Director, Government Relations & State Partnerships

Common App • Full-time • Remote (United States) • $135,000 - $143,460 / year • 1m ago

Fast Facts

Common App is seeking a Director of Government Relations & State Partnerships to enhance equitable access to higher education by engaging with government officials and securing partnerships. This role plays a crucial part in influencing policymaking at federal and state levels.

Responsibilities: Lead efforts to establish strategic partnerships, monitor legislative developments, and represent Common App in effective policymaking discussions.

Skills: Strong negotiation, relationship management, and communication skills, along with expertise in government affairs and higher education policy are essential.

Qualifications: Preferred candidates will have 8-10 years of relevant experience, a Bachelor's degree in a related field, and experience in multi-state government relations and strategic partnerships.

Location: Remote position; candidates must reside in the United States.

Compensation: $135000 - $143460 / Annually

Fast Facts

The Director, Government Relations & State Partnerships at Common App will lead efforts to engage with government officials and secure partnerships to enhance the college admissions process, ensuring equitable access to higher education.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include building strategic partnerships, monitoring legislative developments, and representing Common App in policymaking discussions at federal and state levels.

Skills: Required skills include strong negotiation, relationship management, and verbal/written communication capabilities, alongside expertise in government affairs and higher education policy.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include 8-10 years of relevant experience, a Bachelor's degree in a related field, and experience with multi-state government relations and strategic partnership development.

Location: This position is remote but candidates must live in the United States.

Compensation: $135000 - $143460 / Annually

ABOUT US

Do you have a passion for higher education? Do you want to make a positive impact on the college admissions process? Our staff help to remove barriers and encourage students to forge their path to a better future. Common App is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year we support more than 1 million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, as they apply to our more than 1100 diverse member colleges & universities using the Common App's free online application.

If you are an experienced Government Relations professional and want to be part of a mission-driven non-profit that uses innovative technology to advance the college admission process, Common App may be a great match for you. Common App is currently searching for a Director, Government Relations & State Partners

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a critical part of the Network Growth division within the Constituent Engagement team and reporting to the Senior Director of State Partnerships, the Director of Government Relations & State Partnerships is responsible for executing on Common App’s strategy to engage federal, state, and local government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders and secure system level agreements for Common App products, programs and services.

This role acts as the primary liaison between Common App and government entities and leads strategic business development for state-level initiatives. They ensure that Common App’s priorities are represented in the policymaking arena and that new partnership opportunities are proactively identified and pursued.

The Director will monitor legislative and regulatory developments, assess potential policy and market impacts, and provide strategic recommendations to leadership. They will also work to cultivate, pitch, and secure agreements with state systems, higher education agencies, and education coalitions, positioning Common App as a trusted voice and preferred partner in state and national higher education policy and access initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

This role requires:

Candidates must live in the United States.
Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat.
Bachelor’s degree, in public administration, government, or education, or a relevant field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
8-10 years of functional experience.
6-8 years of experience as people manager.
Proven ability to engage higher education executives (Presidents, Provosts, and system heads) and other stakeholders, such as associations or partner organizations, to build strategic partnerships and influence policy.
Skilled at representing organizational priorities in public forums, including policy discussions, state convenings, and national conferences.
Demonstrated proficiency in multi-state government relations, including demonstrated work with state legislatures, education agencies, schools, districts, and higher education institutions.
Demonstrated ability to identify, develop, and close strategic partnership opportunities in the education or public sector market.
Expertise in government affairs with the ability to influence and advance policy goals.
Demonstrated success with consultative or solution-based selling to state-level education agencies or systems.
Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship management skills.
Proven track record with state contracting and procurement processes.
Strong verbal and written communication skills; skilled storyteller with the ability to convey complex issues clearly.
Strategic, proactive, and adaptable thinker who can effectively communicate priorities to leadership, colleagues, and policymakers.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
Deep knowledge of the higher education landscape, including state and system-level policy.
Proven track record in building and scaling new initiatives.

The ideal candidate will possess:

Graduate degree in public administration, education, or a relevant field.
Certificate in lobbying and government relations (i.e. PAC or NILE).
Agile or other project management methodology experience and training.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Salesforce, or related software.
A passion for higher education is a plus.

PAY RANGE

$135,000 - $143,460

Common App is a virtual first environment. We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive salary and an extensive benefits package including:

Work-Life balance
Virtual-first office
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Seven company-wide holidays
Nine floating holidays*
Sick leave
Monthly mental health day

*floating holidays prorated depending on start date

Virtual-first support
Choice of PC of MAC laptop
May choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
One-time office set-up stipend
Monthly remote work stipend
Monthly mobile stipend
Financial security
Market-based salaries
Performance-based bonus
403(b) retirement plan
5% company contribution
additional 5% company match
3-year vesting schedule
Participation may begin immediately
Health & wellness
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
Career development
Budgeted annual funds for professional development
Growth opportunities within the company
Additional perks
Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program
Mutual of Omaha will preparation services
Mutual of Omaha travel assistance
Payroll dedication pet insurance through PinPaws
1Password family account

We work to maintain the best possible environment for our staff, where people can learn and grow. We strive to provide a diverse, collaborative, team-oriented, creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

HOW DO I APPLY

To apply for this opportunity, send your resume and cover letter with salary expectations.

PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:

During the recruiting process, please note that Common App will never:

Provide a job offer without an interview
Ask for payment to process documents, purchase equipment or for any other reason
Request banking or credit card information
Direct you to third-party services to obtain visas or other documentation

As we work alongside you through our recruitment process, please remain alert and never provide financial information or payment to anyone claiming to offer a job opportunity.

If you believe you’re a victim of a job scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state attorney general. To learn more about job scams, read the FBI’s public service announcement or visit the FTC site.