Senior Director, State Policy & Strategy – Western Region

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

📋 Description

• Develop and oversee regional strategies for states in the Western Region.

• Create and maintain comprehensive fact bases that include policy conditions, political dynamics, governance issues, coalitions, program opportunities, implementation challenges, and associated risks.

• Convert intelligence into clear, actionable state plans that outline goals, policies, stakeholders, responsibilities, strategies, sequencing, and implementation requirements.

• Advise the Executive Director on priority states and strategic initiatives.

• Link regional strategies to AP, SAT Suite, BigFuture, and priorities in career-connected education.

• Ensure alignment of planning with College Board planning cycles, legislative sessions, and sales cycles.

• Transform subject-matter policy priorities and guidance into regional state strategies.

• Evaluate state-specific timing, political viability, governance pathways, coalition strength, opposition dynamics, and potential student reach.

• Review bills, regulations, budget proposals, and policy signals during legislative sessions.

• Tailor arguments, policy options, and model language to fit state contexts.

• Differentiate essential priorities from opportunistic initiatives.

• Facilitate cross-functional coordination among Policy, Government Relations, State and District Partnerships, Higher Education, program teams, Legal, Research, and the Office of the CEO.

• Define initiatives to pursue, sequence, or pause based on resource availability and trade-offs.

• Create handoffs to execution partners and manage trackers, dashboards, state briefs, decision memos, and executive updates.

• Document lessons learned and develop repeatable practices, playbooks, and recommendations.

• Engage with legislators, executive branch officials, coalitions, higher education stakeholders, and partners during pivotal moments.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 8 years of progressively responsible experience in education policy, state strategy, public affairs, government, advocacy, management consulting, or a related discipline.

• Substantial and direct experience with state policy and implementation across various states.

• Established connections, networks, and familiarity with the political and policy landscape of the Western Region.

• Proficient understanding across K-12, higher education, workforce, assessment, CTE, credentialing, and legislative and regulatory environments.

• Proven track record in leading complex, multi-state policy initiatives and influencing senior partners and external stakeholders without direct authority.

• Excellent strategic judgment with the capability to prioritize strategies and make trade-offs.

• Outstanding writing and synthesis abilities for creating briefs, decision memos, state plans, and executive recommendations.

• Experience in rapid response during legislative sessions, coalition and stakeholder mapping, implementation planning, and external advocacy.

• Demonstrated ability to foster alignment and decision-making across cross-functional organizations.

• Bachelor’s degree is mandatory.

• Willingness to travel approximately 6–10 times per year.

• Authorization to work in the United States for any employer.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills that are clear and concise.

• A curious mindset with a readiness to embrace AI-driven solutions and new digital tools.

• A commitment to personal growth and a learner's mindset.

• Ability to tackle complex problems and make decisions based on data.

• A collaborative and empathetic approach to teamwork.

🏝️ Benefits

• Option for fully remote work.

• Hybrid work option for candidates located near College Board offices (in-office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

• Comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

• Salary adjusted based on geographic location.

• Open discussions about compensation and benefits.

• Opportunities for meaningful career growth within a supportive team.

• Chance to experiment with and implement AI-driven solutions and digital tools.

• Occasional business travel and in-person meetings.