Platform Sales Executive- Strategic Services (West)

It takes all kinds of talent to raise the level of education worldwide, and we want like-minded individuals who are dedicated, collaborative, and able to leave their egos at the door. If you want to change the way the world envisions education, join our team.

Remote-West Coast

Blackboard

We are education&rsquo;s partner in change, helping learners, educators, institutions, and companies thrive in a complex and changing environment. Our sights are set on the future. <br /><br /> By innovating together, we help our clients see the possibilities to come. http://www.blackboard.com/

keywords: education,organization,technology,relationships,solutions,strategy,sales,marketing,teamwork,success,communication,reporting,creative,goals,experience,presentation,relationships,management,degree,process management,technology,communication,travel,knowledge,preferred skills

Executive

Overview: <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">With nearly 20,000 organizational customers and millions of student users, Blackboard is the world's leading education technology company.&nbsp;Blackboard is shaping the future of education with big ideas that challenge conventional thinking and advance new models of learning. Every day we&rsquo;re inspiring people to find new ways to learn, connect and drive change in the way education is delivered and experienced. Through technology and services we bring people closer to the knowledge they seek and to ways they can change their own education and the world for the better.<br /><br /><br /></span>
Responsibilities: <strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Position Responsibilities&nbsp;</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"> <br /><br />Working within the Platform Sales Team, the Platform Sales Executive (PSE) must possess a proven track record of developing new business opportunities within a professional services firm and/or technology organization, as well as having strong and proven business acumen for leading sales opportunities to successful close to achieve consulting services sales goals. &nbsp;This position reports to the Regional Vice President of Sales. This individual is responsible for the success of new sales within our sales channel for the targeted market.&nbsp; Working in conjunction with Field Marketing and Product Managers, it is the responsibility of the PSE to develop the strategy and tactical action plans to identify target accounts and close business to meet quarterly objectives within his/her assigned areas.&nbsp; This role will involve direct sales person as well as supporting opportunities remotely. &nbsp;The functional responsibility and specific qualifications represent the minimum qualifications necessary for consideration. <br /><br /></span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Position Responsibilities</span></strong> <ul> <li style="margin-top: 2.0pt; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Working both independently and with client Account Executives to introduce Blackboard Student Services and solutions into existing and greenfield accounts. &nbsp;Examples of Bb Student Services solutions include market research consulting, enrollment management services, student financial aid support services and IT help desk support.</span></span></li> </ul> <ul> <li style="margin-top: 2.0pt; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Being an expert in leading strategic discussions at the Executive level, but adept in understanding and explaining tactical and technical implementation at the functional and pedagogical level.</span></span></li> <li style="margin-top: 2.0pt; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Sales cycle management &ndash; from interest to investment.</span></span></li> <li style="margin-top: 2.0pt; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Crafting a solution with appropriate products and services that meets business goals based on client needs. &nbsp;This includes developing Statements of Work (SOW) and Proposals. &nbsp;Work independently and in conjunction with Client Account Executives (AEs) to prepare for presentations and RFPs.</span></span></li> <li style="margin-top: 2.0pt; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Continuously educating team of sales professionals on the most effective techniques to identify opportunities within the customer base and then progress those opportunities to close. &nbsp;This includes developing detailed account plans and strategies for achieving market and individual new sales goals.</span></span></li> <li style="margin-top: 2.0pt; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Collaborating with other SME/resources including Solutions Engineers, Project Managers, and business owners to create effective solutions and new sales revenue.</span></span></li> <li style="margin-top: 2.0pt; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Creating sustainable in and out quarter pipeline to support year-after-year profitable revenue growth in both Bb Consulting Services.</span></span></li> <li style="margin-top: 2.0pt; margin-bottom: 2.0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Demonstrating strong communication skills, including interaction and involvement across multiple departments and with clients.</span></span></li> </ul>
Requirements: <span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>Professional Qualifications</strong></span></span> <ul> <li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Bachelor&rsquo;s degree required.</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Strong knowledge of the higher education sector and eLearning sector strongly preferred</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Ability and desire to hunt new business and open doors.</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Experience in positioning strategic consulting services to C-level and other executive decision-makers.</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Fluency in building a pipeline, moving opportunities through the sales cycle; proposing, presenting and discussing solutions with C-level and other executive decision-makers</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Highly developed client service and client satisfaction focus required</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Experience and ability in operating within a fast-paced, multi-disciplined virtual team</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills required</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">50% travel required</span></span></li> </ul> <span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong>Preferred Skills:</strong></span></span> <ul> <li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">5+ years of professional experience in Consulting/Services Sales or Sales Engineer role</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Core sales skills including prospecting, needs analysis, presentation, negotiation and proposal writing</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Ability to&nbsp;establish and manage Executive level customer relationships</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Strong negotiation, presentation, oral and written communication skills</span></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Skilled using Salesforce.com, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Keynote, Web conferencing</span></span></li> </ul> <br /><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.</span></em>