Strategic Account Director – Higher Education

Cengage Group; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Cengage Group is seeking a Strategic Account Director for the North America Higher Education Sales Group. You will lead strategic account plans, manage senior-level negotiations, and drive multi-year growth across CU, EA, and IA models. Travel 35–50% to engage key institutions and executives.

You will partner with cross-functional teams to forecast, renewals, and expansion, shaping long-term partnerships and student outcomes. Strong communication and analytics are essential.

Qualifications

• BA or BS degree required.
• 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 aligned with institutional priorities and Cengage objectives.
• Identify high-impact institutional opportunities and align with customer objectives.
• Develop financial models to demonstrate ROI of Cengage Unlimited benefits.
• Drive institutional revenue growth and CU renewals with renewal timelines and upsell opportunities.
• Articulate value of Cengage products to support affordability, equity of access, and student outcomes.
• Own IA/EA/CUI data management and analysis to inform strategy and forecast performance.
• Lead institutional change management and executive-level success reviews.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure cohesive execution and accountability.

Skills

Negotiations

Strategic account management

Analytical skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Presentation skills

Education

BA or BS degree

Tools

Salesforce

CRM platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

Cengage Group is seeking a Strategic Account Director for the North America Higher Education Sales Group. You will lead strategic account plans, manage senior-level negotiations, and drive multi-year growth across CU, EA, and IA models. Travel 35–50% to engage key institutions and executives.

You will partner with cross-functional teams to forecast, renewals, and expansion, shaping long-term partnerships and student outcomes. Strong communication and analytics are essential.