Principal, Sales

In the market, this role is commonly referred to as a Director of Policy & Educational Partnerships 

At Pearson, our purpose is simple; to add life to a lifetime of learning. We envision a future where everyone can realize the life they imagine through learning. To achieve this, we create vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact.  

For over 20 years, Pearson Virtual Schools has been reimagining K-12 education with full-time virtual schools for students who want a personalized, more flexible approach to learning. Our flagship products and services include Connections Academy, US-based online public charter schools; Pearson Online Academy, a global online private school; and Pearson Connexus, our comprehensive online school program for school districts nationwide.  

The following description is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned; it is not intended to be all-inclusive or limit the duties of the position. 

Purpose Summary: 

The Principal of Sales within Partnerships & Policy team  will lead the development of new Connections Academy partnerships and shape a positive policy environment in your assigned region.  The position builds relationships with key education decision makers, drive business growth, and influence public policy to expand Pearson Virtual Schools. Thrive in a fast-paced, evolving landscape by applying deep expertise, creativity, and strategic vision.  

Core Tasks & Responsibilities: 

• Demonstrates expertise in business development and state policy. 

• Delivers new full-time virtual school opportunities aligned to organizational strategy in a territory including new partnership models such as college-career and alternative education 

• Develops, sets, and leads strategies and tactics to educate, inform, interpret, and influence public policies that support the development of new and existing virtual schools and programs and leads relationships with high profile new customers. 

• Collaborates with sales and Customer Success team to identify paths to achieve new partner school goals leveraging existing relationships in target states. 

• Demonstrates and applies knowledge of key national and state issues, rules, and regulations and implement state specific strategic initiatives to meet new business objectives and be able to effectively communicate these to appropriate internal and external stakeholders. 

• Cultivate ongoing relationships with regulators, public policy influencers, and advocacy organizations. 

• Collaborate with Pearson’s United States Government Affairs team to support broader company public policy interests as applicable and advocates to monitor and influence legislation, regulations, and policies affecting all lines of business with Pearson Virtual Schools in the United States. 

• Research, report and communicate policies, enacted legislation and regulation to internal and external stakeholders.   

• Communicates complex ideas and utilizes persuasive communication techniques with state and district school leaders, school board members, university and corporate decisions makers, and leadership team members to successfully identify and close long-term strategic partnerships. 

• Successfully address key concerns and present mutually beneficial solutions. 

• Provide deep subject matter expertise. Be able to understand the business needs, understand the solution options, provide inputs into improvements to products and services, and be able to effectively describe and demonstrate how these solutions meet the needs of the customer. 

• Oversee the proposal process as it relates to identifying the right opportunity, coordinating with internal stakeholders, designing solutions, and meeting all deadlines. 

• Identifies and empowers a diverse group of founding board members to understand the reasons for a new Connections Academy and establishes a local advocacy network to advocate on behalf of the new school.   

• Executes and is accountable for the medium-term strategy for achieving new school targets with opportunities that align to product roadmaps, financial goals, and regulatory compliance in the assigned territory. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications (Education & Experience): 

• 10+ years in education reform, school development, educational policy, government affairs, strategic partnerships, or online learning. 

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred (Juris Doctor, Masters of Political Science, Economics, Public Policy, MBA, or School Administration a plus). 

• Demonstrated success in complex sales, cross-functional collaboration, and policy change. 

• Strong persuasion, prioritization, and relationship-building skills. 

• Ability to travel at least 50% of the time; valid driver’s license required. 

Compensation at Pearson is influenced by factors including skill set, experience, and location. 
The full-time salary range for this role is $150,000 - 190,000. 
This position is eligible for Pearson’s annual incentive program. Information on benefits can be found here. 

Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2026. This window may be extended depending on business needs.