Director, Global Government Affairs (SLED) - Cybersecurity

Tenable, Inc.•Columbia, MD

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 position 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 priority jurisdictions, and turns association and legislative intelligence into actionable strategies for field sales teams. The role partners with SLED sales teams to support public-sector business opportunities and procurement cycles, manages external government relations consultants and lobbyists, represents Tenable in technology associations and national SLED bodies, and builds relationships with state technology and procurement leaders. It tracks and seeks to influence legislation and executive policies affecting cybersecurity standards, AI adoption, and public-sector risk management, while ensuring compliance with lobbying requirements. The Director also advocates for Tenable’s exposure management platform and coordinates 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 listed U.S. base pay range is $188,000–$250,666.67, with potential variable compensation. Tenable describes a comprehensive benefits package.

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 representing company priorities through national intergovernmental organizations and trade associations.
Exceptional written, verbal, and executive presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex policy topics to commercial sales teams and government executives.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Domestic travel required, typically monthly to quarterly depending on state legislative calendars, conferences, and jurisdictional priorities.

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

Represent Tenable before state and local legislators, CIOs, CISOs, procurement officials, education leaders, SLED organizations, trade associations, and coalitions.
Develop and execute state and local advocacy strategies in alignment with SLED sales and business development leadership.
Partner with SLED territory sales teams and sales leadership to open doors, navigate procurement cycles, and communicate the value of exposure management solutions.
Manage outside government relations consultants and contract lobbyists in priority states, set priorities, and ensure 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 sustain relationships with state CIOs, CISOs, agency technology leaders, and procurement decision-makers.
Track, evaluate, and influence state and local legislation and executive policies related to cybersecurity standards, AI adoption, and public-sector risk management.
Coordinate compliance with state lobbying rules, gift restrictions, and disclosure requirements alongside 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.
Align government affairs strategies with product marketing, corporate communications, and executive leadership priorities.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Disability and life insurance
401(k) retirement savings with company match
Employee stock purchase plan
Employee referral program
Flexible spending accounts
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Education assistance
Parental leave
Paid time off (PTO)
Company-paid holidays
Health and wellness events
Community programs
Variable compensation, including bonus for non-sales roles, depending on company and individual performance