Senior Strategic Account Director — Higher Ed Growth

Cengage Group; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 77,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cengage Group is seeking a Strategic Account Director to oversee Minnesota-based institutional accounts and own multi-year growth, renewals, and expansions.

The role combines new business development with post-sale ownership, requiring executive-level negotiations, data-driven planning, and collaboration with internal teams to drive student outcomes and affordability across CU, EA, and IA programs.

Qualifications

• BA or BS degree.
• 5+ years of educational or enterprise-level sales.
• Proven ability to own and complete strategic account plans with long-term revenue accountability.
• Strong background in high-level negotiations.
• Strong analytical, written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Deep understanding of higher-education institutional financial and academic decision-making structures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM platforms, preferably Salesforce.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex contract negotiations with senior academic and administrative leaders.
• Own the overall account strategy and forecast for each institution; develop multi-year growth plans.
• Identify high-impact opportunities and align with institutional priorities.
• Develop financial models aligning CU benefits with budgetary goals.
• Spearhead new business development at executive level through outreach.
• Drive revenue growth and CU renewals with Solutions Specialists.
• Articulate value propositions supporting affordability and student outcomes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for cohesive execution.

Skills

Strategic account management

High-level negotiations

Executive engagement

Forecasting & planning

Relationship management

Education

BA or BS degree

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Office

Job description

Cengage Group is seeking a Strategic Account Director to oversee Minnesota-based institutional accounts and own multi-year growth, renewals, and expansions.

The role combines new business development with post-sale ownership, requiring executive-level negotiations, data-driven planning, and collaboration with internal teams to drive student outcomes and affordability across CU, EA, and IA programs.