Business Development Executive

ABOUT GARNER HOLT EDUCATION THROUGH IMAGINATION: 

Garner Holt Education Through Imagination is a leading provider of innovative, hands-on educational experiences that inspire creativity, ignite curiosity, and foster a love for learning. Specializing in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, we partner with schools, districts, and communities to deliver cutting-edge programs and resources designed to empower students and educators alike.

With a strong emphasis on imagination and innovation, our team leverages decades of expertise to develop unique learning tools and interactive opportunities, from animatronics to immersive classroom experiences. Based in Southern California, we are deeply rooted in our community and committed to creating educational pathways that prepare the next generation for success in an ever-evolving world.

By joining our team, you'll contribute to a mission-driven organization dedicated to making education engaging, accessible, and impactful for all learners.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Business Development Executive is responsible for driving revenue growth and expanding the market presence of Garner Holt Education Through Imagination’s innovative STEAM education solutions, including Makerspaces, Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, professional development, workforce development initiatives, educational technology, and immersive learning environments.

This position develops new business opportunities, builds relationships with schools, districts, government agencies, and other partners, and manages opportunities throughout the sales cycle. The Business Development Executive will maintain a strong sales pipeline, accurately manage customer and opportunity information in Zoho CRM, and work toward established sales and revenue goals.

This individual will collaborate with internal teams to understand customer needs, develop effective solutions, and ensure a successful transition from sales through project implementation while delivering an exceptional customer experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

Sales & Business Development 

• Identify, prospect, develop, and close new business opportunities with K–12 school districts, county offices of education, charter schools, libraries, museums, higher education institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations.

• Manage the complete sales cycle, including prospecting, discovery meetings, needs assessments, presentations, demonstrations, proposal development, negotiations, and closing.

• Develop and maintain an active sales pipeline sufficient to achieve established sales and revenue goals.

• Build and maintain long-term relationships with educational leaders, administrators, government representatives, community partners, and other key decision-makers.

• Identify opportunities for contract renewals, program expansion, and additional products and services within existing accounts.

• Collaborate with internal operations, fabrication, curriculum, finance, and implementation teams to develop customer solutions and ensure successful project handoffs.

• Represent Garner Holt Education Through Imagination at conferences, trade shows, educational events, customer meetings, and networking opportunities.

• Maintain a strong understanding of the company’s products and services and stay current on educational trends, funding opportunities, workforce development initiatives, and emerging technologies.

Sales Operations & CRM

• Maintain accurate and timely customer, account, activity, and opportunity information within Zoho CRM in accordance with established company procedures.

• Maintain assigned sales opportunities, including pipeline stages, estimated values, expected close dates, follow-up activities, and sales forecasts.

• Prepare and coordinate proposals, quotes, presentations, contracts, and other documentation necessary to support the sales process.

• Coordinate with internal departments to obtain pricing, scope, timelines, technical information, and required approvals before making customer commitments.

• Provide timely sales forecasts, pipeline updates, activity reports, and other information requested by business development leadership.

• Maintain organized sales documentation and ensure compliance with established sales processes, pricing procedures, approval requirements, and CRM standards.

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• 3 years of progressive experience in sales and business development with a strong emphasis on closing high-value deals

• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding annual revenue targets of $3M , preferably in complex or consultative sales environments

• Experience in education, education technology (EdTech), STEAM programs, or experiential learning environments

• Demonstrated success managing the full sales cycle, including prospecting, relationship development, proposal creation, negotiation, and closing

• Experience selling capital projects, programs, or solutions-based offerings (e.g., Maker Spaces, educational environments, equipment, or services)

• Strong background in B2B sales, ideally working with school districts, public sector entities, or institutional clients

• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Zoho, Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing tools for pipeline tracking, reporting, and campaign management

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment with evolving priorities and entrepreneurial expectations

Preferred Experience

• Existing relationships within K–12 school districts, county offices of education, or education networks

• Background in public sector procurement processes (RFPs, bids, contracts)

• Experience supporting or selling multi-site or district-wide implementations

• Familiarity with grant-funded programs or education funding streams

• Experience with manufacturing technology and software

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

• This is an exempt role.

• Hybrid work options available.

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly for client meetings, site visits, and conferences, in and out of state. 

Typical work schedule: 

• Monday–Friday, plus weekends as needed.

• 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.  

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BENEFITS:

Health and other benefits:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan Employer Match

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Life and Voluntary Supplemental Options

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Paid Holidays

• Employee Discounts and Perks

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COMPENSATION:

• Base Salary $70,500–$85,000 
• On-Target Earning Potential (OTE) $100,000–$130,000 
• Top Performer Potential $175,000  
• Commissions
• Performance Bonus

The base salary range for this position is listed above. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and business needs. This position is eligible for commission and incentive compensation.

EEO STATEMENT:

Garner Holt Education Through Imagination is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.

WOTC STATEMENT: 

This job application includes a voluntary Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) questionnaire, which is part of our compliance with federal tax credit programs. Participation is entirely voluntary and will not impact your application, employment eligibility, or hiring process in any way. Please note that the information provided in the WOTC questionnaire will remain confidential and will not be shared with Garner Holt Education Through Imagination, LLC until after a job offer has been accepted. The data collected is used solely for WOTC screening and compliance purposes.