Government Engagement Manager

*For this role we are considering candidates based in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio or Pennsylvania as this will be the territory for the position*
Transfr is on a mission to create alternative pathways to career success. Our hands-on simulation-based training provides people with the skills they need to enter or reenter the workforce, enabling them to have a better quality of life.  Our technology gives immersive training that the user absorbs much more readily than video tutorials, slide presentations, and other training methods.  
We believe the future starts with innovative workplace training and hands-on skills development. We’re building bridges between schools, workplaces, and governments to make jobs more accessible and create a better tomorrow, today. 
This is an exciting time! Demand for VR skills-based training has never been higher. Our startup is in hyper growth mode, scaling in every direction. We are looking for people that possess a true love for learning and have a burning desire to contribute to outcomes that change the world.
Summary: This multidimensional role directly contributes to achieving our company’s aggressive growth goals and building partnerships to impact people in the communities you serve.  Reporting directly to our VP, Economic Development, you will make an immediate impact by developing statewide strategic development plans and state level partnerships that will result in opening new career opportunities for the communities you serve.

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables:

• Build relationships with state government agencies and legislators to sell Transfr’s product offerings and grow market share. Existing relationships are a plus. 
• Develop strategic priorities that align with state-level organizations, agencies, workforce boards, and institutions.
• Prospect, qualify, and develop opportunities with state agencies and strategic accounts throughout designated territory. 
• Identifying state funding appropriations that align with selected geographic regions. 
• Work with customers over time to identify and develop additional expansion opportunities.
• Learning about the key workforce development policy and funding frameworks for our partner. Synthesize this information into your relationship building and strategic planning. 
• Work alongside a team to hit individual and company KPI’s and goals in your geographic territory.
• Negotiate opportunities with senior executives and government leaders, while demonstrating a high degree of  emotional intelligence and business acumen. 
• Create and present compelling proposals based on value propositions that align with customer needs. 
• Produce analysis comparing job market needs to misalignment with existing training infrastructure.
• Accurately report on deal timelines and updates to ensure that we meet deals. milestones and deadlines, regularly updating activity and forecast in our CRM system.
• Manage the contracting process post-signature including support to contract integration, change management, governance activities, expansions and renegotiations

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• 7+ years’ experience working in public policy, education and government relations
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Ability to speak publicly, often before senior government, technology, and education leaders.
• Strong organization skills.
• General knowledge of education policy and politics.
• Deep understanding of political and legislative processes.
• Willing to travel to support statewide initiatives 
• Experience in grassroots initiatives is a plus

Experience in a government/policy role is strongly preferred, with the candidate having a proven track 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.
• 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.  You have a demonstrable track record as a successful educator, advocate or lobbyist. 
• 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 regulatory policy proposals – and ability to summarize these orally and in writing to executi