Strategic Higher-Ed Accounts Director

Cengage Group; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 77,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cengage is seeking a Strategic Account Director for Minnesota, USA, to own strategic account plans, drive multi-year revenue growth, and lead complex negotiations with senior institutional leaders. The role partners with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with CU/EA/IA models and to deliver durable customer value.

The position requires 5+ years in educational or enterprise sales, a BA/BS, and strong analytical, written, verbal, and presentation skills. Travel up to 35–50% is expected.

Qualifications

• BA or BS degree required.
• 5+ years of successful enterprise-level or educational sales experience.
• Ability to own and deliver strategic account plans with long-term revenue accountability.
• Proven high-level negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex contract negotiations with senior academic and administrative leaders.
• Own account strategy and forecast for each institution in the assigned territory.
• Develop multi-year growth, retention and expansion plans aligned with institutional priorities.
• Identify high-impact opportunities and tie CU benefits to ROI.
• Drive renewal timelines and upsell in partnership with Solutions Specialists.
• Articulate value of Cengage products to support affordability and equity.

Skills

Strategic sales

Negotiations

Account planning

Education

BA or BS degree

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Cengage is seeking a Strategic Account Director for Minnesota, USA, to own strategic account plans, drive multi-year revenue growth, and lead complex negotiations with senior institutional leaders. The role partners with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with CU/EA/IA models and to deliver durable customer value.

The position requires 5+ years in educational or enterprise sales, a BA/BS, and strong analytical, written, verbal, and presentation skills. Travel up to 35–50% is expected.