Specialist, Sales (K12 Assessment)

The Specialist, Sales (K–12 Assessment) serves as the primary consultant and territory owner for assigned accounts, operating within a consultative sales model to drive revenue growth. Specialists are viewed as trusted advisors and thought leaders within Pearson’s School Assessment organization, bringing deep expertise in assessment solutions and the K–12 education landscape. Specialists move beyond basic product knowledge to partner closely with customers, helping them identify, evaluate, and implement assessment solutions that address instructional, diagnostic, and intervention needs. Drawing on professional experience and market knowledge, Specialists align Pearson solutions to the challenges districts are working to solve and guide customers through complex, multi‑stakeholder decision‑making processes. This is a quota‑carrying role focused on expanding existing relationships, uncovering new opportunities, and supporting customers across their full journey with Pearson School Assessment. Key Responsibilities Meet or exceed assigned sales quota through effective territory and pipeline management Own and execute a strategic business development plan outlining activities required to achieve territory goals Provide consultative, content‑ and practice‑based pre‑sales support to customers across the assigned territory Identify and develop new acquisition opportunities through networking, prospecting, and relationship building Expand revenue within existing accounts by building multi‑level relationships and uncovering additional needs Effectively navigate complex sales cycles involving multiple decision‑makers and influencers Move opportunities through the full sales cycle, including negotiation and close Participate in and support RFP processes as needed Deliver professional sales and informational presentations to districts, organizations, and stakeholder groups Maintain accurate activity, pipeline, and forecasting data in Salesforce Produce timely and accurate forecasts and sales reports as required Stay informed on federal, state, and local funding sources relevant to K–12 education Maintain strong knowledge of Pearson School Assessment products, competitive offerings, industry trends, and assigned territory Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to work independently while managing a high volume of customer interactions Strong understanding of K–12 assessment trends, practices, and regulatory considerations (e.g., special education qualification, cognitive assessment trends) Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, shift focus quickly, and respond effectively in live customer settings Strong presentation, communication, and consultative selling skills Ability to articulate professional and market trends and apply them effectively in customer conversations Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in school psychology, education, school administration, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience) 5+ years of successful sales experience with a demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding targets Experience selling to executive‑level decision‑makers across departments in K–12 education Established relationships with district‑level leaders (e.g., Superintendents, Special Education Directors) within the assigned territory preferred Strong business development, negotiation, and closing skills Excellent written, verbal, and phone communication skills Highly organized with strong time and territory management capabilities Salesforce experience required Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time Comfortable working in a largely independent, virtual team environment Location Preference Maryland or New Jersey Compensation at Pearson Minimum full‑time salary range is between $70,000 - $75,000. This position is eligible to participate in a sales incentive plan, and information on benefits offered is here. Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E‑Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Pearson