Director, Government Affairs

Cengage Group

Director of Government Affairs at Cengage promoting and protecting business interests in education policy. Engaging with policymakers and stakeholders at federal and state levels.

Posted 7/8/2026full-timeRemote • Minnesota, Ohio • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $138,000 - $180,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute government affairs strategies that promote and protect company priorities across federal and state policy environments
Identify legislative, regulatory, and political developments that may affect business operations, procurement opportunities, product adoption, or enterprise risk
Manage relationships with external lobbyists, consultants, trade associations, and policy advisors to advance company objectives
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory activity and assess potential impacts on Cengage businesses
Provide regular policy updates and strategic recommendations to business leaders and senior management
Support advocacy efforts on issues including K-12 education, postsecondary education, workforce development, privacy, AI, technology, data, and innovation
Develop policy positions, briefing materials, and engagement strategies that advance company priorities
Educate internal stakeholders on policy developments and government affairs activities
Simplify complex policy issues for business audiences and help teams understand practical implications
Build and maintain productive relationships with government officials, policymakers, agency personnel, and industry stakeholders
Partner with Legal, Communications, Sales, and business leaders to coordinate responses to emerging policy issues
Support rapid-response efforts related to significant legislative, regulatory, or political developments

Requirements

What you’ll need

8–12 years of government affairs, public policy, government relations, or related experience
Experience working on education policy issues at the federal and/or state level
Demonstrated success influencing policy outcomes and advancing organizational priorities
Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes
Excellent communication, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package
Discretionary incentive bonus program
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Government AffairsPublic PolicyLegislative AnalysisRegulatory CompliancePolicy DevelopmentStrategic RecommendationsAnalytical ThinkingRisk AssessmentAdvocacy EffortsEngagement Strategies

Soft Skills

Relationship ManagementCommunication SkillsStakeholder EngagementStrategic ThinkingMulti-Priority Management