Senior Director, State Partnerships

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Director, State Partnerships based in the United States.

The Senior Director, State Partnerships leads strategic consulting initiatives that strengthen instructional leadership and improve educational outcomes across state, regional, and district systems. This senior role partners directly with state education leaders to develop long-term strategies, align complex initiatives, and translate research into practical, scalable solutions. The successful candidate will build trusted executive relationships, guide high-impact partnerships, and shape consulting services that respond to evolving education system needs. Through data-informed planning and continuous evaluation, this leader will help drive sustainable improvements in instructional practices and student learning. The role also involves developing talent, leading cross-functional teams, and ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery. This is a full-time remote opportunity open to candidates anywhere in the contiguous United States, with national travel expected up to 50%.

Accountabilities

• Lead State Education Partnerships: Build and sustain multi-year partnerships with state education agencies, regional centers, and school systems to strengthen instructional leadership and promote lasting system-wide improvement.

• Develop Strategic Implementation Plans: Collaborate with state leaders to create actionable roadmaps, initiative frameworks, alignment processes, and communication strategies that support shared educational priorities.

• Shape Research-Informed Resources: Develop publications, diagnostic frameworks, toolkits, and service resources tailored to state education agency needs and designed to support practical implementation.

• Monitor Partnership Performance: Establish data-informed monitoring, reflection, and accountability systems to evaluate progress, measure impact, and continuously improve partnership outcomes.

• Lead Strategic Service Development: Refine and integrate state consulting services, transforming pilot initiatives into sustainable, scalable service models aligned with long-term organizational goals.

• Guide Change and Innovation: Anticipate shifts in the education sector, navigate ambiguity, and adapt consulting approaches to evolving partner needs while supporting long-term service sustainability.

• Support New Partnerships and Growth: Develop proposals, service outlines, and diagnostic materials; cultivate relationships with senior state officials; and support partnership renewals and expanded collaboration.

• Provide Executive-Level Advisory Support: Serve as a trusted advisor to state leaders, helping navigate complex policy environments, stakeholder priorities, and system-wide change.

• Manage and Develop Teams: Coach consultants and team members, build leadership capacity, foster an inclusive and accountable team culture, and align staff development with strategic priorities.

Requirements:

• Relevant Professional Experience: At least 10 years of professional experience in education, including leadership within a state education agency or direct experience supporting senior state officials.

• State Education Systems Expertise: Strong understanding of state administrative structures, funding mechanisms, policy environments, and governance levers used to support school district improvement.

• Instructional Leadership Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of effective instructional leadership practices, high-quality instructional materials, and system-wide strategies for improving classroom instruction across content areas.

• Strategic Planning and Implementation: Proven ability to translate complex strategies into actionable implementation plans, identify systemic gaps, and develop scalable solutions.

• Executive Partnership Development: Demonstrated success building trusted relationships with senior state officials, navigating political dynamics, and expanding strategic partnerships.

• Consultative Facilitation Skills: Expertise in facilitating complex discussions and decision-making among diverse state and regional stakeholders while supporting alignment and sustainable change.

• Service Design and Adult Learning: Experience developing data-informed diagnostic frameworks, adult learning experiences, and adaptable tools that address state agency needs.

• Leadership and Team Development: Ability to coach and develop professionals, guide cross-functional teams, manage organizational change, and maintain high standards of service delivery.

• Strategic and Analytical Thinking: Strong judgment, adaptability, and the ability to connect long-term system goals with practical execution and measurable results.

• Travel Availability: Willingness and ability to travel nationally up to 50% of the time.

Benefits:

• Annual Salary: $143,750.

• Remote Work: Full-time remote position available anywhere in the contiguous United States.

• Retirement Planning: Access to private retirement investment options.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation policy.

• Competitive Benefits: Additional benefits are available; specific coverage and plan details are outlined in the benefits package.