About The Position
This role requires 50–75% travel. We have an immediate opening for a Senior Strategic Account Executive focused on cultivating and expanding relationships within R1 research institutions/State Higher Education Systems. In this role, you will engage senior higher education leaders—including Presidents, Provosts, Chancellors, System Heads, CFOs, and CIOs—to form strategic, enterprise-level partnerships and drive adoption of Ellucian's solutions. This position requires deep strategic thinking, comfort operating in complex multi-stakeholder environments, and the ability to navigate long sales cycles across large and sophisticated accounts. You will work closely with Ellucian Executives, pre-sales consultants, proposals, inside sales, marketing, and sales support teams to execute a consultative, value-based sales approach. If you thrive in high-impact environments, excel at building trusted relationships with executive decision-makers, and are energized by the opportunity to advance higher education through technology, then Ellucian is the place for you.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a key member of Ellucian’s field sales organization with responsibility for driving expansion and revenue growth within R1 universities and state systems.
- Develop and own comprehensive, multi-year account strategies aligned to institutional missions, research priorities, statewide initiatives, and technology transformation goals.
- Build strong, trust-based relationships with executive stakeholders, navigating large and complex governance structures common in R1s and state systems.
- Apply a consultative, value-selling methodology that clearly demonstrates Ellucian’s differentiated value in supporting student success, research growth, operational efficiency, and system-wide modernization.
- Maintain deep awareness of each institution’s technology footprint, strategic plan, system mandates, funding cycles, and competitive landscape.
- Monitor sector trends including federal funding, research investment, state policy shifts, leadership changes, and regulatory updates impacting higher education.
- Leverage public information (press releases, budget announcements, state board updates, grant awards, rankings, etc.) to identify opportunities and tailor messaging.
- Lead a defined territory of R1 institutions and state systems, overseeing account relationships, opportunity pipeline, and full sales lifecycle.
- Build and execute account plans that address key stakeholder priorities, institutional pain points, and statewide strategic objectives.
- Orchestrate complex sales cycles involving multiple decision-makers and influencers.
- Partner with internal teams across pre-sales, proposals, marketing, and executive sponsors to advance opportunities and deliver a coordinated customer experience.
- Drive demand creation through strategic engagement with institutional leaders, participation in national and regional higher education events, and targeted outreach.
- Manage pipeline with discipline through accurate forecasting, resource planning, and proactive opportunity progression.
- Effectively position Ellucian as the premier technology partner for institutions seeking system modernization, cloud transformation, data strategy, and enterprise integration.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, and vision
- Flexible time off
- Thrive Flex Lifestyle Account (LSA) that allows you to contribute towards your health, financial or learning interests
- 401k w/ match & BrightPlan - to help you save for the future
- Parental Leave
- 5 charitable days to support the community that supports us
- Telemedicine
- Wellness
- Headspace Care (mental health)
- Wellbeats (virtual fitness classes)
- RethinkCare & Wellthy– caregiver support
- Diversity and inclusion programs which provide access to internal employee resource groups
- Employee referral bonuses to encourage the addition of great new people to the team
- Education Assistance Program
- Professional development opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
