Senior Director, State Partnerships

Common App

. Lead the strategy and execution for building and expanding partnerships with state higher education systems, government agencies, and policy stakeholders.

Posted 10/17/2026full-timeRemote • Virginia • United StatesSenior💰 $174,480 - $196,290 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading strategic partnerships and initiatives within higher education, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement, data-driven decision-making, and policy alignment. Proven ability to cultivate relationships and drive organizational goals in collaborative environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Partnership DevelopmentCross-Sector CollaborationStakeholder EngagementHigher Education Policy KnowledgeData-Driven Methodologies

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program LeadershipStrategic EvaluationBusiness Case DevelopmentPolicy AlignmentEnrollment Data Interpretation

Soft Skills

Exceptional CommunicationAnalytical SkillsPresentation SkillsOrganizational SkillsRelationship-Building

Tools & Technologies

Salesforce

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeGraduate Degree (MBA, MA, or Doctoral)

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationCollege AccessGovernment RelationsNon-Profit ManagementEducation Technology

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the strategy and execution for building and expanding partnerships with state higher education systems, government agencies, and policy stakeholders.
Cultivate and secure state-level agreements to implement Common App products and services.
Position Common App as a trusted voice and preferred partner in state and national higher education access initiatives.
Set state partnership goals.
Oversee government relations work.
Ensure retention of current state partnerships.
Align state partnership portfolio needs and opportunities with organizational strategy.
Work cross-functionally to design and execute initiatives that expand Common App’s reach.
Represent Common App in high-level engagements with state education leaders, elected officials, and non-profit executives.
Report to the VP, Network Growth.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Candidates must live in the United States.
Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat and approximately 40% travel for external meetings and conferences.
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Education, non-profit management or related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
10+ years of experience leading complex programs in higher education, emphasizing strategic partnerships, cross-sector collaboration, and systems-level impact.
8+ years of experience as a people manager.
Ability to lead strategic evaluation and continuous improvement using data-driven methodologies.
Ability to convene diverse stakeholders and translate feedback into actionable strategies.
Experience engaging executive leaders in higher education, including Presidents, Provosts, and system heads.
Experience representing organizational priorities in policy discussions, state convenings, and national conferences.
Ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives through influence and collaboration.
Deep knowledge of higher education, state and system-level policy, college access trends, and technology-driven enrollment solutions.
Ability to interpret and apply enrollment data and policy research.
Commitment to access and equity in education.
Success developing business cases, strategic growth models, or policy alignment plans.
Advanced relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to lead in collaborative, matrixed environments.
Exceptional communication, analytical, and presentation skills.
Strong organizational and execution skills.
Graduate degree in MBA, MA, or doctoral degree in a relevant field is ideal.
Education technology and market/competitor analysis experience is ideal.
Organizational membership experience is ideal.
Proficiency in Salesforce is ideal.
Passion for higher education is a plus.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Work-Life balance
Virtual-first office
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Seven company-wide holidays
Nine floating holidays
Sick leave
Monthly mental health day
Choice of PC or MAC laptop
External monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
One-time office set-up stipend
Monthly remote work stipend
Monthly mobile stipend
Market-based salaries
Performance-based bonus
403(b) retirement plan with 5% company contribution and additional 5% company match
3-year vesting schedule
Participation may begin immediately
Choice of two health insurance plans
Health Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
Medical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Insurance coverage begins on the date of hire
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health
Company provided life and AD&D insurance
Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents
Company provided short and long-term disability insurance
Budgeted annual funds for professional development
Growth opportunities within the company
Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program
Mutual of Omaha will preparation services
Mutual of Omaha travel assistance
Payroll deduction pet insurance through PinPaws
1Password family account
Diverse, collaborative, team-oriented, creative environment