HED Account Executive, Core (Remote)

We believe in the power and joy of learning. At Cengage, our employees have a direct impact in helping students around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose – driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education. Cengage's Higher Education business supports learning and student success by providing materials and digital solutions to faculty and students enrolled in two-year, four-year, and vocational programs. We currently serve more than 10 million of the 18 million students in US higher ed.

Our culture values inclusion, engagement, and discovery. Our business is driven by our strong culture, and we know that creating an inclusive workplace is essential to the success of our company and our learners. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives in everything we do and strive to ensure employees of all levels and backgrounds feel empowered to voice their ideas and bring their authentic selves to work.

About the role

The Core Account Executive is responsible for owning and executing strategic account plans that drive sustainable revenue growth and long-term customer success. This role functions as a business partner to customers and internal teams, applying independent judgment to evaluate customer needs, recommend solutions, and influence sales and engagement strategies. The position focuses on planning, analysis, and advisory responsibilities, rather than transactional sales execution.

Responsibilities

• Account Strategy & Growth Planning
  • Develop and manage comprehensive account strategies aligned to customer goals, institutional priorities, and company revenue objectives.
  • Evaluate customer data, usage trends, and market conditions to identify growth opportunities and risks.
  • Recommend account-specific engagement approaches, solution mixes, and pricing considerations within established guidelines.
• Customer Consultation & Advisory Support
  • Act as a strategic consultant to customers, translating business challenges into tailored solution recommendations.
  • Guide customers through solution evaluation and adoption planning, emphasizing long-term value and outcomes.
  • Build executive-level relationships and support complex decision-making processes.
• Cross-Functional Influence
  • Collaborate with Marketing, Product, Finance, and Sales Leadership to shape go-to-market strategies and customer solutions.
  • Provide insights that influence process improvements, sales enablement, and operational effectiveness.
  • Participate in planning initiatives and pilot programs to support business innovation.
• Operational Oversight & Governance
  • Oversee account planning, opportunity prioritization, and deal governance activities.
  • Ensure alignment with internal policies, compliance requirements, and revenue standards.
  • Monitor outcomes and recommend corrective actions or strategic shifts when needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in strategic account management, consultative sales, or business operations roles.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise judgment on complex business matters.
• Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with CRM and sales analytics tools.

Pay

The full base pay range for this position is $52,000 - $67,600 USD. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. In this position, you will be eligible to participate in the company’s variable Sales incentive compensation program with a target of $45,000 USD annually. Actual incentive earnings are not guaranteed and may be more or less than the target amount based on achievement of performance goals and the terms of the applicable incentive compensation plan.