Program Director, Major Accounts – District Partnerships

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Iowa.

📋 Description

• Manage a targeted portfolio consisting of around 50 of the largest school districts in the nation.

• Identify, assess, and pursue high-value opportunities within the assigned accounts.

• Promote new solution adoption, enhance usage, and drive contract growth with measurable results.

• Engage directly with superintendents, associate superintendents, executive-level decision makers, and boards of education.

• Create and implement detailed, multi-year account strategies for each district assigned.

• Lead ACT's approach to major district RFPs, encompassing solution development, cost estimation, and requirements gathering.

• Navigate intricate procurement procedures involving various stakeholders, funding sources, and budget cycles.

• Provide guidance to districts on data utilization and best practices following adoption.

• Relay insights on major district needs to inform internal decisions regarding product, pricing, and delivery.

• Collaborate with state partnership and field sales teams on strategic initiatives and shared accounts.

• Represent ACT at national and regional events while maintaining connections within large-district leadership networks.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of substantial experience in sales to or working within large K-12 school districts.

• Established network of senior district leaders, either as current or former clients or through a prominent district role.

• Capacity to influence and engage senior district leadership and decision-makers right from the outset.

• Extensive understanding of district priorities, budget cycles, funding mechanisms, and procurement processes.

• Proven success in closing complex, multi-year deals in competitive landscapes.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the K-12 assessment arena, including policy, competitive dynamics, and district assessment adoption processes.

• Exceptional negotiation, consultative selling, and executive presentation skills.

• Ability to gather and utilize competitive intelligence to formulate strategies that advance or safeguard ACT's interests.

• Capability to foster relationships and work effectively with individuals across the organization.

• Strong communication abilities at all organizational levels.

• Solid analytical skills and the capability to devise logical solutions to complex issues.

• Skills in setting goals and priorities while managing tasks to completion.

• Access to a central hub airport.

• Willingness to travel at least 25% of the time.

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Direct involvement with college and career readiness programs, assessments, or related solutions is advantageous.

• Familiarity with state-level education policy is a plus.

• Experience in coordinating across product, operations, and finance teams to structure large, customized deals is beneficial.

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship.

• Finalists will undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment.

🏝️ Benefits

• Company-paid life insurance.

• Medical insurance.

• Dental insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• Flexible health spending accounts.

• Flexible dependent spending accounts.

• 401(k) retirement savings with company match.

• Paid holidays.

• Paid time off.

• Incentive eligibility.

• A diverse and inclusive workplace.

• Opportunities for team member growth.

• Experiences that strengthen connections, foster idea exploration, learn from customers, and celebrate success.