Location: United States (remote work)

Ability to Travel: May require 25-50% travel

Job Description: The Principal of U.S. Government Relations will be a seasoned government relations professional with direct experience in multi-state legislative and regulatory advocacy. The primary responsibility of this role will be to advocate for policies that support and advance Pearson’s postsecondary business objectives nationally, while also collaborating with other internal business leaders and teams on government relations initiatives in assigned states. This position will be responsible for legislative and regulatory activities that affect the business and will ensure stakeholders are kept informed and engaged through the development and execution of government relations strategies. The Principal will build and maintain relationships with government leaders, policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders, and other external parties within the region and target markets. This position will report directly to the Head of U.S. Government Relations.

This role aligns to industry level titles such as: Director of Government Affairs, Government Affairs Specialist, Strategic Advisor - Government Affairs

Primary Responsibilities:

• Collaborate as an integral member of the U.S. Government Relations team to shape and execute the overall advocacy strategy and vision for Pearson’s postsecondary education business operations, including apprenticeships, learning and employment records, and employer-based learning, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals and initiatives. Integrate Pearson’s higher education priorities into unified Pearson advocacy efforts, leveraging shared expertise and resources to maximize impact across the U.S.
• Advocate for policies that expand and enhance access, funding, and regulatory support for higher education institutions, programs, and innovations.
• Work in partnership with internal leadership to identify priority issues and develop targeted advocacy strategies at both the state and local levels.
• Track and respond to legislative and regulatory proposals that affect postsecondary education, courseware policies, credentialing standards, online learning, and academic innovation.
• Monitor emerging technology policies and best practices related to student data privacy, advocate for the ethical use of AI tools in education, and support initiatives that strengthen teacher readiness for AI‑enabled instructional environments.
• Educate policymakers and stakeholders on the benefits and outcomes of Pearson’s education programs and policy proposals to influence positive policy decisions.
   

Additional Duties:

• Monitor and analyze policy developments, regulatory changes, and education trends that could impact business and strategic goals.
• Support and implement, in coordination with the government relations team and senior leadership, a state and local government relations strategy to help advance and protect Pearson’s policy and procurement priorities in assigned states.
• Work collaboratively across teams to pursue policy solutions, enable innovative products, and build partnerships to drive Pearson’s mission.
• Build and foster relationships with government leaders, policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders, and influencers.
• Direct and provide management oversight of the efforts of multiple outside contract-lobbying consultants, including setting and executing the strategy to win on high impact priorities.
• Represent Pearson at high-profile meetings, conferences, and public forums to position the company as a thought leader in education innovation.

Qualifications:

• Experience in state government relations and direct advocacy, preferably in the education and workforce sector.
• Ability to quickly learn new issues impacting Pearson, think strategically, and move fast to support a successful government relations strategy to address them.
• Acute attention to detail and high-level analytical skills, with the tenacity to adapt quickly and multitask.
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of political dynamics and legislative processes with the skills to connect political realities and business objectives.
• Adaptability to an environment of innovation, constant change, and company growth.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Compensation at Pearson is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. As required by the California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York State, New York City, Vermont, Washington State, and Washington DC laws, the pay range for this position is as follows:

The minimum full-time salary range is between $160,000 - $200,000.

This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, and information on benefits offered is here.

Applications will be accepted through 18th March. This window may be extended depending on business needs.