Palo Alto Networks

Director, Government Affairs, State, Local & Education (SLED)

Palo Alto Networks$212K — $291K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Proven track record in government affairs specific to state, local, and education sectors.
  • Established relationships with key officials in cybersecurity and IT procurement.
  • Strong understanding of public sector budget and acquisition processes.
  • Experience leveraging trade associations for policy advancement.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to present to executives.

Responsibilities

  • Shape and influence legislation affecting cybersecurity and AI.
  • Align advocacy efforts with public sector sales strategies.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers in government.
  • Represent the company within trade associations and SLED organizations.
  • Manage a network of external consultants and lobbyists in various jurisdictions.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to integrate public policy with corporate objectives.

Benefits

  • Robust employee benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Access to professional development and training opportunities.
  • Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
  • Potential for stock options and performance-based bonuses.
  • Dynamic work environment focusing on cutting-edge technology and public sector impact.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

The Director of Government Affairs (SLED) leads the company's public policy and government affairs strategy across U.S. state, local, and education markets. This role serves as a strategic thought leader on key industry issues-specifically shaping policy around cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-to enable public sector business growth and advocate for favorable policy environments. You will manage a roster of external consultants, leverage national trade associations, and build deep relationships with state and local officials to drive measurable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
  • Policy Strategy & Advocacy: Shape, track, and influence state and local legislation and regulations impacting cybersecurity, AI, and digital resilience.
  • Public Sector Business Enablement: Align government affairs efforts with sales and business development teams to navigate complex SLED procurement processes and unlock public sector opportunities.
  • External Relationship Management: Cultivate strong networks with key state/local cyber and IT-focused officials, decision-makers, and policymakers.
  • Trade & Association Leadership: Represent the company within relevant trade associations, coalitions, and national SLED organizations to amplify advocacy priorities.
  • Consultant Management: Directly oversee and direct a dynamic network of outside government relations consultants and contract lobbyists across key jurisdictions.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with internal go-to-market, product, legal, compliance, and executive leadership teams to align public policy initiatives with corporate goals.


Qualifications

Required Experience
  • Domain Expertise: Proven track record in state, local, and education government affairs, with deep knowledge of policy issues surrounding cybersecurity and AI.
  • Network: Established relationships with state and local CIOs, CISOs, legislators, and key IT procurement officials.
  • Procurement Literacy: Sound understanding of legislative budget cycles and public sector acquisition processes.
  • Coalition Building: Demonstrated success leveraging trade associations and national organizations (e.g., NASCIO, NGA) to advance policy goals.
  • Communication Skills: Exceptional written, verbal, and executive presentation abilities.


Compensation Disclosure

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com-missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

$212,700.00 - $291,900.00/yr

About Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is an American multinational cybersecurity company with headquarters in Santa Clara, California. Its core products are a platform that includes advanced firewalls and cloud-based offerings that extend those firewalls to cover other aspects of security. The company serves over 70,000 organizations in over 150 countries, including 85 of the Fortune 100. It is home to the Unit 42 threat research team and hosts the Ignite cybersecurity conference.
Learn more about Palo Alto Networks
Size
11,870 employees
Market Cap
$42.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$368.2 million
Founded
2005
5 Year Trend
+25.7%
Revenue
$3.7 billion
NASDAQ

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