Manager, State Initiatives

Scholastic • New York, NY

3d

About The Position

THE OPPORTUNITY/RESPONSIBILITIES Identify emerging business opportunities and shifts in market trends, employing this insight to inform and adapt the overarching Partnership Sales strategy to capitalize on growth opportunities. Develops a deep understanding of state-level education trends and opportunities, with a focus on state initiatives, policies, and standards alongside the full portfolio of Scholastic Education Solutions products Identify, pursue, and maximize local, state, and federal funding sources for K–12 education, including grants, entitlement programs, competitive funding, and special initiatives. Develop and implement comprehensive funding strategies aligned with district goals, equity initiatives, and student outcomes. Monitor emerging funding opportunities, legislative changes, and policy updates impacting K–12 education finance. Works closely with Sr. Consultant, State Partnerships to prepare proposals, pitch decks, talking points, and research summaries in support of state-level initiatives. Participates in relationship-building activities with partners and prospective partners, representing Education Solutions’ capabilities and priorities. Manages a regular cadence of communications with internal stakeholders to provide insights and updates on state initiatives, including impacts on P&L Coordinates state initiative budgets, strategic planning, and implementations Collaborate with internal teams, including marketing, product development, and operations, to ensure alignment of sales efforts with overall business objectives. Stay informed about market trends, competitive landscape, and customer feedback to identify opportunities for product enhancements and new business development. About Scholastic For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been meeting children where they are – at school, at home and in their communities – by creating quality content and experiences, all beginning with literacy. Scholastic delivers stories, characters, and learning moments that empower all kids to become lifelong readers and learners through bestselling children’s books, literacy- and knowledge-building resources for schools including classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children's media. As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online, and with a global reach into more than 135 countries, Scholastic encourages the personal and intellectual growth of all children, while nurturing a lifelong relationship with reading, themselves, and the world around them. Learn more at www.scholastic.com. Some benefits that we offer: Full suite of health and wellness benefits (including a $0 deductible Medical Plan) Retirement Savings Plan 401(k) with options for both Roth and Traditional Contributions Tuition-Free programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees Generous Parental Leave Program Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with opportunity for discounted stock at a 15% discount Thank you for your consideration in choosing Scholastic. #LI-MV1

Requirements

• BA/BS degree in Management, Marketing or Business-Minimum.
• A minimum of 5 years relevant experience in business development, partnership or account management, and/or strategic communications
• Expert-level project management skills coupled with creative and collaborative problem-solving skills and adept EQ (emotional intelligence)
• Experience as a subject-matter expert for major funding programs, such as (but not limited to): Title I, II, III, and IV IDEA, SPED, and other nonprofit funding resources. ESSER and other emergency or stimulus funds State education grants and categorical programs.
• Knowledge of all federal, state, and local regulations, and allowable use guidelines.
• Ability to function with a high degree of autonomy.
• Solid writing and presentation skills with an ability to synthesize multiple inputs and tailor communications to a range of audiences.
• Mastery of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; self-sufficiency with basic design principles and programs a plus
• Passion for Scholastic mission and creating appealing products for students, teachers, administrators, and parents

Nice To Haves

• Government relations skills preferred
• Strong preference for experience in education policy or state government work

Responsibilities

• Identify emerging business opportunities and shifts in market trends, employing this insight to inform and adapt the overarching Partnership Sales strategy to capitalize on growth opportunities.
• Develops a deep understanding of state-level education trends and opportunities, with a focus on state initiatives, policies, and standards alongside the full portfolio of Scholastic Education Solutions products
• Identify, pursue, and maximize local, state, and federal funding sources for K–12 education, including grants, entitlement programs, competitive funding, and special initiatives.
• Develop and implement comprehensive funding strategies aligned with district goals, equity initiatives, and student outcomes.
• Monitor emerging funding opportunities, legislative changes, and policy updates impacting K–12 education finance.
• Works closely with Sr. Consultant, State Partnerships to prepare proposals, pitch decks, talking points, and research summaries in support of state-level initiatives.
• Participates in relationship-building activities with partners and prospective partners, representing Education Solutions’ capabilities and priorities.
• Manages a regular cadence of communications with internal stakeholders to provide insights and updates on state initiatives, including impacts on P&L
• Coordinates state initiative budgets, strategic planning, and implementations
• Collaborate with internal teams, including marketing, product development, and operations, to ensure alignment of sales efforts with overall business objectives.
• Stay informed about market trends, competitive landscape, and customer feedback to identify opportunities for product enhancements and new business development.

Benefits

• Full suite of health and wellness benefits (including a $0 deductible Medical Plan)
• Retirement Savings Plan 401(k) with options for both Roth and Traditional Contributions
• Tuition-Free programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees
• Generous Parental Leave Program
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with opportunity for discounted stock at a 15% discount

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees