National Director, First-Year Experience

CEA Study Abroad, Inc.; Idaho; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness initiatives

Generous PTO

Comprehensive health coverage

Paid parental leave

Job summary

CEA Study Abroad, Inc. is seeking a National Director for First-Year Experience Partnerships to lead student enrollment initiatives. This full-time position focuses on relationship management, consultative sales, and collaboration with university partners to achieve growth targets.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in professional sales, particularly in higher education, and be comfortable operating in a remote environment while traveling frequently.

Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, generous paid time off, and team engagement activities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional sales experience, preferably in higher education.
• 3+ years in consultative sales or business development roles.
• Proven ability to navigate complex sales cycles.

Responsibilities

• Drive student enrollment and revenue growth through partnerships.
• Build and maintain relationships with university stakeholders.
• Deliver presentations and represent CEA CAPA at events.

Skills

Professional sales experience

Consultative, relationship‑driven sales

Relationship-building skills

Excellent communication skills

Salesforce CRM experience

Job description

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.

National Director, First-Year Experience

Full Time Phoenix, AZ, US

Salary Range: $85,000.00 to $95,000.00 Annually

Your Role:

As the National Director (ND) - First Year Experience Partnerships, you’ll be responsible for driving student enrollment and revenue growth by building strong institutional relationships, guiding students through the enrollment journey, and expanding CEA CAPA’s presence within an assigned territory. This role blends relationship management, consultative sales, and institutional collaboration to deliver sustainable growth.

What You’ll Do:

Territory & Growth Planning

• Own and execute a growth plan in collaboration with the Regional Vice President and CRO
• Own a defined set of University Partners set with clear targets.
• Develop and execute territory and account plans in partnership with the Regional Vice President and/or CRO.
• Identify whitespace, growth opportunities, and priority accounts to consistently build pipeline.

Awareness & Relationship Development

• Build visibility and trust with university stakeholders specifically with Admissions Enrollment Management, Study Abroad Office or other executives as identified.
• Represent CEA CAPA at conferences, campus events, college fairs, and campus sales calls.
• Leverage social media and field presence to elevate brand awareness.
• Partner with the broader Institutional Relationship sales team, Partner Services team, and Strategic Academic Liaison team to drive University Partner growth in a coordinated FYE pursuit.

Opportunity Qualification

• Meet with University Partners to discuss revenue goals, yield, and conversion rates.
• Understand institutional priorities and enrollment drivers.
• Identify high‑potential opportunities aligned with program offerings. Recommend appropriate programs based on academic, growth, and institutional needs.
• Address questions related to cost, safety, academics, and outcomes.
• Coordinate and support events such as information sessions, fairs, and orientations.
• Work cross‑functionally with other sales teams, marketing, academics, student engagement, and program teams.
• Share market insights, competitive intelligence, and messaging feedback.
• Contribute ideas and best practices to improve sales effectiveness and FYE outcomes.

Institutional Partnership Growth

• Maintain and expand relationships with university partners.
• Collaborate on initiatives that support long‑term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Meet or exceed enrollment and activity targets.
• Maintain accurate pipeline visibility and forecasts.

Salary: $85,000-$95,000; on‑target earnings (OTE) based on performance

What Makes a Great Candidate:

• 5+ years of professional sales experience, with exposure to higher education preferred
• 3+ years in a consultative, relationship‑driven sales or business development role
• Proven experience in admissions, enrollment management, recruitment, or a similarly complex, multi‑stakeholder sales cycle

Core Competencies

• Strong relationship‑building skills with the ability to influence, advise, and drive decisions
• Excellent consultative communication and presentation skills, including comfort engaging with diverse audiences such as executives, students, families, and institutional stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to manage a broad portfolio of accounts, prioritize high‑impact opportunities, and consistently work toward targets
• Experience using Salesforce CRM to manage pipeline, track activity, monitor performance, and ensure timely follow-up and conversion
• Self‑directed and results‑oriented, with confidence operating in a remote environment while collaborating effectively across teams to achieve goal‑based outcomes

Additional Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel 50–75% within an assigned portfolio of university partners

Benefits

Wellness & Snacks (In‑Office): Fresh Fruit Wednesdays, coffee bar, wellness room, and ergonomic workspaces.

Time Off & Giving Back: 12 paid holidays, generous PTO, and up to 8 hours paid volunteer time.

Support for Your Whole Life: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, benefits for domestic partners, paid parental leave, and compassionate time off for life events.

Fun & Community: We encourage team connection and celebration, from office events to informal get‑togethers and virtual hangouts—exact activities vary by team.