Director, State & Local Government Affairs

Tenable® is the Exposure Management company trusted by over 40,000 organizations globally—including 65% of the Fortune 500—to understand and reduce cybersecurity risk.

As the Director, Global Government Affairs (SLED), you will represent Tenable before state and local legislators, Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), state technology leaders, and education officials across the United States. In this strategic advocacy and business enablement role, you will build comprehensive state policy strategies, direct contract lobbyists in key priority states (such as CA, TX, NY, and FL), and translate legislative and association intelligence into actionable growth opportunities for regional public sector sales teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Public Sector Business Enablement: Partner closely with SLED sales leadership and field teams to open doors, navigate state procurement cycles, and demonstrate the operational value of exposure management platforms.
• Contract Lobbyist Management: Direct and manage outside government relations consultants and contract lobbyists across priority states; set strategic objectives, evaluate performance, and ensure policy alignment.
• Trade Association Leadership: Represent Tenable within national intergovernmental bodies and technology associations (e.g., NASCIO, NGA); monitor legislative trends and deliver timely commercial insights to field sales.
• Executive Relationship Building: Cultivate trusted, high-level relationships with state CIOs, CISOs, procurement leads, agency technology directors, and legislative staff nationwide.
• Policy Strategy & Legislative Tracking: Evaluate and influence state policies, executive orders, and legislative proposals concerning cybersecurity standards, AI adoption, and public sector risk management.
• Compliance & Ethics: Enforce strict adherence to state-specific lobbying regulations, gift restrictions, and disclosure requirements in partnership with Legal and Compliance teams.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Align SLED policy goals with product marketing, corporate communications, and executive leadership priorities.

Requirements

SLED Advocacy & Public Policy Leadership

• 7+ years of progressive experience in state and local government affairs, public policy, state agency administration, or SLED business development, including direct leadership experience.
• Demonstrated track record establishing credible working relationships with state CIOs, CISOs, IT procurement officials, and legislative committees.
• Proven experience managing external government affairs consultants and contract lobbyists to achieve targeted policy and business goals.
• In-depth understanding of state legislative processes, state budget appropriation cycles, and public sector acquisition vehicles.
• Track record of leveraging national intergovernmental associations (e.g., NASCIO, NGA) to advance corporate priorities.

Education, Skills & Logistics

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Business, or a related field.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and executive presentation skills—capable of translating complex technical policy into business outcomes for sales teams and public officials alike.
• Ability to travel domestically on a monthly to quarterly basis based on legislative calendars and key SLED conferences.
• Alignment with a planned position start date of March 2027.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working familiarity with cybersecurity principles, enterprise software, IT infrastructure, or AI policy (formal cyber industry background is not required).
• Prior service as a state Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Deputy CIO/CISO, or senior state technology official.
• Direct experience managing legislative consultants in high-priority states (California, Texas, New York, or Florida).
• Experience converting public sector association intelligence into active sales pipeline generation.
• Advanced degree (Master’s in Public Policy/Public Administration, J.D., or related field).

Total Rewards & Benefits

• Compensation & Equity: Base salary of $188,000 – $250,666.67 USD + annual variable performance bonus + Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Healthcare & Family Support: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability and life insurance; paid parental leave.
• Financial & Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and tuition/education assistance.
• Time Off & Support: Paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and health/wellness events.