Fast Facts

Ellucian is seeking a Director of Government Affairs to lead its advocacy efforts and build strategic relationships with state government and higher education leaders.

Responsibilities: The Director will develop government affairs strategies, serve as a liaison with legislators, track legislative issues, and represent Ellucian at various state meetings and events.

Skills: 7-10 years of experience in government affairs or state legislative advocacy, strong communication skills, and ability to build bipartisan relationships are essential.

Qualifications: Experience in higher education or technology is preferred, along with strategic thinking and leadership skills in cross-functional environments.

Location: Hybrid work in Reston, VA or Washington, DC, with remote eligibility in certain states.

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $120,000 - $180,000.

About Ellucian

Ellucian is a global market leader in education technology. We power innovation for higher education, partnering with more than 2,800 customers across 50 countries and serving over 20 million students. Ellucian's AI-powered platform, trained on the richest dataset available in higher education, drives efficiency, personalized experiences, and strengthened engagement for all students, faculty and staff. Fueled by decades of experience with a singular focus on the unique needs of learning institutions, the Ellucian platform features best-in-class SaaS capabilities and delivers insights needed now and into the future. These solutions and services span the entire student lifecycle, from student recruitment, enrollment, and retention to workforce analytics, fundraising, and alumni engagement. Ellucian's innovative solutions, vast ecosystem of partners, and user community of more than 45,000 provide best practices leading to greater institutional success and achieving better student outcomes.

Values Rooted in Purpose

We embrace the power to lead, the courage to innovate, and the determination to grow. At our core, we believe in humanizing our approach, recognizing that our people are our greatest strength. With a shared vision of transformation, we endeavor to shape a brighter future for higher education.

About the Opportunity

Work Location: Hybrid — Reston, VA or Washington, DC

Remote Eligible States: Massachusetts, New York, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee

The Director of Government Affairs will lead Ellucian’s government relations and advocacy function, with primary responsibility for advancing state-level initiatives consistent with Ellucian’s business priorities and state strategy. This high-visibility role is essential in representing Ellucian before policymakers, managing emerging legislative and regulatory issues, and developing sustainable relationships with state government, industry associations, and higher education leaders.

Where You Will Make an Impact

• Develop and execute a proactive government affairs strategy in key states that positions Ellucian as the industry leader in higher education technology.
• Serve as Ellucian’s principal liaison and advocate with state legislators, executive branch officials, state agencies, higher education policy groups, and other influential stakeholders.
• Track, analyze, and report on state legislative, regulatory, and budget actions affecting higher education and educational technology markets, ensuring timely internal communication on risks and opportunities.
• Partner closely with Ellucian leadership, Sales, Marketing, Product, and external consultants to align advocacy goals with company and client needs.
• Represent Ellucian at state-level hearings, stakeholder meetings, and external events; prepare compelling policy briefs, testimony, talking points, and advocacy materials.
• Provide strategic counsel to the executive team on state policy developments and identify engagement opportunities to advance Ellucian’s mission.
• Supervise or coordinate the work of outside lobbying firms and internal staff supporting government relations initiatives.
• Cultivate bipartisan relationships and coalitions to strengthen Ellucian’s profile across the state government and higher education ecosystem.
• Monitor state procurement trends and compliance developments, supporting business growth and risk mitigation.
• Shape and respond to emerging state legislative and regulatory issues, including rulemaking, workforce education, data policy, privacy, artificial intelligence, and EdTech funding.
• Lead or assist in special projects, working groups, and cross-functional task forces advancing Ellucian’s advocacy agenda.

What You Will Bring

• 7-10 years of experience in government affairs, state legislative advocacy, or policy leadership, preferably in higher education, technology, or public sector consulting.
• Demonstrated expertise navigating state governments, government associations, and policy networks, with a track record of influencing public policy and legislative outcomes.
• Deep understanding of state legislative, regulatory, and budgetary processes, with an ability to identify and shape high-impact public policy issues.
• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and coalition-building skills; demonstrated ability to influence diverse priorities and foster bipartisan collaboration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing legislative materials, external advocacy pieces, and executive briefings.
• Strategic and analytical thinker, adept at managing complexity, ambiguities, and competing deadlines.
• Self-starter with sound judgment, organizational agility, and demonstrated leadership in cross-functional environments.
• Experience managing consultants, lobbyists, or small teams a plus.

What makes #Ellucianlife

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, and vision 
• Flexible time off 
• Thrive Flex Lifestyle Account (LSA) that allows you to contribute towards your health, financial or learning interests
• 401k w/ match & BrightPlan - to help you save for the future
• Parental Leave
• 5 charitable days to support the community that supports us
• Telemedicine
• Wellness
• Headspace Care (mental health)
• Wellbeats (virtual fitness classes)
• RethinkCare & Wellthy– caregiver support
• Diversity and inclusion programs which provide access to internal employee resource groups 
• Employee referral bonuses to encourage the addition of great new people to the team
• We Foster a learning culture with:
• Education Assistance Program 
• Professional development opportunities

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