We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture

Ascend Learning is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning.

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers.

We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more.

Ascend Learning leads the way in innovation and solution creation to improve outcomes and deliver results for students, educators, and healthcare workers in the ever-changing field of healthcare. We offer advanced resources that drive nursing success, empower front-line certified allied health workers, help physicians pass boards and stay current, and provide education management tools for medical education programs.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Reporting to the senior vice president of Marketing, as part of the Ascend Learning Commercial organization and in collaboration with marketing, legal, sales, product, and the senior leadership team, the Sr Government Relations Manager will leverage extensive experience in policy making and advocacy to play a pivotal role in leading Ascend Learning’s government relations strategies that effectively advocate for our company and customer interests and mitigate business risk at both the federal and state levels. This role demands a dynamic leader capable of shaping public policy to align with organizational objectives and adept at monitoring and navigating complex political landscapes at both the federal and state level in both the healthcare and education industry.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This position will be hybrid out of our Leawood, KS or Burlington, MA office. Remote candidates will be considered.

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME

• Lead and manage federal, state, and local government affairs, aligning initiatives with the company’s strategic business goals.
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to address federal, state and local legislative and regulatory challenges. Navigates complex policy environments effectively to ensure favorable outcomes for the organization.
• Establish robust relationships with government officials, industry associations, and key policymakers to advocate for company and customer interests.
• Manage and collaborate with outside consultants, ensuring they align with the strategic vision and deliver results.
• Actively participate in and seek opportunities for Ascend Learning to have a voice in trade associations, industry committees, and coalitions to influence policy discussions relevant to Ascend Learning and its companies.
• Craft legislative testimonies, policy proposals, policy amendments, position papers and strategic communications to advance the organization's public policy positions.
• Conduct ongoing monitoring and analysis of state and federal proposed legislation, emerging issues, and trends to determine their potential impact on the organization.
• Participate in the development and implementation of plans and budgets for expenses related to advocacy activities.
• Provides timely, insightful briefings and updates to the business on activities, potential threats, and opportunities. Ensures these updates contribute to strategic alignment and informed decision-making within the organization. Utilize expertise in political communication to enhance the organization's public affairs messaging across various platforms.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• 8+ years of experience managing successful federal and multi-state government relations initiatives.
• Bachelor's degree in political science, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field, complemented by a proven track record in government relations.
• Proven success in legislative advocacy.
• Experience working in a matrixed environment and organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in defining performance metrics for external partnerships.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing government relations and policy advocacy, focusing on strategic planning and execution.
• Exceptional communication skills, adept at preparing and delivering persuasive presentations and written reports.
• A strong network of contacts within government and regulatory agencies at multiple levels.

BENEFITS

• Flexible and generous paid time off
• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401(k) employer matching program
• Parental leave
• Wellness resources
• Charitable matching program
• Hybrid work
• On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington)
• Community outreach groups
• Tuition reimbursement

Fostering A Sense of Belonging

We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued and be their authentic selves. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.

About Ascend Learning

As a tech-enabled services company, Ascend Learning is a national leader in developing and delivering data-driven online educational content, software, assessments, analytics, and simulations serving institutions, students and employers across healthcare, fitness and wellness, public and workplace safety, skilled trades, insurance, financial services, cybersecurity, and higher education. We're committed to accelerating the learning pathways that can move people into careers where they have the knowledge and skills to have an impact and help change lives in the communities they serve. Headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America's 2023 Greatest Workplaces for Diversity.

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S. based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

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