Director, Strategic Affairs – Higher Education

Instructure

. Lead Higher Education initiatives in North America through the Strategic Affairs team .

Posted 10/9/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in government affairs and public policy, with a strong focus on education and workforce funding sources. Proven ability to translate policy developments into actionable strategies that drive revenue and market share.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Government Affairs ExperiencePublic Policy ExpertiseRevenue Target AchievementAnalytical SkillsRelationship Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Policy AnalysisGo-To-Market Strategy DevelopmentEducation Funding KnowledgeDigital Transformation AdvisoryProcurement Strategy Development

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsRelationship BuildingStrategic Thinking

Tools & Technologies

CanvasMasteryParchment

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationK-12Workforce DevelopmentESSAPerkins VWorkforce Pell

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead Higher Education initiatives in North America through the Strategic Affairs team
Shape Instructure’s presence with state and local policymakers and business leaders
Translate policy influence into revenue opportunities
Develop the Higher Education go-to-market strategy
Help lead Government Affairs across state, provincial, and federal opportunities
Develop statewide deal pipelines by connecting education and workforce funding sources with Canvas, Mastery, and Parchment opportunities
Monitor and analyze education and technology legislation and regulatory changes
Translate policy developments into actionable guidance for Sales, Marketing, Customer Success, and Product
Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, agency leaders, and education associations
Represent Instructure in public forums
Manage advocacy partners, including lobbying firms, and measure results
Shape procurement strategies to increase win rates beyond reliance on RFPs
Advise senior customer leaders on digital transformation, skills development, and technology adoption
Demonstrate how policy and government engagement drive revenue, market share, and customer impact
Contribute to international public policy initiatives
Maintain efficient sales and delivery processes
Report directly to the VP, Strategic Affairs

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years’ experience in government affairs, public policy, or public sector sales
Proven track record of achieving revenue or pipeline targets
Experience working with C-suite and senior leaders in public and private sectors
Strong understanding of education and workforce funding sources such as ESSA, Perkins V, and Workforce Pell
Strong analytical skills and ability to translate complex policy and market data into clear recommendations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Willingness to travel as needed
Experience in K-12, Higher Education, or workforce development environments (nice to have)
Experience managing lobbying firms or policy consultants (nice to have)
Experience working within international policy contexts (nice to have)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation
Full-time employees participate in the ownership program
Flexible work culture
Generous time off, including local holidays and the annual “Dim the Lights” period in late December
Comprehensive wellness programs and mental health support
Learning and development resources
Professional development tools
Tuition reimbursement
Technology and tools needed to do your best work
Motivosity employee recognition program
Inclusive, supportive culture focused on meaningful connection