Solution Specialist, HSG (Remote)

About the role

We are seeking a Solutions Specialist, HSG (Humanities, Social Sciences & Gale) to join our team. This role operates within a specialized new business model and is focused on expanding market share and driving competitive takeaways within assigned disciplines or solution areas. The Solutions Specialist will own the entire sales cycle at the course and department level, from discovery through close, focusing on new adoptions, competitive displacement, and expansion within higher educational institutions.

Responsibilities

• Full Cycle New Business Ownership (Course & Department Level)
• Own the entire sales cycle for course and department level new adoptions and competitive takeaways.
• Identify, qualify, develop, and close new digital opportunities within assigned discipline.
• Establish relationships with deans, department chairs, coordinators, and faculty influencers to secure multi-section or multicourse wins.
• Drive digital-first decisions that increase usage, value, and long-term institutional alignment.
• Consultative Selling & Solution Alignment
• Lead discovery of conversations that uncover instructional challenges, curriculum needs, and departmental goals.
• Deliver high-quality product demonstrations, digital walkthroughs, and solution-based presentations customized to faculty workflows and outcomes.
• Position Cengage’s value in terms of career readiness, next gen assessment, guided learning, student success, and instructional efficiency.
• Drive consensus among faculty by guiding them through evaluation, trial, and decision-making processes that lead to adoption commitments.
• Collaboration With Product Consultants
• Engage Product Consultants for down funnel support on complex, strategic, or large-scale opportunities.
• Partner to deliver high impact demos, competitive differentiation, and discipline specific expertise during critical deal moments.
• Ensure seamless coordination to elevate presentation quality and increase win probability for high value targets.
• Alignment With Account Teams
• Coordinate with Principal Account Directors to ensure visibility into departmental activity that influences institutional agreements.
• Share insights regarding digital adoption, competitive movement, and faculty sentiment to inform institutional strategy.
• Territory, Pipeline, & Forecast Management
• Maintain a focused pipeline for new business opportunities using Salesforce.
• Effectively plan strategic activity and customer engagement using Outlook and Salesforce calendars.
• Provide accurate forecasting and ensure visible activity tracking.
• Use data to guide territory focus, campaign execution, and prioritization of the highest value opportunities.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of customer-facing sales, education, or training experience with evidence of strong performance, or 5+ years equivalent experience.
• Strong consultative selling and presentation skills with the ability to influence faculty and academic leaders.
• High digital proficiency with learning platforms and comfort delivering virtual and in-person demos.
• Strong relationship building capabilities and credibility with academic stakeholders.
• Ability to independently handle a territory, pipeline, and complete sales cycle.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
• Ability to travel to campuses and events as required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in EdTech, SaaS, or new business acquisition roles.
• Background in teaching, instructional design, or academic environments.
• Experience partnering with product, marketing, or customer success functions.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Skills

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems (Salesforce preferred).
• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.

Benefits

At Cengage, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support and empower our employees. This includes:

• Health insurance options.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• Paid time off.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Professional development opportunities.

Pay

$52,000.00 - $67,600.00 USD

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible scheduling to accommodate campus visits and events.