Senior Director, State Policy & Strategy – Western Region

The College Board

. Build and own regional state strategies for Western Region states .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $108,000 - $175,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing regional state strategies, with a strong focus on education policy and advocacy. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and synthesize complex information into actionable plans.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Education Policy ExpertiseStrategic JudgmentCross-Functional LeadershipLegislative Session Rapid ResponseStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

State Strategy DevelopmentPolicy AnalysisImplementation PlanningCoalition MappingData-Informed Decision MakingWriting and Synthesis SkillsPolitical Feasibility AssessmentProgram Opportunity IdentificationRisk AssessmentLegislative Tracking

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationCuriosityCollaborative ApproachEmpathyProblem Solving

Tools & Technologies

DashboardsDecision MemosState BriefsExecutive UpdatesAI-Driven Solutions

Industry Keywords

Public AffairsGovernment RelationsHigher EducationK-12 EducationWorkforce DevelopmentCTECredentialingLegislative EnvironmentsAdvocacyPolitical Landscape

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and own regional state strategies for Western Region states
Develop and maintain fact bases covering policy conditions, political and governance dynamics, coalitions, program opportunities, implementation barriers, and risks
Translate intelligence into concise, actionable state plans with goals, policies, actors, owners, levers, sequencing, and implementation needs
Recommend priority states and strategic plays to the Executive Director
Connect regional strategy to AP, SAT Suite, BigFuture, and career-connected education priorities
Align planning with College Board planning cycles, legislative sessions, and sales cycles
Translate subject-matter policy priorities and issue guidance into regional state strategies
Assess state-specific timing, political feasibility, governance pathways, coalition strength, opposition dynamics, and student-reach potential
Triage bills, regulations, budget proposals, and policy signals during legislative sessions
Adapt arguments, policy options, and model language to state contexts
Distinguish must-have priorities from opportunistic plays
Lead cross-functional coordination across Policy, Government Relations, State and District Partnerships, Higher Education, program teams, Legal, Research, and the Office of the CEO
Clarify initiatives to pursue, sequence, or pause when resources require tradeoffs
Create handoffs to execution partners and maintain trackers, dashboards, state briefs, decision memos, and executive updates
Capture lessons and develop repeatable practices, playbooks, and recommendations
Engage legislators, executive branch officials, coalitions, higher education actors, and partners during high-leverage moments

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
Significant and direct exposure to state policy and implementation across multiple states
Established presence, networks, and familiarity with the Western Region political and policy landscape
Working fluency across K-12, higher education, workforce, assessment, CTE, credentialing, and state legislative and regulatory environments
Strong record leading complex, multi-state policy work and influencing senior partners and external stakeholders without direct authority
Exceptional strategic judgment and ability to make tradeoffs and prioritize strategies
Excellent writing and synthesis skills for briefs, decision memos, state plans, and executive recommendations
Experience with legislative session rapid response, coalition and stakeholder mapping, implementation planning, and external advocacy
Proven ability to drive alignment and decision-making across cross-functional organizations
Bachelor’s degree required
Ability to travel approximately 6–10 times per year
Authorization to work in the United States for any employer
Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills
Curiosity and willingness to adopt AI-driven solutions and new digital tools
Learner’s mindset and commitment to growth
Ability to solve complex problems and make data-informed decisions
Collaborative and empathetic approach

Benefits

Comp & perks

Fully remote work option
Hybrid option for candidates near College Board offices (Tuesday and Wednesday in office)
Comprehensive compensation and benefits package
Salary adjusted by location
Transparent compensation and benefits discussions
Meaningful career and supportive team
Opportunity to experiment with and adopt AI-driven solutions and digital tools
Occasional business travel and in-person meetings