Higher Education Growth Leader

Attain Partners; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Attain Partners seeks a high-impact Growth Leader for the Higher Education practice in McLean, VA. You will drive business development, market expansion, and revenue growth across Advancement and Student Services, mentoring a small growth team and partnering with delivery and executive leadership.

The role requires a deep Higher Education network, credibility with senior institutional leaders, and a consultative, mission-aligned approach. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Higher Education, consulting, or enterprise technology sales.
• Proven track record in business development and revenue growth.
• Deep understanding of Higher Education culture and decision processes.
• Strong network within the Higher Education ecosystem.
• Experience leading sales or growth-focused teams and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Own growth strategy for Attain's Higher Education practice and revenue goals.
• Develop and manage a robust pipeline across Salesforce, data, and strategy services.
• Build relationships with Chief Advancement Officers and Presidents’ cabinets.
• Lead consultative sales cycles from early relation to close.
• Collaborate with delivery and executive teams to shape proposals.
• Represent Attain as a senior leader in client meetings and pursuits.

Skills

Growth strategy

Executive presence

Account development

Senior stakeholder management

Sales cycle leadership

Strategic partnerships

Tools

Salesforce

Education Cloud

Job description

Attain Partners is an innovative consulting firm dedicated to disrupting the status quo to change the world and improve the lives of those we touch. From strategy to technology and ever y where in between, our experts use their unique skills to advance the important missions of education, nonprofit, healthcare, and state and local government clients.

People are at the center of all we do, and that’s why we empower career growth, provide industry-leading benefits packages, encourage a flexible work environment, and foster a culture of inclusion to support the needs of our team. We share a collective passion for our mission and our people. Guided by our seven core values, The Attain Way, our vision is the foundation of our culture—to be and attain the best.

The Higher Education Growth Leader is a senior leader within Attain’s Higher Education practice, responsible for driving business development, market expansion, and revenue growth across Advancement and Student Services.

This role is ideal for a growth-oriented leader who is deeply connected within the Higher Education ecosystem, brings credibility with senior institutional stakeholders, and thrives in a consultative, mission-aligned environment. In addition to owning growth outcomes, this leader will manage and mentor a small team of business development professionals and collaborate closely with Attain’s delivery, alliance, and executive leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities

Growth & Business Development

• Own and execute Attain’s growth strategy for Higher aligned to firm-wide goals
• Develop, manage, and convert a robust pipeline of opportunities across Salesforce, data, and strategy services
• Build trusted relationships with Chief Advancement Officers, Enrollment Leaders, Student Affairs leaders, CIOs, CFOs, and Presidents’ cabinets
• Lead complex, consultative sales cycles from early relationship development through close
• Partner with delivery and solution leaders to shape differentiated, value-driven proposals
• Represent Attain as a senior leader in client meetings, pursuits, and strategic discussions

Higher Education Market & Ecosystem Leadership

• Serve as a visible ambassador for Attain within the Higher Education ecosystem
• Maintain and grow strong relationships with:
• Colleges and universities
• Salesforce and strategic partners
• Higher Education associations, consortiums, and advisory groups
• Monitor market trends, institutional priorities, and regulatory or funding shifts impacting Advancement and Student Services
• Contribute to Attain’s thought leadership through conferences, speaking engagements, webinars, and industry content
• Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of growth and business development professionals
• Set clear expectations, coach performance, and foster a collaborative, inclusive culture aligned with Attain’s values
• Support skill development across consultative selling, Higher Ed domain expertise, and relationship management
• Collaborate with Attain executive leadership to refine go-to-market strategy and long-term growth plans
• Work closely with Salesforce alliance leaders to drive joint pursuits and partner-led opportunities
• Ensure strong alignment and handoff between sales and delivery teams to support long-term client success

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• 10+ years of experience in Higher Education, consulting, professional services, or enterprise technology sales
• Demonstrated success driving business development and revenue growth in Advancement, Student Services, or adjacent Higher Ed domains
• Deep understanding of Higher Education culture, governance, and decision-making processes
• Established network and credibility within the Higher Education ecosystem
• Experience managing, mentoring, or leading sales or growth-focused teams
• Executive presence and ability to engage effectively with senior institutional leaders

Preferred

• Experience with Salesforce in Higher Education, including Advancement, Student Services, Enrollment, or Education Cloud
• Prior experience in a Salesforce consulting partner or professional services firm
• Experience shaping go-to-market strategies or launching new service offerings

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to build trusted advisor relationships with clients
• Experience supporting sales and business development
• Position requires flexibility to travel periodically based on business and client needs

Attributes for Success at Attain

• Relationship-driven, consultative seller aligned to Attain’s mission-first culture
• Strategic thinker who can translate institutional needs into actionable solutions
• Collaborative leader who values teamwork, transparency, and shared success
• Passion for Higher Education and its impact on students, institutions, and communities

Why Attain

• Opportunity to shape the growth of a flagship Higher Education practice
• High-visibility leadership role with direct impact on firm strategy and revenue
• Mission-driven culture with deep respect for Higher Education values
• Collaborative environment that values expertise, integrity, and long-term partnerships

Additional Information

Attain Partners values your mental, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing. Our comprehensive benefits package starts on your first day of employment and includes benefits such as:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision coverage, HSA and FSA accounts, life and disability insurance, fertility and family planning benefits, and employee assistance and discount programs
• 11 paid federal holidays and flexible unlimited time off (UTO)
• Generous 401(k) matching with immediate vesting
• Flexible career paths – our career tracks provide advancement, mobility, and flexibility as you continue to grow with us
• A healthy environment where we value unique experiences, and care about everything that makes you, you.

Attain Partners is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The individual base salary for this position is unique to each candidate and will be commensurate with experience, education, and skills. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for commission upon achieving set metrics.

Interested in this position but the compensation isn’t quite right? Let us know your expectations, and we’ll see if we can make it happen based on your qualifications.

Salary Range

$160,000 - $170,000 USD

Attain Partners is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.