Account Associate - KY, TN, AR, OK, LA and MS

The Account Associate role with a focus on smaller districts involves efficiently driving sales within streamlined procurement processes, swiftly identifying, and capitalizing on sales opportunities, and nurturing relationships to facilitate the adoption of literacy solutions. With a consultative approach, the Account Associate collaborates closely with educators and decision-makers in smaller and medium districts to deliver tailored solutions that meet their immediate needs and drive student success. Through adaptability, relationship-building skills, and a focus on value proposition, the Regional Account Associate achieves sales targets and fosters long-term partnerships to support literacy initiatives at the district level. 95 Percent Group offers a competitive base salary, plus attractive a commission/bonus plan for this position.

The assigned territory for the Account Associate is: KY, TN, AR, OK, LA and MS.

Essential Responsibilities

• New Business Acquisition and Market Share Growth: Actively prospect and pursue new business opportunities within smaller to medium school districts to expand our market presence and increase market share. This includes identifying untapped areas for growth, developing strategic outreach initiatives, and implementing targeted sales strategies to capitalize on opportunities for expansion.
• Rapid Sales Cycle Management: Execute a high-volume sales approach to quickly identify, qualify, and close opportunities within smaller and medium school districts, leveraging shorter procurement processes and faster decision-making.
• Prospecting and Lead Generation: Identify and prospect potential K-12 school districts, administrators, and decision-makers to place our science-based reading curriculum and professional learning solutions in schools.
• Sales Presentations: Conduct compelling and strategic sales presentations to showcase the value and effectiveness of our literacy products and services, tailored to the needs of each prospect.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate strong relationships with key sponsors within target school districts, including superintendents, curriculum directors, and literacy coaches, to understand their challenges and present tailored solutions.
• Negotiation and Closing: Lead negotiations, overcome objections, and close opportunities to meet or exceed sales targets and revenue goals.
• Market Insights: Stay informed about industry trends, competitor offerings, and educational policies affecting K-12 literacy, providing insights to inform sales strategies and product development.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to support market needs and drive business growth.
• Continuous Learning: Stay current on our science-based reading curriculum and professional learning offerings, participating in training sessions and workshops as needed.
• Efficient Pipeline Management: Manage a dynamic pipeline of district opportunities, prioritizing prospects based on readiness to buy and potential for long-term relationship development.
• Consultative Selling: Provide consultative guidance to smaller and medium school districts on the adoption of science-based reading curriculum and professional learning, emphasizing the immediate impact and ease of implementation.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Quickly adapt sales strategies and messaging to align with the unique needs and preferences of each smaller district, focusing on value proposition.

Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s Degree preferred. K-12 education experience preferred.
• Hunter Mentality: Demonstrated ability to prospect, cold-call, and generate new business opportunities independently.
• Knowledge of Literacy Education: Familiarity with literacy instruction methodologies, reading intervention strategies, and science-based reading.
• Strategic Thinker: Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to understand prospects’ needs and develop customized solutions.
• Excellent Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including persuasive presentation abilities and active listening skills.
• Results-Driven: Motivated by achieving and exceeding sales targets, with a track record of meeting or exceeding quotas.
• Technological Proficiency: Proficiency with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce), Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual presentation tools.
• Travel: Willingness to travel up to 30% to meet with prospects and attend conferences or industry events.
• Strategic Sales Skills: Ability to develop and execute strategic plans, leveraging insights into district priorities and challenges to drive sales opportunities forward.
• Patience and Persistence: Resilience and patience to navigate longer sales cycles and complex decision-making processes within smaller to medium school districts.
• Experience with Small and Medium Districts: Prior experience successfully selling to and servicing small and medium K-12 school districts, with a proven ability to close deals efficiently and meet or exceed sales targets.
• Speed and Agility: Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume sales environment, with a knack for quickly identifying and capitalizing on sales opportunities.
• Relationship Building Skills: Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a natural ability to connect with educators and decision-makers in small and medium school districts.
• Self-Motivation: Self-motivated and driven to succeed, with the ability to work independently and remotely to achieve sales objectives.

Company Description:

95 Percent Group is a leader in literacy instruction for pre-K through grade 8 across the U.S.   The company offers professional development training for teachers and administrators as well as print and online products to assist teachers with literacy instruction. 95 Percent Group’s comprehensive educational consulting, professional development, diagnostic assessments, and instructional materials help schools deliver instruction that consistently and significantly increase reading achievement.

The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Lincolnshire, IL (northwest suburban Chicago). Its customers are primarily school districts across the U.S., and they are served by consultants who travel for on-site training as well as through online training. 

95 Percent Group has a fully engaged and highly committed leadership team who cares deeply about our mission.  We’ve hired the best from inside and outside the industry. This is a tremendous opportunity to join a company positioned for continued significant growth. An added plus is knowing that what you’re doing every day is making a significant difference in children’s lives. Come work with a group of smart, fun, passionate professionals who value creativity, innovation, and making an impact.  

95 Percent Group, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.