Job Summary

The Canada Government Relations Director serves as a senior strategist and government relations representative in Canada, in partnership with the SVP, Global Government Relations, and Policy and other members of the Government Affairs team to represent Pearson’s interests before Canadian government officials.

You will be responsible for:

• Identifying public policy priorities, shaping policy/advocacy messaging, and devising and implementing the Canada government affairs plan to advance Pearson’s legislative, regulatory, and political agenda.

• Media spokesperson for relevant brand campaigns to raise Pearson’s profile in the Canada market, with specific focus on raising profile of our ELL division and PTE assessment offer in Canada. (Campaigns funded and devised by divisional marketing teams – you act as the local spokesperson on the ground.)

• Engagement of key stakeholders.

• Executing on this plan to drive the business in Canada and insulate the business against political risk.

• Managing Canadian GR consultant to maximize their impact on achieving Pearson’s business goals.

• Formulating, with input from Pearson colleagues in the businesses, policy positions and an advocacy strategy on key issue areas of relevance to Pearson, including immigration, ELL, data privacy, copyright, OER, skill pathways, education, tax, and budget issues.

• Leading Pearson’s outreach and advocacy including relevant agencies, identifying, monitoring, and influencing legislation and regulations impacting Pearson.

• Serving as primary point of contact responsible for working with appropriate teams internally to address inquiries from, or communications to Canadian government officials.

• Serving as Pearson’s principal representative/liaison to major Canada-based trade associations, informing Pearson business leaders of issues in play and coordinating Pearson’s feedback or comments on issues to inform the Associations’ public comments, testimonies, and position statements on behalf of the Sector.

You have a proven record of:

• Developing and Leveraging Relationships – Ideally, you will arrive with extensive knowledge of federal government operations, working knowledge of education policy issues, relationships across the federal government, and a track record of excellent internal stakeholder management at all levels—enabling you to be a trusted advisor to the company leadership.

• Communication – Strong written and oral communication skills are essential. You have solid interpersonal skills and use these to influence outcomes with persuasiveness, candor, and respect. You appreciate the diversity of stakeholder interactions and adapt your style and approach accordingly.

• Analytical Skill and Learning Agility – You take a systematic, structured view of situations, while staying focused on the big picture. You have the capacity to be open to new ideas and working collaboratively. You have capacity to research and spot opportunities or risk to the company or learners in legislative or regulatory policy proposals – and ability to summarize these orally and in writing to executives internally and policymakers externally and propose next step action plans.

• Broad GR Perspective – You have significant experience operating in a global environment- including supporting the work of Pearson’s key business units at the state and global levels – for example by coordinating DC-based trade association support on state or international government issues impacting the company or learners.

• Business Acumen – Experience, insight and knowledge mean you can understand market potential, understand political risk and opportunity, and translate this into strategic GR work that supports the corporate strategy in support of learners.

• Judgment – You demonstrate sound judgement in assessing business risks and make decisions that balance a variety of factors while always maintaining the integrity of the company’s core values and business strategy. As Pearson’s ambassador to federal officials with views spanning the political spectrum you are prepared, respectful and exercise sound judgment in all your work.

• Change Management Capability - Demonstrate record of supporting positive change and helping an organization achieve a high-degree of productivity.

• Deliver Results – You have a track record of achievement, understanding complex issues, translating strategies into actionable plans, and implementing them in an organized manner with regular updates to GR team members and others.

Your essential skills and experience:

• Extensive experience in a similar leadership role in government relations with a focus on media, technology and/or education industries.

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience with federal legislative, executive and public-policymaking bodies including Federal government experience preferably in political position.

• Experience in the areas of English Language learning, assessment and certification, information technology, internet governance, data protection, technology regulation, privacy, and/or government access to data.

• Ability to effectively deliver information, and explain, advocate, and negotiate positions and issues to a broad spectrum of individuals required.

• Demonstrated track record of outstanding advocacy, communications and negotiations skills required.

• Ability to work under tight deadlines, with little or no supervision required.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and cultivate relationships with key associations/agencies and key government leaders, especially in the education/workforce industry space.

• Undergraduate Degree (or equivalent) preferred.

• Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.

• Bilingualism (French and English) desirable.

• Willingness for overnight travel 20% of the time with 5% being international travel.

What to expect from Pearson

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

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.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.

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 ppsmhr@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: COMMUNICATION

Organization: Corporate Legal

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Req ID: 13543