Christopher Downs
Salt Lake City
Summary
High-impact Executive with over 12 years of experience leading multi-disciplinary growth strategies across the EdTech landscape. Expert at the intersection of Government Affairs, Strategic Partnerships, and Enterprise Sales, with a proven record of neutralizing policy hurdles and building high-value alliances that accelerate market share. A former Co-Founder who transitioned to a VP of Strategic Growth, uniquely skilled at aligning GTM functions (Sales, Marketing, Product) to drive $100M+ scale initiatives. Recognized for an elite ability to influence global education policy while simultaneously delivering record-breaking revenue growth in NORAM K-12 and Higher Education markets.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Strategic Growth
Instructure
Salt Lake City, UT
04.2025 - Current
- Define and execute GTM strategy for North American (NORAM) K-12 and Higher Education markets.
- Bridge GTM teams (Sales, Marketing, Customer Success, and Product) to enhance collaboration and customer value delivery.
- Lead domestic (NORAM) and International Government Affairs initiatives.
Executive Director of Government Affairs & Strategic Alliances
02.2022 - 04.2025
- Advocated for education technology users by influencing global policy and building relationships with high-level policymakers.
- Created favorable business development conditions through strategic legislative advocacy.
- Awards: 3x President’s Club Recipient (2022, 2023, 2024).
Enterprise Regional Director – Higher Education
06.2020 - 02.2022
- Managed technology adoption for major universities involving Canvas LMS, Canvas Studio, and Impact.
- Ranked as a top-performing sales executive company-wide across multiple quarters.
- Awards: 2x President’s Club Recipient (2020, 2021); Consistent annual quota achiever.
Vice President of Business Development – Higher Education
Shindig
Manhattan, NY
09.2017 - 05.2019
- Launched and scaled the Higher Education vertical sales team, exceeding targets all three years.
- Secured new logo sales with flagship brands including Yale University, ASU, Georgia Tech, and the NYC Department of Education.
- Negotiated strategic partnerships with global entities such as UNESCO, Instructure, and ASU GSV.
Senior Director of Business Development – Higher Education
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Led solution-selling initiatives at both the customer and institutional levels.
- Collaborated with executive and marketing teams to refine sales tools and communication frameworks.
Director of Product Development & Co-Founder
Quadlyfe
Manchester, NH
08.2013 - 01.2016
- Spearheaded product development and customer acquisition strategy.
- Result: Successfully navigated the company through its acquisition by StudentBridge, LLC.
Entrepreneur in Residence Emeritus
Wasabi Ventures, LLC
Manchester, NH
01.2014 - 03.2015
Account Executive
Wedu
New York, NY
01.2013 - 01.2015
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political Science, Concentration in State and Local Government
Saint Anselm College
Manchester, NHSkills
- Strategic Leadership: Multi-year GTM Roadmapping, Cross-functional Organizational Alignment, P&L Management
- Government Affairs & Policy: Legislative Advocacy (Global & Domestic), Policy-Driven Business Development, Regulatory Risk Mitigation
- Strategic Alliances: High-Level Partnership Negotiation (UNESCO, ASU GSV), Ecosystem Development, M&A Integration
- Revenue Operations: Enterprise Sales Leadership, Quota Achievement Strategy, High-Stakes Solution Selling
- Innovation: Product-Market Fit Analysis, Scaling Startups to Acquisition, Strategic Market Entry
Timeline
Vice President of Strategic Growth
Instructure
04.2025 - Current
Executive Director of Government Affairs & Strategic Alliances
02.2022 - 04.2025
Enterprise Regional Director – Higher Education
06.2020 - 02.2022
Vice President of Business Development – Higher Education
Shindig
09.2017 - 05.2019
Senior Director of Business Development – Higher Education
01.2016 - 01.2018
Entrepreneur in Residence Emeritus
Wasabi Ventures, LLC
01.2014 - 03.2015
Director of Product Development & Co-Founder
Quadlyfe
08.2013 - 01.2016
Account Executive
Wedu
01.2013 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Science - Political Science, Concentration in State and Local Government
Saint Anselm College
HONORS & ACHIEVEMENTS
6x President’s Club Recipient: Instructure (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025). Top Performance: Recognized as the #1 sales executive company-wide multiple quarters.