Job Information
Pearson State Relationship Manager in Topeka, Kansas
GED Testing Service
State Relationship Manager
Description
The GED test has opened doors to better jobs and college programs for more than 20 million graduates since 1942. The GED test is accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and employers. As the creator of the one official GED test, GED Testing Service has a responsibility to ensure that the program continues to be a reliable and valuable pathway to a better life for the millions of adults without a high school diploma. The organization continues to develop several new, innovative programs like GEDWorks. GED Testing Service is a joint venture between the American Council on Education and Pearson.
This is an exciting time to be working on GED®-related activities as the connection between education and workforce has never been more critical to local and state economies. GED® graduates are showing significantly more success in entering the workforce and post-secondary career and college training programs.
The State Relationship Manager (SRM) is responsible for managing and strengthening relationships across a set of core state accounts. Candidate will ideally be located in a GED state and near an airport. The SRM will work to raise the visibility and enhance the reputation of the GED program and highlight its contributions to enhancing opportunities for adult learners and building the local economy. The SRM is the primary contact and liaison between GED Testing Service®, state GED Administrators®, directors of adult education, and adult education program directors. If you are looking to create connections across networks and organizations, engage in important conversations and make an impact on the lives of adults without a high school diploma, this could be a great opportunity for you.
The SRM will help develop, track and evaluate annual state plans that includes work with key stakeholders, such as program directors, teachers and staff in adult education/GED® prep programs, who are key influencers in a student’s decision and pathway; state policymakers and elected officials; workforce/economic development groups; members of the business community; and select media outlets.
The SRM reports to the Director of State Accounts and is a member of the State Relationship Management Team. This position also calls for close collaboration with all other key GED Testing Service® units (Marketing, Assessment, Products, Technology and Operations) and the Pearson Enterprise Learning and Skills unit. Great communication and collaboration skills are essential to your success.
Responsibilities
The SRM is the single-most important touchpoint between GED Testing Service® and each of the states in their portfolio. Some of the work in this role includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Develop, execute and evaluate annual state plan with defined goals and target stakeholders with strategies and tactics.
Regular—typically weekly—calls with the state GED Administrator®, and regular contact with the state director of adult education. Open communication, problem solving, and good customer service are all critical to our success.
Build and strengthen relationships with key GED® prep program directors/staff/teachers. Communicate the value, benefits, feature of the GED® program, as well as the outcomes of GED® graduates.
Understand and be able to clearly articulate the GED® program story and direction and be able to effectively communicate these to a variety of stakeholders and community leaders.
Meet with and educate local and state elected officials and policymakers and understand their motivations and the programs/initiatives they are championing.
Understand the economic development situation and goals of states and key metro markets and position yourself/GED Testing Service® as a contributor, partner and problem solver. Help identify and promote the GEDWorksTM program to the local business community.
Help develop and distribute content (news stories, student success stories, etc.,) in each state/key metro market, in partnership with the Communications Manager. This will involve pushing content to stakeholders via email, utilizing social media, etc.
Keep the pulse of GED® program visibility and sentiment regularly and provide information and feedback to GEDTS leaders on the state of the brand, sentiment and any suggestions for program refinement.
Assist in promoting professional development resources to educators, and in time (with training) help deliver high-level professional development around teaching and content strategies related to preparing students for the GED® test at meetings and conferences.
Help distribute information and educate key stakeholders of GED Testing Service® about messages, promotions, and initiatives.
Represent GED Testing Service® at national/regional and state conferences and events. This includes delivering formal presentations and informal conversations.
Travel: Approximately 40%
Qualifications
Candidates should be located in the U.S and preferably close to an airport.
Must have a four-year/bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
Minimum 6+ years of experience in growing and maintaining relationships in the education or workforce development sector. Must be able to form relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills – can communicate effectively one-on-one or when presenting to small and large groups.
Experience in project management, planning and coordination.
Highly organized with the ability to multitask and handle details while tracking with the larger strategic goals and objectives. Can manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
Have a solid work ethic. Must have drive and passion for his/her work, have persistence and can work independently and as part of a team.
Understanding of and familiarity with state government relations and policy.
Must be proficient in working with Word/Google Docs, Excel/Google Sheets and PowerPoint.
Ability to sell, advance, grow and provide feedback on advancing client relationships.
Understanding of adult education and workforce policy is highly desirable.
Spanish-language skills are highly desirable.
Compensation at Pearson is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and specific location. As required by the California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, New York State, New York City, Washington State, and Washington DC laws, the pay range for this position is as follows:
The minimum full-time salary is $90,000.
This position is eligible to participate in an annual incentive program, and information on benefits offered is here.
Who we are:
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson.
Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.
If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com.
Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.
Job: SALES
Organization: Enterprise Learning & Skills
Schedule: FULL_TIME
Workplace Type: Remote
Req ID: 18791
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