Director, Business Development & State Engagement

Job Overview

The Director, Business Development & State Engagement drives Cambium Assessment’s (CAI) growth by strengthening relationships across state and district education systems and aligning CAI’s assessment solutions with evolving education priorities. This role partners closely with Programs, Business Development, and cross-functional teams to anticipate procurement cycles, support RFP readiness, and position CAI’s products and services for successful adoption and long-term impact.

Job Responsibilities

• Strategic Relationship Building — Cultivate and maintain exceptional relationships with state education agency leaders, district leaders, and key stakeholders to support business development, renewals, and program expansion.
• Business & Procurement Alignment — Implement state-level engagement and procurement strategies that support adoption and sustained use of CAI’s products and services in alignment with company priorities.
• Competitive Analysis — Maintain an up-to-date inventory of state assessment contracts, including duration, costs, and vendor ownership.
• RFP Strategy & Partnership — Collaborate with Programs and Business Development teams to anticipate RFP cycles and align CAI’s solutions with state priorities, emphasizing innovative, and research-based assessment models.
• Stakeholder Engagement — Build trusted relationships with state and district leaders and partner organizations to support implementation, alignment, and long-term success of assessment programs.
• Internal Collaboration — Work across internal teams to align offerings with state and district needs, support innovative solutions, and ensure coordinated engagement and successful delivery.
• Market Intelligence — Develop and manage internal reporting mechanisms—such as real-time policy alerts and executive briefings—to keep stakeholders informed of evolving K–12 policies, procurement regulations, and funding shifts that impact CAI’s portfolio and competitive position.
• Legislative Monitoring — Collaborate with Cambium Learning’s government relations team to monitor state and federal developments affecting assessment, accountability, data privacy, and funding, informing strategic planning and engagement.
• Technology Policy & AI — Track emerging technology policies, including student data privacy and responsible use of AI-enabled tools, to support compliant and forward-looking solution positioning.
• Solution Positioning & Education — Engage state education stakeholders to build understanding of CAI’s solutions, demonstrating value, outcomes, and alignment with system priorities.
• Coalition Building & Thought Leadership — Represent CAI at high-profile meetings, conferences, and public forums to position the organization as a thought leader in educational assessment and innovation.

Job Requirements

• Industry Expertise — Minimum 10+ years of experience in educational business development, government relations, or state education agencies, including at least 5 years focused on K–12 student assessment or EdTech. Experience in state government relations and direct advocacy is highly preferred.
• Proven Track Record — Demonstrated success influencing and supporting state-level education procurement for large-scale programs.
• Technical Literacy — Ability to communicate fluently about psychometrics, computer-adaptive testing (CAT), item development, program management, and ethical considerations of AI in education.
• Professional Network — Established relationships across state education agencies, assessment leaders, and national education organizations are highly preferred.
• Education — Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or JD highly preferred.
• Travel — Ability to travel 25–50% to support priority state engagements and industry conferences.

Application

To apply for this opportunity, simply click on the “Apply” button and submit a cover letter and resume. An Equal Opportunity Employer We are dedicated to fostering a culture that celebrates unique backgrounds, ideas, and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.