Director, Strategic Affairs – Higher Education

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Lead initiatives in Higher Education across North America as part of the Strategic Affairs team.

• Enhance Instructure’s visibility among state and local policymakers and business leaders.

• Convert policy influence into potential revenue streams.

• Formulate the go-to-market strategy for Higher Education.

• Assist in leading Government Affairs across state, provincial, and federal opportunities.

• Create statewide deal pipelines by linking education and workforce funding sources with opportunities in Canvas, Mastery, and Parchment.

• Track and assess education and technology legislation and regulatory modifications.

• Convert policy changes into implementable guidance for Sales, Marketing, Customer Success, and Product teams.

• Establish and nurture relationships with policymakers, agency leaders, and educational associations.

• Represent Instructure at public forums.

• Oversee advocacy partners, including lobbying firms, and evaluate outcomes.

• Develop procurement strategies to improve win rates beyond traditional RFPs.

• Provide counsel to senior customer leaders regarding digital transformation, skills development, and technology adoption.

• Illustrate how policy and government engagement can enhance revenue, market share, and customer impact.

• Contribute to global public policy initiatives.

• Ensure efficient sales and delivery processes.

• Report directly to the VP of Strategic Affairs.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 5 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or public sector sales.

• Demonstrated success in achieving revenue or pipeline objectives.

• Experience collaborating with C-suite and senior leaders in both public and private sectors.

• Thorough understanding of education and workforce funding mechanisms such as ESSA, Perkins V, and Workforce Pell.

• Strong analytical abilities and capability to convert complex policy and market data into straightforward recommendations.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Willingness to travel as required.

• Experience in K-12, Higher Education, or workforce development settings (preferred).

• Experience managing lobbying firms or policy consultants (preferred).

• Experience in international policy environments (preferred).

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary.

• Full-time employees are eligible for the ownership program.

• Flexible work environment.

• Generous time off, including local holidays and the annual “Dim the Lights” period in late December.

• Comprehensive wellness programs along with mental health support.

• Access to learning and development resources.

• Professional development tools provided.

• Tuition reimbursement available.

• Necessary technology and tools to perform at your best.

• Motivosity employee recognition program.

• An inclusive and supportive culture centered on meaningful connections.