Pearson's Career Ready portfolio helps state systems, institutions, and
employers access workforce-aligned learning and certification programs. This
role positions you as both the strategic architect and lead revenue driver of
the Career Ready commercial strategy — understanding how states invest in career
readiness, translating that into coordinated commercial strategy, and directly
executing state-level sales and appropriations strategy with a $20M+ target.
You will lead a state funding portfolio across the country and lead a team of
state strategy and implementation managers who execute on state K-12 sales
strategy, in close partnership with Pearson’s Government Affairs team. You will
meet directly with state leadership, build and maintain strong relationships,
collaborate closely with Pearson’s Government Affairs team, and drive adoption
and revenue growth across your portfolio.
What You Will Do
This is a sales and execution role grounded in strategic expertise. You help
shape market, policy, and state-level strategy while leading a team and directly
driving revenue through state appropriations and funding mechanisms. You carry
quota responsibility for $20M+ in state funding and cultivate key state
relationships.
State Revenue Leadership & Strategy Execution
Own a portfolio of strategic states and carry quota responsibility for securing
$20M+ in state appropriations, grants, and other state funding mechanisms.
Meet directly with state education leadership, governors’ offices, and
appropriations officials; develop and maintain key relationships; and lead
contract negotiations in partnership with Pearson’s Government Affairs team.
Conduct research and analysis of state trends, budget priorities, and
legislative activity to identify funding opportunities and inform commercial
priorities.
Develop integrated state strategy frameworks that connect state priorities,
funding mechanisms, regulatory requirements, and commercial opportunity into
coordinated go-to-market plays.
Lead state certification placements and ensure Pearson offerings are positioned
competitively in state procurement and funding decisions.
State Strategy, Policy Alignment, and Team Leadership
Partner closely with Pearson’s Government Affairs team to executive the
state-level CTE curriculum and certification strategy, supporting state-level
awareness, policy alignment, and budgetary support for our priorities.
Support advocacy initiatives and public policy campaigns, working alongside
Pearson’s Government Affairs team, that shape state environments favorably for
product adoptions and funding flow.
Manage and develop a team of state sales strategy and implementation managers
responsible for driving adoption and onboarding of state-funded curriculum and
certifications; set performance expectations, provide coaching, and build a high
performing team.
Work cross-functionally with Product, Marketing, Revenue Operations, and
Government Affairs to ensure go-to-market support and operations alignment
What You Need to Be Successful
10+ years of progressive experience in state policy, education policy, budget
strategy, or related commercial roles combining policy expertise and proven
commercial impact.
Direct experience securing K-12 state funding (appropriations, grants, federal
passthrough) — ideally for CTE, workforce development, or career pathway
initiatives. K-12 state funding expertise is essential.
Proven track record of owning and closing significant state-level deals and
partnerships with direct accountability for revenue.
Success building and maintaining long-term relationships with state education
officials, governors' staff, appropriations leaders, and key state
decision-makers, in coordination with Pearson's Government Affairs team.
Deep understanding of state education systems, K-12 workforce development, state
budget processes, appropriations mechanisms, and funding pathways.
Demonstrated success managing and developing sales or state strategy teams.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking; excellent written and verbal
communication skills with C-suite executives and state officials.
Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Business, Education,
Economics, or related field.
Compensation at Pearson is influenced by factors including skill set,
experience, and location.
The full-time salary range for this role is $170,000 – $190,000.
This position is eligible for Pearson’s annual incentive program. Information on
benefits can be found here [https://pearsonbenefitsglobal.com/].
Applications will be accepted through 9/18/26 . This window may be extended
depending on business needs.
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Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment
decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified
applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,
ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender
expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or
any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are
protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and
Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.
If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your
ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may
request reasonable accommodations by
emailing TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com.