Principal, Government Relations

## **Job Title: Principal, Government Relations**

**Location:** United States (remote work)
**Ability to Travel:** May require 25–50% travel

This role aligns to industry‑level titles such as **Director of Government Affairs**, **Government Affairs Specialist**, **Strategic Advisor – Government Affairs**.

—

## **Job Description**

The Principal of U.S. Government Relations is a seasoned government relations professional with direct experience in multi‑state legislative and regulatory advocacy. This role advances Pearson’s policy and business objectives in assigned states and serves as a primary liaison to assigned business units. The Principal partners with U.S. Government Relations leadership and internal business leaders to align on goals and provide policy and political guidance.

The position oversees legislative and regulatory activities affecting the business and ensures stakeholders remain informed and engaged through strategic government relations initiatives. The Principal builds and maintains relationships with government leaders, policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders, and other external partners. This role reports directly to the Head of U.S. Government Relations.

—

## **Primary Responsibilities**

– Collaborate as an integral member of the U.S. Government Relations team to shape and execute the advocacy strategy and vision for Pearson’s business across assigned states, ensuring strategic prioritization and alignment with 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 the state and local levels.
– Develop and execute government relations strategies in response to legislative and regulatory proposals impacting Pearson.
– Monitor emerging technology policies and best practices related to student data privacy; advocate for ethical AI use in education; support initiatives that strengthen teacher readiness for AI‑enabled instructional environments.
– Educate policymakers and stakeholders on the benefits and outcomes of Pearson’s programs and policy proposals.
– Serve as Government Relations’ primary liaison to assigned business lines.

—

## **Additional Duties**

– Monitor and analyze policy developments, regulatory changes, and education trends that could impact business and strategic goals.
– Support and implement a state and local government relations strategy to advance and protect Pearson’s policy and procurement priorities.
– Work collaboratively across teams to pursue policy solutions, enable innovative products, and build partnerships that drive Pearson’s mission.
– Build and foster relationships with government leaders, policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders, and influencers.
– Direct and oversee multiple outside contract‑lobbying consultants, including setting and executing strategies for 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.
– Acute attention to detail and strong analytical skills, with the ability 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.

—

## **Compensation**

Compensation at Pearson is influenced by factors including skill set, experience level, and location.
As required by laws in CA, CO, HI, IL, MD, MN, NJ, NY State, NYC, VT, WA State, and Washington DC:

**Minimum full‑time salary range:** **$160,000 – $200,000**
This position is eligible for an annual incentive program.
Information on benefits is available through Pearson’s benefits resources.

**Applications accepted through July 10, 2026.**
This window may be extended depending on business needs.

—

## **Equal Opportunity Statement**

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 without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other protected group.

Pearson actively seeks qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability, you may request assistance by emailing:
**[email protected]**

Apply here