestic travel is required, typically monthly to quarterly, depending on legislative calendars, conferences, and jurisdictional priorities. The planned start date is March 2027. The position offers a US base pay range of $188,000 to $250,666.67, with variable compensation also available. Tenable provides a range of benefits, including insurance coverage, retirement savings, stock purchase, education assistance, leave, paid time off, holidays, and wellness and community programs.

Requirements

At least 7 years of relevant experience in state and local government affairs, public policy, state agency administration, or SLED business development, with demonstrated leadership experience.
Proven ability to establish credibility and working relationships with state and local CIOs, CISOs, IT procurement officials, and legislative staff.
Experience managing external government affairs consultants and contract lobbyists to achieve policy and business outcomes.
Strong working knowledge of state legislative processes, budget appropriation cycles, and public-sector acquisition vehicles.
Demonstrated success leveraging national intergovernmental organizations and trade associations to represent company priorities.
Exceptional written, verbal, and executive presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex policy issues to sales teams and government executives.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Availability for domestic travel, typically monthly to quarterly.

Nice To Haves

Working familiarity with cybersecurity principles, IT infrastructure, enterprise software, or AI policy; formal cybersecurity industry experience is not required.
Prior service as a state CIO, CISO, Deputy CIO/CISO, or senior state technology leader.
Direct experience overseeing legislative or consulting engagements in California, Texas, New York, or Florida.
Experience serving as an intelligence bridge between public-sector associations and quota-carrying sales representatives to accelerate pipeline generation.
Advanced degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Law, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Partner with SLED territory sales teams and sales leadership to open doors, navigate procurement cycles, and communicate the operational value of exposure management solutions to state and local leaders.
Manage outside government relations consultants and contract lobbyists in priority states, including California, Texas, New York, and Florida, setting priorities and ensuring measurable results.
Represent Tenable within technology associations and national SLED organizations, including NASCIO and NGA.
Monitor state legislative trends and translate association briefings into actionable commercial intelligence for regional sales teams.
Build and maintain relationships with state CIOs, CISOs, state agency technology leaders, and procurement decision-makers nationwide.
Track, evaluate, and influence state and local legislation and executive policies affecting cybersecurity standards, AI adoption, and public-sector risk management.
Navigate state-specific lobbying rules, gift restrictions, and disclosure requirements in coordination with legal and compliance teams.
Develop and maintain knowledge of Tenable’s exposure management platform and its application to state, local, and higher education operational resilience.
Coordinate government affairs strategies with product marketing, corporate communications, and executive leadership.
Travel domestically, typically monthly to quarterly, based on legislative calendars, conferences, and jurisdictional priorities.