Strategic Partnership Executive - Private Schools

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All qualified applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of the university. 

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Imagine helping professionals develop and prepare for the next chapter in their careers. In this role, you’ll work with private schools to offer ACU programs with tuition benefits for their employees. You will be a respected business partner making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who serve, or have served, our country.

Responsible for Business Development at ACU Dallas, supporting Private Schools. The primary focus is Texas and the surrounding states. The Strategic Partnership Executive - Private Schools is responsible for driving business development and establishing educational pipelines for Abilene Christian University (ACU) Dallas. The primary scope of this role focuses on securing and expanding partnerships with independent private schools and private school associations across Texas and surrounding states. The objective is to collaboratively address client workforce needs by providing ACU degrees, professional development, and tuition benefit programs to their employees.

Major Responsibilities:

• Sales and Negotiation

• New Business Development 

• Account/Relationship Management

Essential Duties: 

• Sales and Negotiation

  • Build and expand current Private School partnership accounts by maintaining rapport, growing/expanding our reach and relationships, answering requests, introducing additional services, and identifying growth opportunities.

  • Proactively identify and meet with key decision makers and influencers to build awareness of ACU programs.

  • Develop and implement outreach campaigns via networking events, cold calling, sales presentations, and social media channels.

  • Meet and exceed ACU education enrollment goals by devising innovative strategies to increase awareness about ACU degrees and programs

  • Collaborate with other departments of ACU to drive new and further existing business partnerships

  • Track industry and market trends by monitoring competitors and gathering intel on their current and new products, pricing structures, services, sales campaigns, and discounts.

• Client Relationship Management

  • Build relationships with Private School Associations and Independent Private Schools to promote awareness of ACU products that support teacher and leader development.

  • Act as a liaison within and between ACUD and Private Schools and Private School Associations.

  • Understand all the roles at clients and at ACUD in order to successfully act as a liaison between organizations and client/ACUD roles.

  • Maintain a high-level view of the customer service lifecycle to anticipate and mitigate potential roadblocks.

  • Develop and build relationships with non-profit organizations as ACU partners.

  • Build and manage a strong pipeline of new and existing opportunities. 

  • Retain and grow the existing client base.

• Product Leadership

  • Support ACUD programs, and identify potential new programs based on the needs of your clients and the market.

  • Understand ACU’s educational products in depth and breadth, becoming a Subject Matter Expert. 

  • Educate decision-makers on ACU products utilizing Zoom calls, networking, and in-person meetings.

  • Generate orders through MOUs, SOWs, Sales Order Forms and other contractual vehicles.

Professional Development and Skills Requirements

Skills

• Must be able to build and maintain trust with prospects and clients.

• Must be passionate about lifelong learning and development.

• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, start-up, strong-growth environment

• Must be able to manage multiple client initiatives at varying stages 

• Must have strong communication skills with a passion for building high-quality customer relationships.

• Must be results-oriented with the ability to manage competing demands

• Must be comfortable negotiating and creating buy-in at all levels

• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms is preferred

• Must be comfortable working with spreadsheets, Salesforce, Zoom, and other technologies.

Qualifications:

Professional

• A background in B2B sales or experience managing enterprise accounts, developing channel partners, and strategic or relationship selling.

• Relevant experience in sales, marketing, technology, or other revenue-producing or student enrollment & retention-oriented roles.

• Deep Industry experience and network in Private Schools preferred.

Personal

• Bachelor’s degree.

• A passion for developing and supporting lifelong learning and development.

Physical Demands

• Most work is performed in front of a computer, on the telephone, or in person on client sites. One must be able to use the computer and remain stationary for long periods.

• Manage conversations in person, online, and by telephone

• Limited travel – locations vary; some overnight trips may be necessary. 

• Work well under pressure and manage stress well.

• Communicate clearly: speak, read, write, and hear to perform essential functions.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.