Account Director Senior - SLED Bus Dev (Higher Education)

About Lumen

Lumen connects the world. We are igniting business growth by connecting people, data and applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Together, we are building a culture and company from the people up – committed to teamwork, trust and transparency. People power progress.

We’re looking for top-tier talent and offer the flexibility you need to thrive and deliver lasting impact. Join us as we digitally connect the world and shape the future.

The Role

As Account Director Senior- SLED Business Development, you will lead the Lumen SLED Higher Education Practice while collaborating with sales, product, and operational teams to align Lumen to the Higher Education marketplace. Maintains a superior understanding of Higher Education technology solutions that enhance the way colleges and universities interact with their students, faculty, and administration.  Utilizes market knowledge to tie the Lumen technology platform to the goal of colleges and universities.  Expected to leverage market relationships from previous experience to introduce and position Lumen as a partner to Higher Education entities. Develops, leads, and controls a strategic plan that includes securing industry partnerships and aligning Lumen solutions that will drive revenue growth for the SLED program nationally.

The Main Responsibilities

• Expected to be a trusted advisor to colleges and universities around connected campus solutions to support learning and student success.  Understand key funding and budget drivers for the market.   
• Drive the development and implementation of strategic partnerships and product offers that will provide comprehensive solutions to Higher Education Entities.  
• Able to leverage market relationships to engage with Higher Education Entities to understand the market and expand Lumen engagement opportunities.  
• Lead technical and executive level conversations to develop a pathway for Lumen to aid colleges and universities as they deploy connected learning solutions, security solutions and campus-related related technology solutions to support their student population.   
• Develop & deliver innovative technology presentations for higher education customers and prospects. Able to advise on strategies to implement technology solutions focused on improving student learning, research advancements, and other campus-related activities.  
• Lead cross-functional educational sessions for our SLED sales teams, and engineering teams, capture, and marketing on unique solutions and offerings that meet customer requirements. 
• Represent Lumen at customer-facing organizations, public events, association meetings, and other events as necessary and serve on leadership committees and advisory councils at the state and national level.  
• Able to create and deliver concise executive level and technical level presentations to small groups and large 500+ groups. Able to host webinars and participate in industry thought leadership panel conversations. Demonstrated level of success in the development of C-Level relationships.  
• Must demonstrate advanced technology and solution knowledge of IT solution sales on a day-to-day basis and how they align with colleges and universities' purchasing practices, contracts and RFXs. 
• Strong organizational skills are imperative and excellent writing and presentation skills  
• Continuous learning to acquire and integrate marketplace knowledge related to general trends, emerging technologies, partner solutions and competition in the Higher Ed marketplace. Able to provide internal feedback on the development of overall market strategy  
• Build relationships with vendors, solution partners and peers to provide holistic technology strategy offered on the Lumen platform for Higher Ed entities.   

What We Look For in a Candidate

• 10 to 15+ years of relevant experience with Higher Ed entities. 
• Considerable experience in application modernization and deployment, program management or technology sales.  
• Must be able to work productively in a matrix team environment. 
• Must be able to develop, define and execute sales strategies and offer clear concise communications with executive leadership.  
• Must be results oriented with a proven record of accomplishment showing high leadership qualities. 
• Viewed as a Trusted Advisor by customers. 
• Operates at the executive level consistently. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record 
• Travel required monthly  

Certifications / Education 

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Business, Finance, Computer Science, Engineering or related field, MBA preferred, or relevant industry experience in data management or network adminis