Senior Strategic Account Director — Higher Education

Cengage

Indiana (PA)

On-site

USD 77,100 - 100,200

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

Turn this role into an interview — a resume and cover letter built around what this employer wants.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

Cengage is hiring a Strategic Account Director to lead complex, high-stakes negotiations and own multi-year account strategies across a North America Higher Education landscape. You will drive revenue growth, renewals, and expansions for CU/EA/IA models, collaborating with cross-functional teams.

You will manage executive relationships with senior institutional leaders, develop data-driven account plans, and travel 35–50% to engage key customers and conferences while shaping product strategy

Qualifications

BA or BS degree.
5+ years of successful experience in 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-level academic and administrative leaders.
Own the overall account strategy and forecast for each institution within the assigned territory.
Develop multi-year growth, retention, and expansion plans.
Identify high-impact institutional opportunities aligned with customer objectives.
Develop financial models aligning CU benefits with clients' budgets.
Drive institutional revenue growth and renewals with partners.
Articulate value proposition supporting affordability, equity of access, and student success.