Strategic Affairs Manager (Biz/Gov)

At Instructure, we believe in the power of people to grow and succeed throughout their lives. Our goal is to amplify that power by creating intuitive products that simplify learning and personal development, facilitate meaningful relationships, and inspire people to go further in their education and careers.
We do this by giving smart, creative, passionate people opportunities to create awesome. And that's where you come in:

Role Description:

The Strategic Affairs Manager (BizGov) will assist Instructure's state by state policy agenda, relationship management, and activation of state workforce and education initiatives that advance the company's mission and business objectives. This role requires a deep understanding of global education and policy-making landscapes, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to effectively influence policy and procurement outcomes. This individual will also engage in the work of the broader BizGov sales team, Marketing Team and Academic Strategy team, including government affairs, consortia relationship management, and go to market.

Responsibilities:

Working closely with the VP of Strategic Affairs, VP of Sales for BizGov and marketing team, this role will be responsible for equipping and expanding the company’s efforts in:

1. Building relationships across state policymakers, education and workforce leaders, state agencies and their staff

2. Informing policy and regulations in education, technology, and other pertinent areas

3. Expanding visibility of, confidence in, and appreciation for Instructure as a

mission-oriented market leader;

4. Identifying market creation and/or business opportunities for both the company and its customers and partners; and

5. Building internal expertise, understanding and informed decision making of the changing policy environment in which the company operates.

To do this, the individual is expected to:

• Develop and execute Instructure's BizGov public affairs strategy globally, including:

• Building and maintaining relationships with key state policymakers, and agency leaders and staff, as well as influential partners (e.g. key consortia, foundations, advocacy groups, etc);

• Managing government affairs go to market, business development priorities, policy issues impacting Instructure's business in alignment with the Sector VP, Product, & Business Development teams, which may include:

• State Investments, Funding & Structures for Education & Workforce Modernization

• National Regulation of K12 and Higher Education and Workforce development

• Skill Credentialing, Accreditation and Pathways

• Workforce Preparedness

• Digital and Distance Learning

• Representing Instructure in consortia and policy groups

• Monitoring and analyzing state legislation and regulations state by state

• Developing and advocating for Instructure's policy positions

• Managing external consulting/lobbying resources, if/when applicable

• Educating company leadership and staff on relevant policy developments

• Providing guidance on policy implications for business decisions

• Coordinating internal policy input and feedback processes

• Identify and share contacts, information, and new opportunities with internal leaders to advance their business goals

• Engage in State Agency Government Affairs & Go to Market agenda:

• Manage a collection of industry association, nonprofit organization, and government alliance relationships to foster longer term company opportunities for revenue growth

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in international government affairs, public policy, or a related field

• Prior education experience in K12 or higher education or workforce development

• Deep knowledge of state policy, regulatory environments and procurement processes

• Proven track record of building and maintaining relationships with policymakers and stakeholders

• Strong communication, advocacy, and negotiation skills

• Strong presentation skills

• Experience managing external lobbying and consulting resources

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Additional Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree preferred

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to travel as needed

Get in on all the awesome at Instructure!

We offer competitive, meaningful benefits in every country where we operate. While they vary by location, here's a general idea of what you can expect:

• Competitive compensation, plus all full-time employees participate in our ownership program - because everyone should have a stake in our success.

• Flexible schedules and a remote-friendly culture, with hybrid or onsite work options available in some regions for specific roles

• Generous time off, including local holidays and our annual “Dim the Lights” period in late December, when teams are encouraged to step back and recharge based on departmental needs.

• Comprehensive wellness programs and mental health support

• Annual learning and development stipends to support your growth

• The technology and tools you need to do your best work — typically a Mac, with PC options available in some locations

• Motivosity employee recognition program

• A culture rooted in inclusivity, support, and meaningful connection

We believe in hiring great people and treating them right. The more diverse we are, the better our ideas and outcomes.

Instructure is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with applicable employment and anti-discrimination laws in every country where we operate.

All employees must pass a background check as part of the hiring process. To help protect our teams and systems, we’ve implemented identity verification measures. Candidates may be asked to verify their legal name, current physical location, and provide a valid contact number and residential address, in accordance with local data privacy laws.

Any attempt to misrepresent personal or professional information will result in disqualification.

Get in on all the awesome at Instructure!

We offer competitive, meaningful benefits in every country where we operate. While they vary by location, here's a general idea of what you can expect:

• Competitive compensation, plus all full-time employees participate in our ownership program - because everyone should have a stake in our success.

• Flexible work culture. Our remote, hybrid and in-office collaboration spaces vary by role, team and location.

• Generous time off, including local holidays and our annual “Dim the Lights” period in late December, when teams are encouraged to step back and recharge based on departmental needs.

• Comprehensive wellness programs and mental health support

• Learning and development resources, including professional development tools and tuition reimbursement, to support your growth

• The technology and tools you need to do your best work

• Motivosity employee recognition program

• A culture rooted in inclusivity, support, and meaningful connection

We believe in hiring great people and treating them right. The more diverse we are, the better our ideas and outcomes.

Instructure is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with applicable employment and anti-discrimination laws in every country where we operate.

All employees must pass a background check as part of the hiring process. To help protect our teams and systems, we’ve implemented identity verification measures. Candidates may be asked to verify their legal name, current physical location, and provide a valid contact number and residential address, in accordance with local data privacy laws.

Any attempt to misrepresent personal or professional information will result in disqualification.