Senior Director, State Policy – Strategy

The College Board

Senior Director for State Policy & Strategy at College Board shaping policy and advocacy in education. Focused on building a proactive state growth strategy in their respective region.

Posted 7/2/2026full-time🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $108,000 - $175,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in education policy and state strategy, with a strong ability to influence stakeholders and drive cross-functional alignment. Proven experience in legislative environments and coalition building is essential.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Education Policy ExperienceStrategic JudgmentLegislative Session Rapid ResponseCoalition BuildingStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

State Strategy DevelopmentPolicy AnalysisImplementation PlanningAdvocacySynthesis Skills

Soft Skills

Exceptional WritingDecision-MakingInfluencing Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s DegreeAdvanced Degree in Public Policy

Industry Keywords

K-12 EducationHigher EducationWorkforce DevelopmentAssessmentCredentialingLegislative Environments

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and Own Regional State Strategy
Develop and maintain a current fact base for every state in your regional portfolio
Recommend priority states and plays to the Executive Director based on policy opportunity, student reach, adoption potential, feasibility, and College Board priorities
Connect regional strategy to AP, SAT Suite, BigFuture , and career-connected education priorities
Align regional planning to College Board planning cycles, legislative sessions, and sales cycles
Translate policy priorities, analysis, and issue guidance developed by subject-matter experts into regional state strategies
Assess state-specific timing, political feasibility, governance pathways, coalition strength, opposition dynamics, and student-reach potential
Drive Cross-Functional Alignment and Execution
Engage externally in high-leverage moments with legislators, executive branch officials, coalitions, higher education actors, and partners

Requirements

What you’ll need

8+ years of progressively responsible experience in education policy, state strategy, public affairs, government, advocacy, management consulting, or a related field
Working fluency across K-12, higher education, workforce, assessment, CTE, credentialing, and state legislative and regulatory environments
A strong record leading complex, multi-state policy work and influencing senior partners and external stakeholders
Exceptional strategic judgment
Excellent writing and synthesis skills
Experience with legislative session rapid response, coalition and stakeholder mapping, implementation planning, and external advocacy in complex political environments
Proven ability to drive alignment and clear decision-making across organizations
Established presence, networks, and familiarity with the political and policy landscape of one of the four regions (Northeast, West, Midwest, or South/Southwest) strongly preferred
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in public policy, education, law, public administration, or a related field preferred
Ability to travel approximately 6 –10 times per year
Authorization to work in the United States

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonuses and opportunities for merit-based raises and promotions
A meaningful career in a mission-driven workplace
A supportive team
Comprehensive package designed to help you thrive