Director of Government Affairs

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Ellucian is a global market leader in education technology. We power innovation for higher education, partnering with more than 2,800 customers across 50 countries and serving over 20 million students. Ellucian's AI‑powered platform drives efficiency, personalized experiences, and strengthened engagement for all students, faculty and staff. Our platform features best‑in‑class SaaS capabilities and delivers insights needed now and into the future across the entire student lifecycle—from recruitment and enrollment to retention, workforce analytics, fundraising, and alumni engagement.

Ellucian’s innovative solutions, extensive partner ecosystem, and community of more than 45,000 users provide best practices that lead to greater institutional success and better student outcomes.

We embrace the power to lead
, the courage to innovate
, and the determination to grow
. At our core, we believe in humanizing our approach, recognizing that our people are our greatest strength. With a shared vision of transformation
, we endeavor to shape a brighter future for higher education.

Work Location:

Hybrid – Reston, VA or Washington, DC

Remote Eligible States:
Massachusetts, New York, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee

The Director of Government Affairs will lead Ellucian's government relations and advocacy function, with primary responsibility for advancing state‑level initiatives consistent with Ellucian’s business priorities and state strategy. This high‑visibility role is essential in representing Ellucian before policymakers, managing emerging legislative and regulatory issues, and developing sustainable relationships with state government, industry associations, and higher education leaders.

• Develop and execute a proactive government affairs strategy in key states that positions Ellucian as the industry leader in higher education technology.
• Serve as Ellucian’s principal liaison and advocate with state legislators, executive branch officials, state agencies, higher education policy groups, and other influential stakeholders.
• Track, analyze, and report on state legislative, regulatory, and budget actions affecting higher education and educational technology markets, ensuring timely internal communication on risks and opportunities.
• Partner closely with Ellucian leadership, Sales, Marketing, Product, and external consultants to align advocacy goals with company and client needs.
• Represent Ellucian at state‑level hearings, stakeholder meetings, and external events; prepare compelling policy briefs, testimony, talking points, and advocacy materials.
• Provide strategic counsel to the executive team on state policy developments and identify engagement opportunities to advance Ellucian’s mission.
• Supervise or coordinate the work of outside lobbying firms and internal staff supporting government relations initiatives.
• Cultivate bipartisan relationships and coalitions to strengthen Ellucian’s profile across the state government and higher education ecosystem.
• Monitor state procurement trends and compliance developments, supporting business growth and risk mitigation.
• Shape and respond to emerging state legislative and regulatory issues, including rule making, workforce education, data policy, privacy, artificial intelligence, and EdTech funding.
• Lead or assist in special projects, working groups, and cross‑functional task forces advancing Ellucian’s advocacy agenda.

• 7–10 years of experience in government affairs, state legislative advocacy, or policy leadership, preferably in higher education, technology, or public sector consulting.
• Demonstrated expertise navigating state governments, government associations, and policy networks, with a track record of influencing public policy and legislative outcomes.
• Deep understanding of state legislative, regulatory, and budgetary processes, with an ability to identify and shape high‑impact public policy issues.
• Exceptional relationship‑building, negotiation, and coalition‑building skills; demonstrated ability to influence diverse priorities…