We believe in the power and joy of learning
At Cengage Group, our employees have a direct impact in helping students around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose - driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.
Our culture values diversity, engagement, and discovery
Our business is driven by our strong culture, and we know that creating an inclusive and diverse workplace is absolutely essential to the success of our company and our learners, as well as our individual well-being. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives in everything we do, and strive to ensure employees of all levels and backgrounds feel empowered to voice their ideas and bring their authentic selves to work. We achieve these priorities through inclusive programs, benefits, and initiatives that are integrated into the fabric of how we work every day. To learn more, please see https://www.cengagegroup.com/about/inclusion-and-diversity/ .
The State Government Affairs Director will primarily be responsible for promoting, growing, and protecting Cengage business interests across the United States. The Director will be a critical strategic leader and contributor to the government affairs team, helping to define how the company analyzes, understands, navigates, and shapes policy at the state level. You will manage and direct contract-lobbying operational activities and develop a proactive engagement strategy in support of Cengage's policy and procurement objectives. You will be expected to represent the company in front of policy and business leaders and must have strong project management, communications, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Job Duties:
Develop and maintain a statewide government affairs strategy to promote and protect business priorities for the company, including developing advocacy needs for procurement opportunities.
Demonstrate familiarity with state legislative and regulatory processes and politics and develop strategies for appropriate engagement to support business needs.
Track and lead analysis of state related legislation and determine potential impact on Cengage business units, issuing regular reports on legislative activity and trends, and meeting with business unit senior leaders to discuss impact and develop a responsive plan as needed.
Maintain fluency on a wide variety of regulatory and policy issues including workforce development and postsecondary education, privacy, technology and data, and innovation.
Serve as an effective advocate for Cengage and our interests on key policy and political matters and craft positions for the company that will establish it publicly as a thought leader and innovator.
Communicate effectively with government officials, internal colleagues, peers and partners, business partners, and industry associations.
Be a flexible communicator who can both explain technical details to a public policy audience and public policy developments to an internal audience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in state government affairs and/or having worked in a state legislative/executive office
Ability to handle several complex and difficult projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
Proven, effective oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a variety of company management, external consultants, and other key stakeholders
Ability to operate in ambiguous environments and quickly learn/adapt to emerging issues
Encompass a self-starter attitude who instinctively and consistently creates personal and professional stretch goals
Cengage Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason. You may view Cengage's EEO/Affirmative Action Policy signed by CEO Michael Hansen (https://p.widencdn.net/pdvq6j/EEO_Policy_Statement_January_2017) and Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law notice (http://embed.widencdn.net/pdf/plus/cengage/ybs5gt19ik/eeopost-merged.pdf) by visiting their corresponding links.
Cengage Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at accommodations.ta@cengage.com or you may call us at +1 (617) 289-7917.
If you are a CO State, NY State, WA State, or Jersey City, NJ resident, please email jobpostinginquiries@cengage.com to receive compensation information for this role. Be sure to include this posting's job ID in the subject line of the email to help ensure a timely response.
About Cengage Group
Cengage Group, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education. #LI-remote
