Academic Sales Representative

Employment Opportunity —Academic Sales Representative

Location: Itasca Consulting Group, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Join the Cutting-Edge Team at Itasca Consulting Group!

Itasca Consulting Group is seeking a motivated and relationship-driven Academic Sales Representative to support and grow our engagement with universities, research institutions, and academic partners worldwide. In this role, you will focus on expanding academic adoption of our advanced engineering software, building strong relationships with faculty and researchers, and promoting educational use of our solutions. You will work closely with our sales, marketing, and technical teams to understand academic needs, support research initiatives, and help universities integrate our software into their teaching and research programs. If you’re passionate about technology, enjoy working with academic communities, and thrive in a collaborative and innovative environment, we’d love to meet you.

Primary position responsibilities include:

• Identify and qualify new academic prospects through online research, conferences, publications, and professional networks.
• Build and maintain targeted outreach lists for universities and research institutions.
• Maintain accurate and organized CRM records of academic contacts, communications, and pipeline activity.
• Coordinate product support for existing academic clients with current software and with implementing additional modules and upgrades.
• Develop and test new academic outreach programs in conjunction with the marketing and sales teams to increase adoption and engagement.
• Join calls with academic customers, research groups, and partners to support discussions, take notes, and manage follow-ups.
• Assist with preparing quotes, proposals, and academic licensing packages.
• Prepare academic-focused presentations and supporting materials.
• Collaborate with marketing to create materials tailored to university programs, coursework, and research applications.
• Assist with other sales and marketing projects as needed.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, marketing, communications, or a related field.
• 2+ years’ experience in academic sales, technical sales, or higher-education outreach.
• Interest in engineering or scientific software and willingness to learn technical concepts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic understanding of sales processes and academic customer engagement. Prior experience working with or in academic administration strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a team.
• Curiosity about global higher-education markets, digital licensing models, and academic purchasing processes.
• Ability to work full-time in our Minneapolis office.

Job Details

Job Type: Full-time, 40 hours per week, FLSA non-exempt

Work Schedule: Core business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. This role may require occasional work outside of those times as project and client need dictates.

Work Environment: Typical office environment. Position requires sitting, using a computer, using a telephone, attending in-person and virtual meetings; occasional bending and lifting up to 20 lbs.

Travel: Less than 10% local travel. Rare interstate and international travel may be part of the role in the future but is not currently a requirement.

Pay: $30-$40/hour base, depending on prior experience; additional commissions and bonuses based on performance.

Additional Requirements

Successful completion of:

• Criminal background check
• Verification of employment history, education, and licenses
• Talent and skills assessment

Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without present or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, L-1, TN). Candidates on or for CPT/OPT are ineligible.

Must be able to perform all necessary duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Why Choose Itasca Consulting Group?

1. Influence & Growth: Make meaningful contributions in a nimble, technically respected employee-owned firm where your ideas drive improvement.

2. Inclusive, Collaborative Culture: We value diverse perspectives and foster mutual respect, shared learning, and a strong sense of ownership within a casual work environment that supports work-life balance.

3. Modern Flexibility: Relaxed, collegial office with flexible start and end times.

4. Excellent Benefits:

• Annual performance bonus + potential equity awards
• 25 days off (PTO + holidays)
• Health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance with eligibility from the first day of employment. Most employee premiums are 100% employer-paid, with up to 70% of dependent premiums paid as well.
• Health savings account (HSA) with employer contribution available, optional FSA
• 401(k) with company match
• 100% employer-paid parking or Metro Transit pass
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Take the next step in your career and become a valued member of our employee-owned company. Join us at Itasca Consulting Group, Inc., where innovation meets excellence!

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of their race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, status with regard to a public assistance program, housing status, justice-impacted status, height and weight, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.