Strategic Account Director, Remote - Higher Ed

Cengage; Mississippi; On-site; USD 77,100 - 100,200; Full time

Job summary

Cengage, a global education technology company, is seeking a Strategic Account Director to lead high‑level sales across North America Higher Education. You will own multi‑year account plans, forecast revenue, and drive CU/EA/IA initiatives with senior administrators.

Travel 35–50% is required as you engage executives on campus and at conferences. You will partner with sales, customer success, marketing, and operations to deliver student outcomes and affordable learning solutions.

Qualifications

• BA or BS degree required.
• 5+ years in educational or enterprise sales.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with strategic account planning and long-term revenue growth.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Salesforce.
• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex contract negotiations with senior-level academic and administrative leaders.
• Own account strategy and multi-year forecast for each institution within the assigned territory.
• Identify high-impact opportunities and drive growth, renewal, and expansion.
• Develop financial models linking CU benefits to the institution’s budget and retention goals.
• Lead new business development at executive levels through networking and market research.
• Manage renewals, upsell, and expansion opportunities in partnership with Solutions Specialists.
• Collaborate with sales, channel, customer success, marketing, and operations to ensure cohesive execution.

Skills

Strategic account management

High-level negotiations

Account planning & forecasting

Data-driven decision making

Communication & presentation

CRM platforms familiarity

Education

BA or BS degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Salesforce

Job description

Cengage, a global education technology company, is seeking a Strategic Account Director to lead high‑level sales across North America Higher Education. You will own multi‑year account plans, forecast revenue, and drive CU/EA/IA initiatives with senior administrators.

Travel 35–50% is required as you engage executives on campus and at conferences. You will partner with sales, customer success, marketing, and operations to deliver student outcomes and affordable learning solutions.