[Hiring] Senior Director, State Partnerships @Common App

Role Description

The Senior Director of State Partnerships leads the organization's strategy and execution for building and expanding partnerships with state higher education systems, government agencies, and policy stakeholders through public-sector collaboration. Responsibilities include:

• Driving organizational growth and impact by cultivating and securing state-level agreements to implement Common App products and services.
• Positioning Common App as a trusted voice and a preferred partner in state and national higher education access initiatives.
• Setting state partnership goals and overseeing government relations work.
• Ensuring retention of current state partnerships and aligning state partnership portfolio needs and opportunities with organizational strategy.
• Working cross-functionally to design and execute initiatives that advance Common App’s reach.
• Representing the organization in high-level engagements with state education leaders, elected officials, and non-profit executives.

Qualifications

• Must live in the United States.
• Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat.
• 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, with an emphasis on strategic partnerships, cross-sector collaboration, and systems-level impact.
• 8+ years of experience as a people manager.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic evaluation and continuous improvement efforts by applying data-driven methodologies.
• Skilled in convening diverse stakeholders and translating feedback into actionable strategies.
• Proven experience engaging executive leaders in higher education to build strategic partnerships and influence policy.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives that align with organizational strategy.
• Deep knowledge of the higher education landscape, including state and system-level policy.
• Ability to interpret and apply enrollment data and policy research to inform strategic decision-making.
• Deep commitment to access and equity in education.
• Proven success in developing business cases, strategic growth models, or policy alignment plans.
• Advanced relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and execution skills.

Requirements

• Graduate degree in MBA, MA, or doctoral degree in relevant field of study.
• Education technology and market/competitor analysis experience.
• Organizational membership experience.
• Proficiency in Salesforce.
• A passion for higher education is a plus.

Benefits

• Work-Life balance
• Virtual-first office
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Seven company-wide holidays
• Nine floating holidays (prorated depending on start date)
• Sick leave
• Monthly mental health day
• Choice of PC or MAC laptop
• 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
• Health insurance options
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health
• Company provided life and AD&D insurance
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Budgeted annual funds for professional development
• Growth opportunities within the company
• Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program
• Payroll deduction pet insurance through PinPaws
• 1Password family account