Account Executive/Sales Development Representative
Education Week, the nation's trusted source for independent education journalism, research, and insights, is seeking an Account Executive/Sales Development Representative to join our Enterprise Sales team. This role is ideal for a strategic, relationship-driven sales professional with strong business development skills who is excited to represent a respected mission-driven organization and help higher education institutions access solutions that inform decision-making and advance educator preparation.
About The Role
The Account Executive/SDR will drive revenue growth for Education Week's enterprise content, data, and intelligence solutions. This role focuses on new sales of Education Week’s Group Online Subscriptions, leveraging consultative B2B sales strategies to help district prospects invest in solutions that meet their needs. The position is a dual role combining direct sales (25%) and sales development (75%) responsibilities. Responsibilities include managing a defined territory, building a strategic pipeline, conducting consultative sales conversations, closing new business, qualifying leads, and supporting the broader Enterprise Sales team.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute territory and account strategies to achieve revenue goals.
- Identify, research, and engage prospective K-12 and higher education clients.
- Conduct consultative discovery conversations to understand customer priorities and align solutions to institutional needs.
- Manage complex sales cycles, including presentations, proposals, negotiations, procurement processes, and closing new business.
- Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline and accurate forecasts using Salesforce.
- Establish relationships with faculty, administrators, school and university leaders, and other decision-makers.
- Partner with Marketing, Editorial, Product, and Sales teams to support customer engagement and growth.
- Use digital communication tools and generative AI resources to enhance research, account planning, and sales effectiveness.
- Stay informed on K-12 and higher education trends and market opportunities.
- Occasional travel may be required.
Qualifications
- 1-2 years of B2B sales experience, preferably selling research, subscriptions, information, professional development, SaaS, or related solutions to K-12, higher education, or institutional customers (bachelor's degree preferred).
- Demonstrated success developing new business and achieving challenging sales goals.
- Experience with consultative enterprise sales, including discovery, active listening, objection management, and solution alignment.
- Ability to develop account plans, manage multiple stakeholders, and navigate purchasing processes.
- Strong communication, presentation, organization, and prioritization skills.
- Proficiency with Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and other digital sales tools.
- Comfort learning and applying new technologies, including generative AI tools, to improve productivity and sales outcomes.
- High ethical standards, professionalism, and integrity.
Schedule
This is a hybrid position based in Bethesda, Maryland, with an expectation of working onsite two days per week. Candidates must live within commuting distance.
Pay
Salary: $57,750 - $65,000 per year, plus bonus eligibility.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.
- Hybrid work environment.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Opportunities for career growth and advancement.
This position is covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, CWA Local 32035.