Account Executive / Sales Development Rep. (Hybrid)

Job Description

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. 
 
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.
 
This is a hybrid position based in our Bethesda, Maryland office, with an expectation of working onsite two days per week. 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. 
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.
~ 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.
~ 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. 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 
 
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
~ 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.
Education Week is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas at this time. 

 
Employment Type: Full Time
Bonus/Commission: Yes