Strategic Alliance Director

Job Title 

Strategic Alliance Director

Job Description

For more than 80 years, Kaplan has been a trailblazer in education and professional advancement. We are a global company at the intersection of education and technology, focused on collaboration, innovation, and creativity to deliver a best-in-class educational experience and make Kaplan a great place to work.

The future of education is here and we are eager to work alongside those who want to make a positive impact and inspire change in the world around them.

The Strategic Alliance Director (SAD) is a specialized sales role responsible for driving revenue growth within a designated channel, such as Societies, Resellers, Not-for-Profit organizations, Universities, or others as defined.  This role bridges strategic and national account management, requiring expertise in business development, relationship management, and delivering tailored solutions. The SAD independently manages assigned channels, develops strategies to maximize revenue, and collaborates cross-functionally to align efforts with broader organizational objectives. This position is ideal for experienced sales professionals seeking to manage complex accounts within a specific channel while building long-term expertise and contributing to strategic growth.

Primary/Key Responsibilities

Channel Strategy and Execution:

• Develop and execute a strategic growth plan for the assigned channel, ensuring measurable revenue growth.

• Align channel strategies with organizational goals, including exam-based and beyond-exam solutions.

• Identify trends, challenges, and opportunities within the channel to inform strategy and execution.

Business Development and Revenue Generation:

• Proactively identify and secure new opportunities within the assigned channel, focusing on both new and existing accounts.

• Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline, ensuring consistent progress toward revenue goals.

• Negotiate and close contracts that align with client needs and organizational objectives.

Relationship Management:

• Establish and nurture long-term relationships with key stakeholders in the assigned channel, including decision-makers and influencers.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for channel-specific inquiries, ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction.

• Attend client meetings, conferences, and industry events to strengthen connections and expand influence.

Collaboration and Reporting:

• Collaborate with internal teams, including marketing, product, and other sales leaders, to deliver tailored solutions and strategies.

• Maintain accurate reporting of activities, opportunities, and outcomes in CRM tools.

• Provide insights to leadership on channel performance, including recommendations for improvement or innovation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Sales, or a related field, or equivalent experience

• 3+ years of experience in sales, business development, or client-facing roles preferably within the assigned channel.

• Strong organizational and relationship-building skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and CRM tools

• Demonstrated success in managing complex accounts or verticals.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Goal-oriented with a competitive mindset

• Time management and prioritization skills

• Analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making

• Client-focused with the ability to build trust and deliver value

• Expertise in channel-specific sales processes and cycles

• Advanced negotiation and value articulation skills

• Strong business development and prospecting capabilities

• Ability to develop and execute tailored sales strategies

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Societies, Resellers, Not-for-Profit organizations, or Universities, depending on the specific channel assignment.

• MBA or advanced degree in a relevant