Manager of Strategic Partnerships

Studer Education • Full-time • Remote (None) • $70,000 - $140,000 / year • 3w ago

Fast Facts

The Manager of Strategic Partnerships will lead the development of strategic relationships and drive new business opportunities by engaging with senior decision-makers in the education sector. This role is crucial for expanding Studer Education's influence and revenue through consultative sales and partnerships.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include generating revenue from complex sales, managing enterprise sales processes, developing strategic partnerships, and collaborating with internal teams to align resources and ensure the fit of solutions.

Skills: Candidates should have 5-7+ years of B2B sales experience, ideally in education or consulting, with a proven ability to close complex deals and build partnerships. Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include a strong executive presence, strategic thinking capabilities, and experience working cross-functionally in a collaborative environment.

Location: This position is remote and can be done from anywhere in the US, with potential travel for client meetings and conferences.

Compensation: $70000 - $140000 / Annually

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