Account Executive (20721)

Education Week, the nation's trusted source for independent education journalism, research, and insights, is seeking an Account Executive/Sales Development Representative to join our Enterprise Sales team. If you are a strategic, relationship-driven sales professional who has strong business development skills and is excited to represent a respected mission-driven organization, help higher education institutions access solutions that inform decision-making and advance educator preparation, then we want you to apply.

About the Role

The Account Executive/SDR will drive revenue growth for Education Week's enterprise content, data, and intelligence solutions. This role is responsible for driving new sales of Education Week's Group Online Subscriptions. This role leverages consultative B2B sales strategies to help district prospects invest in solutions that meet their needs, resulting in revenue growth, long-term customer relationships, and maximum customer lifetime value.

The Account Executive/SDR is a dual role that is responsible for direct sales responsibilities, and sales development (SDR) responsibilities. This person manages a defined territory, builds and advances a strategic pipeline, conducts consultative sales conversations, and closes new business. At the same time, the Account Executive/SDR also supports the broader Enterprise Sales team by qualifying inbound and outbound leads, conducting early-stage discovery, scheduling meetings for Regional Managers, and ensuring high-quality pipeline development across the team. This dual role focuses 75% on sales development with 25% focused on direct sales.

Work Location

This is a hybrid position based in our Bethesda, Maryland office, with an expectation of working onsite two days per week. Candidates must live within commuting distance and thrive in a collaborative, professional, and mission-driven environment.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute territory and account strategies to achieve revenue goals.
• Identify, research, and engage prospective K-12 and higher education clients.
• Conduct consultative discovery conversations to understand customer priorities and align solutions to institutional needs.
• Manage complex sales cycles, including presentations, proposals, negotiations, procurement processes, and closing new business.
• Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline and accurate forecasts using Salesforce.
• Establish relationships with faculty, administrators, school and university leaders, and other decision-makers.
• Partner with Marketing, Editorial, Product, and Sales teams to support customer engagement and growth.
• Use digital communication tools and generative AI resources to enhance research, account planning, and sales effectiveness in alignment with Education Week's AI principles.
• Stay informed on K-12 and higher education trends and market opportunities.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Your Qualifications

• The ideal candidate is a curious, organized, and results-oriented sales professional who combines strong business development skills with a commitment to customer success.
• 1-2 years of B2B sales experience, preferably selling research, subscriptions, information, professional development, SaaS, or related solutions to K-12 education, and Higher Education or institutional customers (bachelor's degree preferred).
• Demonstrated success developing new business and achieving challenging sales goals.
• Experience with consultative enterprise sales, including discovery, active listening, objection management, and solution alignment.
• Ability to develop account plans, manage multiple stakeholders, and navigate purchasing processes.
• Strong communication, presentation, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Proficiency with Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, and other digital sales tools as well as learning agility.
• Comfort learning and applying new technologies, including generative AI tools, to improve productivity and sales outcomes.
• High ethical standards, professionalism, and integrity.

Compensation & Benefits

For more than 40 years, we've empowered educators, school districts, policymakers, and K-12 and higher education leaders with trusted information that helps shape decisions and strengthen education nationwide. We empower our staff, and we want to empower you.

Education Week offers competitive compensation, generous benefits package, and we support employee well-being. The bonus structure of this position is designed to reward performance and support employee well-being.

Salary: $57,750 - $65,000.00 + bonus eligible

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
• Hybrid work environment
• Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement
• And so much more

To Apply:

• We invite you to visit our Education Week Careers Page for more information
  • This job is covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, CWA Local 32035.
  • We utilize E-Verify as part of our hiring process.
  • Education Week is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas at this time.

Employment Type: Full Time

Salary: $57,750 - $65,000 Annual

Bonus/Commission: Yes