Principal, Government Relations

Job Title: Principal, Government Relations

Location: United States (remote work)

Ability to Travel: May require 25-50% travel

Industry Level Titles: Director of Government Affairs, Government Affairs Specialist, Strategic Advisor - Government Affairs

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 role is responsible for advancing Pearson’s policy and business objectives in assigned states, acting as a primary liaison to assigned business units, and partnering with U.S. Government Relations leadership and internal business leaders to align on government relations goals and provide policy and political guidance.

The Principal will ensure stakeholders are kept informed and engaged through the development and execution of government relations strategies, build and maintain relationships with government leaders, policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders, and other external parties within the region and target markets. The position reports directly to the Head of U.S. Government Relations.

• 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 business spanning the entire portfolio in assigned states, ensuring strategic prioritization of efforts and alignment with broader organizational goals.
• Advocate for policies that expand and enhance access, funding, and regulatory support for Pearson’s portfolio and innovations.
• Partner with internal leadership to identify priority issues and develop targeted advocacy strategies at both the state and local levels.
• Develop and execute government relations strategies to respond to legislative and regulatory proposals that impact Pearson in assigned states.
• 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.
• Serve as the Government Relations main liaison point of contact to the assigned business line.

• 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 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.

• 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.
• 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 ability to connect political realities to business objectives.
• Adaptability to an environment of innovation, constant change, and company growth.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

The minimum full‑time salary range for this position is between $160,000 – $200,000,…