Account Manager, Partnership Development

Accountabilities:: Corporate prospecting and lead generation: Research, identify, and qualify corporate prospects aligned with organizational priorities and revenue objectives. Conduct outbound outreach to decision-makers and arrange qualified discovery meetings for the Senior Director. Leverage existing networks: Turn alumni and school relationships into warm introductions, follow up promptly on referrals generated through programs and events, and identify alumni working within target companies who could become internal advocates. Develop new school partnerships: Identify, qualify, and secure new MBA, EMBA, and affiliate school memberships, including re-engaging former or lapsed affiliate schools and converting affiliate memberships into full memberships. Expand undergraduate school relationships: Build and develop a pipeline of undergraduate institutions that can support the progression of students into MBA programs. Sell school event sponsorships: Promote sponsorship opportunities for forums, pre-MBA webinars, and MBALaunch programs to member and non-member schools, using established packages and pricing. Manage proposals and agreements: Tailor proposals to each school's enrollment and recruitment objectives, negotiate terms, close agreements, and coordinate invoice requests. Ensure new partners are handed over to the Schools Benefits Manager with clear documentation of commitments. Drive advertising revenue: Sell advertising opportunities across newsletters, websites, and events to schools, companies, and education service providers. Manage leads through to signed insertion orders and coordinate campaign delivery with Marketing. Develop philanthropic prospects: Identify and nurture alumni and senior professionals who may be suitable for the Forté 500 philanthropic community, referring qualified prospects to the Senior Director. Manage the sales pipeline: Maintain accurate and up-to-date Salesforce records, including opportunity stages, engagement history, next steps, and revenue forecasts. Monitor performance and reporting: Prepare monthly sales and productivity reports covering revenue performance, forecasts, and prospect movement through the pipeline. Achieve revenue targets: Meet or exceed annual goals for new school memberships, school event sponsorships, and advertising revenue, with financial performance targeted within +/- 5% of budget. Create sales and marketing materials: Develop and update proposals, pitch decks, one-pagers, and other sales collateral in collaboration with Marketing. Collaborate across teams: Coordinate with Programs on sponsorship packages and pricing, the Schools Benefits Manager on partner onboarding, and Marketing on outreach campaigns. Represent the organization externally: Attend conferences, school visits, meetings, and events to build relationships, strengthen partnerships, and generate new business opportunities. Requirements: Education: Bachelor's degree required. Professional experience: At least five years of experience in business development, partnership or sponsorship sales, advertising sales, account management, or development. Full sales-cycle ownership: Demonstrated success managing the sales process from prospecting and qualification through negotiation and closing, with a record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets. Consultative selling: Strong communication and sales skills, with the ability to engage decision-makers, understand their objectives, and tailor value propositions accordingly. CRM proficiency: Working knowledge of CRM platforms such as Salesforce, with a commitment to accurate documentation, pipeline tracking, and forecasting. Technology and productivity tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and comfort using Zoom, Slack, Asana, and online research tools. Independent work style: Ability to manage multiple prospects, priorities, and deadlines independently in a fast-paced, virtual environment. Solutions-oriented mindset: Resourceful approach to challenges, with the ability to identify opportunities, resolve issues, and maintain momentum across sales activities. Relationship-building skills: Professional and engaging presence, with the ability to establish trust and maintain productive relationships with a variety of stakeholders. Travel availability: Willingness and ability to travel to conferences, meetings, and events as needed, approximately 15% of the time. Desired qualifications: Experience working with business schools, higher education institutions, or education technology organizations, particularly in MBA admissions or enrollment. Background in membership, sponsorship, or advertising sales, ideally within a mission-driven or nonprofit organization. Experience converting alumni, professional, or community networks into warm introductions and business opportunities. Familiarity with prospecting platforms such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator. Ability to use market data, trends, and performance insights to guide prospecting strategies and revenue planning. Benefits: Annual salary: USD $75,000–$85,000, with compensation determined by experience. Retirement savings: 401(k) plan with a 5% employer match, available after one month of employment. Health and insurance coverage: Health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Paid time off: Generous paid time off and holiday schedule. Remote work: Fully virtual working environment, with employees working from home offices. Home office equipment: Computer, phone, and office supplies provided. Internet support: Internet service costs covered by the employer. Work environment: Independent working arrangements supported by a remote and collaborative team.