Manager of Strategic Partnerships

Position Summary:

The Manager of Strategic Partnerships is responsible for driving high-value, complex new business through strategic relationships, senior-level district engagement, and partner-led growth. This role focuses on enterprise and system-level opportunities, bundled solutions, and multi-year engagements aligned to Studer Education’s improvement model.

Using a consultative, partnership-driven sales approach, the Manager of Strategic Partnerships develops and activates referral networks, engages senior decision-makers, and advances complex opportunities through the sales pipeline in close collaboration with internal teams. This role is expected to build influence-based pathways into districts and organizations, creating sustainable, repeatable sources of pipeline beyond traditional outbound prospecting.

This position plays a critical role in expanding Studer Education’s strategic footprint and accelerating revenue growth through partnerships, referrals, and high-trust relationships.

Desired Outcomes:

• Consistently meet or exceed revenue targets through complex, multi-stakeholder sales.
• Build and activate a strong portfolio of strategic partners and referral sources that generate qualified pipeline.
• Advance and close enterprise-level opportunities aligned to Studer Education’s bundled solutions and improvement frameworks.
• Establish trusted, long-term relationships with senior district leaders, associations, and partner organizations.
• Maintain strong pipeline health, deal progression, and forecast accuracy.
  
  

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Sales & Growth

• Generate new revenue from complex, high-value opportunities not currently served by Studer Education.
• Lead consultative sales conversations with senior district leaders and organizational partners, aligning solutions to strategic priorities and system-level needs.
• Manage enterprise and multi-stakeholder sales processes from opportunity qualification through close, ensuring disciplined deal progression.
• Define and execute territory and account strategies focused on strategic penetration, partner influence, and long-term growth.
  
  

Partnership & Referral Activation

• Develop, activate, and manage strategic partnerships that create consistent referral-based pipeline.
• Proactively solicit referrals from satisfied clients, partners, consultants, and network relationships.
• Identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities with associations, regional organizations, and aligned entities.
• Collaborate with internal leaders to formalize referral strategies, messaging, and follow-up processes.
  
  

Pipeline Management & Collaboration

• Maintain accurate pipeline data, forecasting, and reporting within CRM systems.
• Work closely with internal teams (SEM, coaching, marketing, events, and operations) to align resources and ensure solution fit.
• Prepare and deliver high-impact presentations, proposals, and pricing aligned to complex client needs.
• Participate in strategic planning conversations to continuously refine go-to-market and partnership strategies.
  
  

Market Presence & Thought Leadership

• Represent Studer Education at industry conferences, meetings, and events to build credibility and expand strategic relationships.
• Stay informed on education trends, district challenges, and competitive dynamics to position solutions effectively.
• Share market insights and partnership intelligence with sales leadership to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Other duties as assigned by sales leadership.
  
  

Skills and Qualifications:

• 5–7 years of successful B2B sales experience, preferably in education, consulting, or complex services environments.
• Proven ability to close complex, consultative, enterprise-level deals involving multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success building and leveraging partnerships and referral networks to drive revenue.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to engage senior leaders and build trust-based relationships.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Highly organized and disciplined in CRM usage, pipeline management, and forecasting.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify growth opportunities and influence outcomes.
• Collaborative mindset with experience working cross-functionally.
• Willingness to travel for strategic meetings, conferences, and relationship-building activities.
• Self-directed, goal-oriented, and motivated by uncapped earning potential.
• Willingness to travel for client meetings, industry conferences, and networking events as required.
• Goal-oriented with a proactive mindset to achieve sales targets independently.
  
  

Compensation and Benefits:

• Annual Base Salary: $70,000
• On-Target Earnings (OTE): $140,000
• Commission: Uncapped, performance-based
• Benefits: 401k, medical, dental, vision, employer-paid STD/LTD, employer-paid life insurance, unlimited PTO, technology stipend, monthly cell phone reimbursement