Senior Manager, Ad Sales

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students. We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them start smart. Learn big. Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way. We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation, break barriers, and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other. This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work. Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more. We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking “why not?” when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills. Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education. About Sallie Mae Education Services Sallie Mae’s Education Services team is a diverse group of growth-minded entrepreneurs, data analysts, engineers, and developers with a passion for imagining and building scalable businesses that serve students and families on their journey to, through, and beyond higher education. Within this organization, Backpack Media is launching a new predictive insights and commerce media network designed to help brands reach consumers at pivotal life stages. Powered by authenticated identity and life-stage intelligence derived from Sallie Mae’s trusted relationships with students and families, Backpack Media enables marketers to engage audiences based on what they are likely to need next—not just what they’ve done in the past. By combining predictive insights with premium media environments, we help brands connect with consumers earlier in the decision journey with greater relevance and impact. We operate with the momentum of a startup and the foundation of a trusted brand, and we’re assembling a founding commercial team to bring this vision to life. The Role We’re looking for a high-performing, strategic seller who thrives in a fast-moving, build-phase environment. As a Senior Manager, Agency & Brand Partnerships, you will be an early member of the sales organization, responsible for driving revenue through agency and brand-direct partnerships while helping establish Backpack Media’s presence in the market. What You’ll Do Own and grow revenue by expanding adoption of Backpack Media’s advertising solutions across agency holding companies, independent agencies, and brand-direct partners. Manage and deepen existing partner relationships while identifying and closing new business opportunities. Articulate Backpack Media’s value proposition through compelling storytelling that connects predictive insights and life-stage intelligence to marketing outcomes. Collaborate with Product, Data Science, Marketing, and Operations to ensure strong delivery, performance, and partner satisfaction. Represent Backpack Media externally and help build credibility with agencies and advertisers. Provide market feedback and insights to inform product development, positioning, and go‑to‑market strategy. What You Bring 5+ years of experience in digital media, ad‑tech, or related sales roles. Proven track record of consistently meeting or exceeding revenue goals. Established relationships with agency holding companies, independent agencies, and/or brand-direct advertisers. Experience with data‑driven advertising solutions such as audience targeting, identity, or measurement. Strong communication skills with the ability to engage senior client stakeholders and internal partners. Proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel; working knowledge of Salesforce or similar CRM tools. A self‑directed, adaptable mindset with comfort operating in ambiguous, early‑stage environments. Why Join Opportunity to play a foundational role in building Backpack Media and shaping its commercial success. High visibility, strong ownership, and direct connection to outcomes. A differentiated predictive media platform backed by a trusted brand. Long‑term growth potential as we scale the business and team. Competitive base salaries; bonus incentives. Generous PTO, floating holidays, and 12 federal holidays observed. Support for financial well‑being and retirement: 401(k) with employer match. Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance and more. Employer‑paid short‑term/long‑term disability and basic life insurance. Flexible hybrid working arrangements. Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs. Free access to on‑site staffed fitness centers (in Delaware) and gym subsidy (for locations outside Delaware). Confidential counseling support (EAP), health advocacy services and wellness program with financial incentives. Tuition reimbursement and family scholarship programs. Career development and training opportunities. Sallie Mae is proud to be an equal opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please call View phone number on click.appcast.io and choose option 9. #J-18808-Ljbffr SLM Education Services LLC