Sr Director, State Government Affairs (Remote)

Cengage Group

2d•Remote

About The Position

We believe in the power and joy of learning At Cengage Group, our employees have a direct impact in helping students around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose – driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education. Cengage Group’s portfolio of businesses supports student choice by providing a range of pathways that help learners achieve their goals and lead a choice-filled life. Our culture values inclusion, engagement, and discovery Our business is driven by our strong culture, and we know that creating an inclusive workplace is absolutely essential to the success of our company and our learners, as well as our individual well-being. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives in everything we do, and strive to ensure employees of all levels and backgrounds feel empowered to voice their ideas and bring their authentic selves to work. We achieve these priorities through programs, benefits, and initiatives that are integrated into the fabric of how we work every day. To learn more, please see https://www.cengagegroup.com/about/inclusion-and-belonging/. The Senior Director, State Government Affairs will be responsible for promoting, growing, and protecting Cengage business interests across the United States. This role is a key leader in the organization, helping to define how the company analyzes, understands, navigates, and shapes policy at the state level. In this position, you will lead and direct operational contract-lobbying activities and develop a proactive engagement strategy in support of Cengage's policy and lobbying objectives. You will use existing relationships and develop new relationships as a representative of the company and its business objectives and in furtherance of Cengage’s policy goals. You must have strong project management, communications, political, interpersonal, and organizational skills. This role will report to our General Counsel and work in partnership with business leaders, sales leaders, corporate communications and other team members. Where You’ll Work: As part of our 50-state strategy, this role offers flexibility to be based anywhere in the U.S., with a strong preference for candidates located in the northeast corridor. The position requires regular travel (approximately 50%) during legislative sessions to lead our State Government Affairs program and strategy. When not traveling, this is a fully remote, work-from-home role.

Requirements

At least 10 years of experience in State government affairs.
Proven record of effective and successful government affairs and government relations work specifically in education.
Ability to handle several dynamic projects simultaneously.
Effective oral and written communication skills and social skills needed to interact with a variety of company management, external consultants, and other key partners.
Ability to operate in ambiguous environments and quickly learn/adapt to emerging issues and shifting priorities based on policy landscape and business objectives.
Encompass a self-starter demeanor who instinctively and consistently crafts personal and professional stretch goals.
You have led multi-state education strategies on behalf of complex business enterprises
You have successfully lobbied across a range of education policy issues
You have experience identifying and successfully navigating state policymakers and influencers within state government important to Cengage’s business including governors’ education staff, departments of education, departments of higher education, workforce development directors, legislators and their staff, boards, associations, coalitions, and others as needed to accomplish stated goals
You have successfully organized and directed multiple contract lobbyists simultaneously across multiple states on a range of issues, varying by state
You understand how state budget cycles, procurement rules, and policy trends influence education purchasing decisions.
You have experience consulting with corporate communications and legal to guide responses to customer queries

Nice To Haves

You understand K-12 curriculum standards and have textbook adoption cycle expertise; you take a data-driven approach to inform research, advocacy and outcomes; you are mission aligned to education, students and educator impact

Responsibilities

Develop, execute, and maintain a multi-state government affairs strategy to promote and protect company priorities. This includes identifying advocacy needs that inform and shape the policy and regulatory landscape to facilitate future procurement conditions, mitigate risk, and support product adoption.
Select, retain, and oversee external lobbyists, consultants, and policy advisors; set clear performance metrics and accountability; manage state government affairs budget including multi-state lobbying spend.
Use your deep knowledge of state legislative and regulatory processes to create strategies for effective engagement that support business objectives.
Track and analyze state legislation and assess its potential impact on Cengage businesses. Provide regular reports on legislative activity and trends, and meet with senior leaders to forecast policy impacts and develop proactive and reactive action plans.
Stay current on a wide range of regulatory and policy issues, including K-12, workforce development, postsecondary education, privacy, AI, technology, data, and innovation.
Advocate for Cengage on key policy and political matters. Craft positions that establish the company as a thought leader and innovator in the public space.
Communicate proactively both internally and externally. Educate business leaders and stakeholders on policies that may impact Cengage and explain planned Government Affairs actions. Simplify complex policy details for diverse internal audiences, clarify how local legislation may affect the business, and advise sales teams on standard processes for lobbyist engagement.
Represent Cengage effectively with government officials, peers, business partners, and industry associations.
Collaborate closely with internal teams and leverage shared resources and networks to advance business objectives.
Partner with others on the Legal teams to manage political risk, audit readiness, and regulatory exposure.
Lead rapid‑response strategies for high‑risk or urgent legislative, regulatory, or political state-level developments that could materially impact the business.