Field Account Executive, Champaign, IL (Hybrid)

We believe in the power and joy of learning

At Cengage Group, our employees have a direct impact in helping students around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose – driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Our culture values diversity, engagement, and discovery

Our business is driven by our strong culture, and we know that creating an inclusive and diverse workplace is absolutely essential to the success of our company and our learners, as well as our individual well-being. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives in everything we do, and strive to ensure employees of all levels and backgrounds feel empowered to voice their ideas and bring their authentic selves to work. We achieve these priorities through inclusive programs, benefits, and initiatives that are integrated into the fabric of how we work every day. To learn more, please see https://www.cengagegroup.com/about/inclusion-and-diversity/

Our Account Executive role is a hybrid field sales position covering the Champaign, IL area with a mixture of 2-year and 4-year schools. For time spent in the field with customers we provide a company car. This role provides the opportunity to establish relationships and have a high level of customer engagement. We are looking for a sales professional with a background in outside sales, cross selling, upselling, renewals, and longer sales cycles.

Ideal candidates are located near Champaign, IL

Travel Requirements: 4 days per week within the designated territory

What you'll do here:

• Plan, coordinate, and prioritize sales activities to achieve sales targets.
• Use database tools to develop and maintain opportunities pipeline for every account in assigned territory.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for opportunities through resource management and internal collaboration.
• Develop product knowledge and digital skills for sales calls, presentations, and delivery of digital courses.
• Provide support for instructor course set-up and student course access to drive digital activations and usage.
• Build itineraries and daily plans that effectively address territory priorities and optimize customer engagement.
• Achieve and/or exceed established sales targets by promoting Cengage solutions to all customers.
• Conduct sales calls with decision-makers to identify needs, propose solutions, and establish relationships.
• Represent all product offerings and platforms across fields for the territory.
• Collaborate internally with account partners to implement institutional sales strategies and ensure complete coverage of all Cengage solutions for an account.
• Use resources and internal sales support for digital customer course builds, training, and implementation.
• Confirm and communicate details with customers on options to access Cengage content in use at each account.
• Develop relationships with channel partners to coordinate shared delivery of content and gain understanding of campus initiatives.
• Use data to identify priorities for allocation of time and resources.
• Continue ongoing updates and maintenance of customer database.
• Handle travel, business, and sampling budgets effectively.
• Provide clear, timely communication and accurate reporting.
• Exhibit digital proficiency with internal systems and when sharing Cengage solutions.

Skills you will need here:

• BA/BS or equivalent work experience and a proven, successful track record in a prior sales position is preferred.
• Values and appreciates diversity of thought; able to work with diverse audiences both internally and externally.
• Highly flexible and adaptable to change.
• Enthusiastic and effective in written and verbal communication.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Competitive nature and a deep understanding of business dynamics.
• Demonstrated understanding of applied computer technology.
• Comfortable using technology in performing routine job tasks and for product demonstration purposes.
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in PC and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to travel with some overnight in certain territories and for sales meetings; must be able to travel by both auto and air.
• Located within assigned sales territory.
• Direct sales, marketing, or editorial experience preferred.
• Prior ed tech sales experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Salesforce preferred.
• Driven to succeed.

Cengage Group's Higher Education business, Cengage, supports learning and student success by providing materials and digital solutions to faculty and students enrolled in two-year, four-year and vocational programs. We currently serve more than 10 million of the 18 million students in US higher ed. Setting a new standard of service for our customers, we deliver quality, easy-to-use course materials from textbooks and eBooks to courseware such as MindTap and WebAssign. In the US, we offer Cengage Unlimited and Cengage Unlimited for Institutions. We help instructors be better teachers, we help institutions solve problems and we empower students to leverage the power and joy of learning to transform lives.

Cengage Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason. You may view Cengage’s EEO/Affirmative Action Policy signed by CEO Michael Hansen and Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law notice by visiting their corresponding links.

Cengage Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected] or you may call us at +1 (617) 289-7917.

About Cengage Group

Cengage Group, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Compensation

At Cengage Group, we take great pride in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower our employees. Click here to learn more about our Total Rewards Philosophy.

The full base pay range has been provided for this position. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. Sales roles often incorporate a significant incentive compensation program beyond this base pay range.

$52,000.00 - $83,200.00 USD