Lead Specialist, Government Relations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New Jersey.

📋 Description

• Assist in the development and implementation of government relations strategies across a designated set of U.S. states.

• Oversee advocacy initiatives, stakeholder outreach, and engagement efforts.

• Aid in the formulation of state-level engagement strategies and government relations objectives.

• Monitor political, legislative, and regulatory changes, identifying associated risks and opportunities.

• Prepare briefing documents and recommendations for the leadership in Government Relations.

• Provide advocacy assistance to Pearson's Assessments & Qualifications division.

• Track legislative, regulatory, and educational policy changes that influence Pearson's operations and clients.

• Analyze policy changes and convey their business implications to internal stakeholders.

• Maintain legislative tracking systems, policy monitoring tools, and reporting frameworks.

• Draft policy summaries, issue briefs, and updates for executive-level audiences.

• Investigate emerging policy trends and assess their strategic consequences.

• Facilitate engagement with policymakers, state education agencies, legislative personnel, trade associations, and coalition partners.

• Organize meetings, briefings, outreach initiatives, and follow-up actions.

• Articulate Pearson's policy positions and priorities to outside stakeholders.

• Represent Pearson in meetings, working groups, policy dialogues, and industry forums as appropriate.

• Collaborate with teams in Product, Legal, Compliance, Communications, Sales, and other business areas.

• Collect insights from internal subject matter experts for policy stances and advocacy materials.

• Collaborate with external consultants, advisors, and lobbying partners.

• Support consistent policy messaging and stakeholder communications.

• Maintain records of policy engagements, tracking systems, and reporting tools.

• Develop and enhance templates, workflows, and internal documentation.

• Promote continuous improvement initiatives to boost team efficiency and visibility.

• Ensure that policy materials and communications are precise, timely, and aligned with Pearson's objectives.

⛳️ Requirements

• Experience in Government Relations, Public Affairs, Policy, Advocacy, Legislative Affairs, or related fields.

• Solid understanding of state legislative, regulatory, and public policy processes.

• Strong research, analytical, and policy-monitoring abilities.

• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills.

• Capability to simplify complex policy developments into clear business implications.

• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Proven ability to juggle multiple priorities and produce high-quality work in fast-paced settings.

• Highly organized with outstanding attention to detail.

• Preferred: experience in Education, Workforce Development, Assessment, or Public Sector environments.

• Preferred: experience supporting state-level government relations initiatives.

• Preferred: experience collaborating with policymakers, government agencies, associations, or coalitions.

• Preferred: familiarity with public policy issues impacting education, workforce development, assessment, or credentialing.

• Preferred: experience managing relationships with external consultants or lobbying firms.

🏝️ Benefits

• Annual incentive program.

• Strong career development prospects within a global organization.

• Flexible and collaborative work environment that emphasizes growth and continuous learning.

• Benefits provided by Pearson (link referenced in the posting).