Senior Director, State Partnerships

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

📋 Description

• Lead the development and execution of strategies to establish and enhance partnerships with state higher education systems, government agencies, and policy stakeholders.

• Foster and secure agreements at the state level to deploy Common App products and services.

• Establish Common App as a credible authority and preferred collaborator in both state and national initiatives for higher education access.

• Define partnership objectives at the state level.

• Oversee activities related to government relations.

• Ensure the retention of existing state partnerships.

• Align the needs and opportunities of the state partnership portfolio with the organization's strategic goals.

• Collaborate across departments to design and implement initiatives that broaden Common App’s outreach.

• Represent Common App in high-level interactions with state education leaders, elected officials, and executives from non-profit organizations.

• Report directly to the VP of Network Growth.

⛳️ Requirements

• Applicants must reside in the United States.

• Willingness to travel for the biannual Common App Retreat and approximately 40% for external meetings and conferences.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Education, non-profit management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

• Over 10 years of experience managing complex programs in higher education, focusing on strategic partnerships, cross-sector collaboration, and systems-level impact.

• More than 8 years of experience in a managerial role.

• Capability to lead strategic assessments and continual improvement through data-driven methodologies.

• Experience in convening diverse stakeholders and converting feedback into actionable strategies.

• Proven track record of engaging with executive leaders in higher education, including Presidents, Provosts, and system heads.

• Experience in representing organizational priorities in policy discussions, state gatherings, and national conferences.

• Ability to spearhead intricate, cross-functional initiatives through influence and collaboration.

• Extensive knowledge of higher education, state and system-level policies, trends in college access, and technology-driven enrollment solutions.

• Proficiency in interpreting and applying enrollment data and policy research.

• Commitment to promoting access and equity in education.

• Successful experience in developing business cases, strategic growth models, or policy alignment plans.

• Advanced skills in relationship-building and stakeholder engagement.

• Ability to lead in collaborative, matrixed environments.

• Outstanding communication, analytical, and presentation skills.

• Strong organizational and execution abilities.

• A graduate degree such as an MBA, MA, or a doctoral degree in a relevant field is preferred.

• Experience in education technology and market/competitor analysis is advantageous.

• Experience with organizational membership is desirable.

• Proficiency in Salesforce is a plus.

• A passion for higher education is beneficial.

🏝️ Benefits

• Work-Life balance

• Virtual-first office

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Seven company-wide holidays

• Nine floating holidays

• Sick leave

• Monthly mental health day

• Choice of PC or MAC laptop

• External monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset

• One-time office set-up stipend

• Monthly remote work stipend

• Monthly mobile stipend

• Market-based salaries

• Performance-based bonus

• 403(b) retirement plan with 5% company contribution and an additional 5% company match

• 3-year vesting schedule

• Participation may begin immediately

• Choice of two health insurance plans

• Health Savings Account, depending on health plan selection

• Medical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection

• Vision insurance

• Dental insurance

• Insurance coverage begins on the date of hire

• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

• Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health

• Company-provided life and AD&D insurance

• Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents

• Company-provided short and long-term disability insurance

• Budgeted annual funds for professional development

• Growth opportunities within the company

• Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program

• Mutual of Omaha will preparation services

• Mutual of Omaha travel assistance

• Payroll deduction pet insurance through PinPaws

• 1Password family account

• Diverse, collaborative, team-oriented, and creative environment