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.

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

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 reports directly to the Head of U.S. Government Relations.

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## 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 business across the Pearson portfolio in assigned states, ensuring strategic prioritization of efforts, resources, 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 and its business 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 Government Relations’ main liaison to the assigned business line.

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## 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 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 oversee the work of multiple outside contract‑lobbying consultants, including setting and executing strategies 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.

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## 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.

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## Compensation

Compensation at Pearson is influenced by factors including skill set, experience level, and location. As required by 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:

**Minimum full‑time salary range: $160,000 – $200,000.**

This position is eligible for an annual incentive program. Information on benefits is available on Pearson’s careers site.

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

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## 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, gender 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 as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the career site, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [email protected].

Apply here