Senior Strategic Account Director - Higher Education

Cengage Group; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cengage North America Higher Education Sales seeks a Strategic Account Director to own multi‑institution accounts across Minnesota, blending new business development with post‑sale ownership to drive revenue growth and renewals. You will lead complex negotiations with senior academic leaders, develop long‑term account plans, and coordinate with cross‑functional teams to align data, strategy and execution.

This role requires analytical, written and verbal communication excellence, with travel

Qualifications

• BA or BS degree required.
• 5+ years of educational or enterprise‑level sales experience.
• Proven ability to own strategic account plans.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management.

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, retention, and expansion plans.
• Identify high-impact opportunities and align with customer objectives.
• Develop financial models to justify CU benefits.
• Drive renewal timelines and upsell with Solutions Specialists.
• Articulate value proposition to support affordability and student outcomes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Presentation skills

Strategic sales

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Office

Job description

Cengage North America Higher Education Sales seeks a Strategic Account Director to own multi‑institution accounts across Minnesota, blending new business development with post‑sale ownership to drive revenue growth and renewals. You will lead complex negotiations with senior academic leaders, develop long‑term account plans, and coordinate with cross‑functional teams to align data, strategy and execution.

This role requires analytical, written and verbal communication excellence, with travel