Partnerships Manager

About the Role

As a Partnerships Manager, you are at the heart of our mission to ensure every child has the chance to become a confident reader. You’ll spend your days connecting with small-to-mid-sized K–12 districts, sharing how Ignite Reading’s 1:1 virtual literacy program can change their students' lives. This is a full-cycle sales journey where your discipline and curiosity shine. You’ll guide districts through thoughtful discovery and clear execution, ensuring our solutions fit their unique needs. While you’ll take the lead on most partnerships, you’re never alone—our senior team is always ready to step in and support you with complex contracts or pricing.

Responsibilities

• Generate Revenue & Acquire New Clients
  • Prospect, qualify, and close new district opportunities within defined territory parameters
  • Own Discovery → Demo → Proposal → Contract for assigned accounts
  • Meet quarterly and annual quota targets
• Pipeline Development & Prospecting Discipline
  • Build pipeline through outbound prospecting, events, referrals, and SDR-sourced leads
  • Conduct structured discovery using MEDDPICC methodology
  • Run certified Ignite Reading demos once certified
• Account Scope
  • Focus on small-to-mid-sized districts
  • Navigate multi-stakeholder environments with structured buying processes
  • Escalate enterprise-level or state-wide opportunities to Director/VP
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Customer Success for smooth handoffs post-close
  • Support pilots as pathways to broader adoption
  • Collaborate with Directors on complex or high-value opportunities when required

Requirements

• K–12 EdTech Sales Foundation
  • 2–4 years of experience in K–12 education technology sales with consistent quota attainment
  • Experience selling to principals, curriculum directors, literacy coordinators, and school-level leaders
  • Exposure to district procurement processes
  • Demonstrated ability to independently manage small-to-mid-sized district opportunities from prospecting through close
• AI-Enabled Sales Discipline
  • Active use of AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, or similar) to improve research, outreach personalization, and call preparation
  • Strong CRM discipline and comfort using tools such as HubSpot and conversation intelligence platforms
  • A mindset of optimization — you consistently look for ways to improve efficiency, increase conversion rates, and shorten sales cycles
• Core Competencies
  • Clear, confident communicator who can educate district stakeholders without overcomplicating the message
  • Coachable and growth-oriented — you actively seek feedback and apply it quickly
  • Ownership mentality — you manage your pipeline with discipline and accountability
  • Resilient and persistent — you handle rejection professionally and stay focused on long-term wins
  • Detail-oriented with strong HubSpot hygiene and reliable follow-through
  • Willingness to travel up to 65-70%

We have a strong preference for candidates in the West Coast, Mountain West, and Midwest regions.

Mission Alignment

• Genuine passion for literacy equity and closing achievement gaps
• Energy and optimism even in challenging environments
• Commitment to serving students and educators, not just hitting numbers

We are seeking candidates who have lived experience related to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Benefits

• Employee Stock Options
• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans (80% employee coverage, 70% dependent coverage)
• Short-term Disability (100% employer paid)
• 401(k) retirement plans with company contribution
• 12-weeks paid parental leave
• Unlimited vacation days (+ 12 paid holidays)
• Technology Stipend
• Wellness Stipend
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Professional Development Stipend

Pay

Salary: $90,000 base / OTE $180K+ (this role is full-time, exempt). The same role receives the same compensation, with no negotiation.