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Ellucian

Director of Government Affairs

Ellucian, Reston, Virginia, United States, 22090

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Director of Government Affairs

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About Ellucian 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. The Ellucian platform features best-in-class SaaS capabilities and delivers insights needed now and into the future. These solutions span the entire student lifecycle, from recruitment and enrollment to workforce analytics, fundraising, and alumni engagement.

About The Opportunity Work Location:

Hybrid — Reston, VA or Washington, DC

Remote Eligible States:

Massachusetts, New York, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee

Where You Will Make an Impact

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 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 state government and the 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 rulemaking, 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.

What You Will Bring

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 and foster bipartisan collaboration.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing legislative materials, external advocacy pieces, and executive briefings.

Strategic and analytical thinker, adept at managing complexity, ambiguities, and competing deadlines.

Self-starter with sound judgment, organizational agility, and demonstrated leadership in cross-functional environments.

Experience managing consultants, lobbyists, or small teams is a plus.

What makes Ellucian life

Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, and vision

Flexible time off

Thrive Flex Lifestyle Account to contribute toward health, financial, or learning interests

401k with match and BrightPlan

Parental Leave

Charitable days and volunteer opportunities

Telemedicine and wellness programs

Diversity and inclusion programs with internal employee resource groups

Employee referral bonuses

Learning culture with Education Assistance and professional development opportunities

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Public policy and government affairs

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