K8 Account Executive, NC & SC

K-8 Account Executive North Carolina & South Carolina

Our client, a leader in literacy instruction for Pre-K through Grade 8, is looking for a dynamic Account Executive to drive new business and grow a key territory spanning across North Carolina and South Carolina. This individual will be instrumental in expanding our client's presence by targeting midsize to large school districts and securing multi-year partnerships. Leveraging deep knowledge of K8 education, consultative sales expertise, and a strong network within the region, they will navigate complex procurement environments, engage district stakeholders, and tailor literacy solutions to meet district-wide goals. Success in this role requires strategic account management, a resilient mindset, and a passion for advancing literacy outcomes at scale. This position reports to the Regional Sales Manager.

Candidates must reside in the assigned territory and be willing to travel freely throughout the territory. Relocation assistance is not available.

Responsibilities:

• New Business Acquisition & Market Growth: Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities within midsize-to-large school districts to expand market presence. This includes uncovering untapped opportunities, launching strategic outreach initiatives, and executing targeted sales plans to drive adoption of additional products and services.
• Renewals & Account Expansion: Lead renewal efforts for the subscription base across the territory, with a strong focus on expanding district investment in our client's ecosystem of solutions.
• Cross-Selling: Introduce complementary products and services to existing clients, aligning additional offerings with evolving district needs to deepen partnerships and maximize value.
• Prospecting & Lead Generation: Identify and engage potential K8 school districts, administrators, and key decision-makers to promote the adoption of our client's science-based reading curriculum and professional learning services.
• Strategic Sales Presentations: Conduct compelling and strategic sales presentations to showcase the value and effectiveness of our client's literacy products and services, tailored to the needs of each prospect.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate and nurture relationships with district leaders including superintendents, curriculum directors, and literacy coaches to understand their challenges, provide consultative support and present tailored solutions.
• Pipeline & Opportunity Management: Manage and prioritize sales opportunities effectively, ensuring timely follow-up and progression through the sales process.
• Negotiation & Closing: Lead sales negotiations, address concerns with confidence, and close deals that meet or exceed revenue targets.
• Market Insights: Stay current on education policy, competitor activity, and literacy trends within the K8 market to inform strategic selling and contribute market insights to internal teams.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with colleagues across departments to align on customer needs, support implementation efforts, and contribute to organizational growth.
• Continuous Learning: Commit to ongoing learning and development related to our client's science-based reading solutions and services by participating in training, product updates, and professional development.
• Trusted Advisor Mindset: Approach each opportunity with integrity and a belief in the transformative power of literacy. Prioritize district outcomes while demonstrating genuine commitment to improving student achievement.

Qualifications and Ideal Experience:

• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred
• Proven Track Record - Minimum of 3 years of experience in educational sales, ideally within K8 publishing or edtech, with a strong emphasis on literacy and the Science of Reading.
• Proven Experience working with Midsize-to-larger Districts: Demonstrated success in selling to and navigating procurement processes within midsize-to-larger K-8 school districts, with a track record of securing multi-year contracts and exceeding revenue targets.
• Deep Network: Extensive existing network of contacts within midsize-to-larger school districts, with established relationships at various levels of administration.
• Hunter Mentality: Demonstrated ability to prospect, cold-call, and generate new business opportunities independently.
• Foundational knowledge of Literacy Education including literacy instruction methodologies, reading intervention, and science-based reading (preferred).
• Systematic Sales Approach Standardize systematic, sales routines that qualify/disqualify accounts accurately and efficiently.
• Strategic Thinker: Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to understand prospects' needs and develop customized solutions.
• Excellent Communication & Presentation Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including persuasive presentation abilities and active listening skills.
• Results-Driven: Motivated by achieving and exceeding sales targets, with a track record of meeting or exceeding quotas.
• Open Mindset and Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities and market conditions.
• Technological Proficiency: Proficiency with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce), Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual presentation tools.
• Strategic Sales Skills: Ability to develop and execute strategic plans, leveraging insights into district priorities and challenges to drive sales opportunities forward.
• Patience and Persistence: Resilience and patience to navigate longer sales cycles and complex decision-making processes within midsize-to-larger school districts.
• Travel: Willingness to travel up to 50% to meet with prospects and attend conferences or industry events (must possess a valid Driver's license).
• Subject to motor vehicle record review and must maintain valid auto insurance if offer is presented and accepted.

Benefits:

Our client offers a generous benefits package which includes life, health, dental, vision, STD, LTD insurance, 401(k), PTO, paid holidays, expense reimbursement and more.

Salary Range:

This role offers a targeted compensation package with on target earnings ranging from $90,000 to $180,000, inclusive of commissions.

About our client:

Our client offers professional development training for teachers and administrators as well as print and online products to assist teachers with literacy instruction. There comprehensive educational consulting, professional development, diagnostic assessments, and instructional materials help schools deliver instruction that consistently and significantly increase reading achievement.

They also have a fully engaged and highly committed leadership team who cares deeply about their mission. They've hired the best from inside and outside the industry. This is a tremendous opportunity to join a company positioned for continued significant growth. An added plus is knowing that what you're doing every day is making a significant difference in children's lives. Come work with a group of smart, fun, passionate professionals who value creativity, innovation, and making an impact.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

In compliance with the state's Equal Pay Act, our client ensures the Account Executive has an equitable pay range as listed above. Additionally, all full-time employees are eligible to participate in our medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans. The company covers approximately 75% of the cost of medical insurance and provides free dental and basic life insurance.