Program Director, State Government Relations

ACT Education•Iowa City, IA

19d•$120,000 - $135,000•Remote

About The Position

At ACT Your Work Makes a Difference Education has power a power that changes lives forever. It creates opportunities that lift up individuals, their families, and sparks societal change that echoes through generations to come. From our grassroots we have fought the good fight for inclusivity in education, and we remain devoted to helping anyone who struggles to access that power. This is what matters to us and we must do better -- weve never been more sure of our purpose. ACT Education Corp. team members are part of an organization dedicated to an important mission: Helping people achieve education and workplace success. Advancing the mission internally, by helping team members achieve education and workplace success of their own, is core to our values. ACT values a diverse workplace and is committed to fostering an inclusive, environment in which every team member has equal opportunity to grow. We want our team members to have the well-being and confidence they need to do their best work, in an environment where both they and the company thrive. To support this, our total rewards include company paid life insurance, medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) with company contributions, paid holidays, paid time off, and so much more. You can find a comprehensive list of our benefits here . You will be joining a team that aligns ACT solutions with state goals and initiatives, fosters relationships with decision-makers, and advances and defends the organization's interests with state legislators, governors' offices and other state officials, in multiple states simultaneously. The Program Director, State Government Relations will develop and execute a strategic multi-state outreach and lobbying plan that grows and retains state revenue. The Program Director will represent, advance, and grow revenue through ACTs government relations agenda with elected officials and government decision-makers primarily at the state and local level in key states. Works both internally and with external partners to identify, develop, implement and effectuate advocacy, outreach and lobbying strategies to secure state policies, legislation, funding, or administrative actions that foster existing business lines or lead to new opportunities for ACT solutions. Additionally, this position works with a variety of ACT staff to understand complex state relationships, build relationships and understand the specific policy needs of states through interactions that support the delivery and growth of ACTs products and services in a manner that achieves retention and growth of revenue. Targets state budgets and legislative appropriations. The finalist will be hired at the salary and level commensurate with their qualifications. For this position, we anticipate offering an annual salary in the range of $120,000 to $135,000. ACT manages salaries within the range based on relevant factors including, skills, experience, and internal equity. This position is incentive eligible. Location: This is a remote position, based in the United States. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Minimum of 7 years of experience required that includes: State lobbying and engagement experience State sales experience that includes successful attainment of revenue generation goals
Strong knowledge of state legislative processes
Knowledge of Sales Cycle and how to plan and execute on revenue generation goals
Ability to learn in depth product knowledge of ACTs products and services and how those products and services are collectively used to provide solutions to state customers
Strong working knowledge of education industry, workforce development, and assessment business
Exceptional legislative, lobbying, and state government advocacy experience and skills
Proven track record of having legislation introduced which led to state level contracts
Working knowledge of state legislative and policy processes, key competitors to ACTs products and services, and how the market perceives these competitors
Ability to learn competitors products and ACTs differentiators
Outstanding presentation skills
Strong relationship skills
Strong analytical abilities
Competence in using computers, devices, and software including word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and CRM
Ability to determine logical solutions to complicated problems
Ability to set goals and priorities and manage campaigns to completion
Strong negotiation skills
Ability to travel domestically, within designated territory up to 30% of the time
Bachelors degree in a related area of study, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired.

Nice To Haves

Multi-state lobbying in education and/or workforce sectors
Previous state contract experience, account management, or sales experience
Experience in state procurement processes
Experience working with State Department of Education GR staff

Responsibilities

Develops and manages relations with various state entities including but not limited to: Governors Offices, State Legislatures, Jurisdictional Agencies, and State Boards of Education
Serves as the lead state lobbyist responsible for outreach and execution of the state strategy in assigned states.
Responsible for planning, execution and attainment of state revenue goals targeting state budgets and legislative appropriations.
Is accountable for and works with legislators and lobbyists to maintain current legislation that supports ACT State Contracts and grows existing revenue.
Is accountable for and works with legislators and lobbyists to introduce new legislation that will support the introduction of ACT State Contracts and drive revenue.
Is accountable for and works with legislators and lobbyists to suppress and defeat proposed legislation by competitors and other entities that would be detrimental to ACT.
Monitors, analyzes and communicates the impacts or potential impacts of state legislation or regulations.
Serves as a member of internal teams in support of strategic state goals.
Develops and maintains relationships with ACT internal departments and leadership to identify operational issues requiring legislative action.
Works with RFP teams to provide insight into RFP strategy and response development as appropriate based on legislative directives of given states.
Assists State Partnerships in developing comprehensive State Plans including but not limited to: incorporating legislative priorities, providing legislative landscape, and identifying legislative key players.
Analyzes competitive intelligence, local information, and strategic advantages in order to develop best strategies to drive future business opportunities from a policy/advocacy perspective.
Provides leadership, problem solving, and decision-making; works closely with state clients and contacts to identify and select solutions that best meet their needs.
Provides excellent customer service and stellar, professional communication to external audiences.
Responsible for strict compliance with all applicable lobbying, reporting, and gift laws.