Fast Facts

Join Sophia as a Senior Manager of Partner Success, where you'll lead a team dedicated to enhancing partnerships with universities and driving engagement through strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities: Manage a team of Partner Success Managers, develop partnerships with universities, oversee communication strategies, handle escalations, and present growth opportunities.

Skills: Strong communication and presentation skills, ability to analyze data, and experience in client management in higher education.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required; 6+ years in client or partner success roles, preferably in higher education.

Location: This position is based in the United States.

Compensation: $106500 - $159800 / Annually

We are seeking a results-driven, growth-oriented Senior Manager of Partner Success to join our expanding Partnerships team at Sophia.

This role will manage a team of Partner Success Managers and Associates while also leading the day to day of our highest impact partnerships. In this role, the Sr. Manager, Partner Success will be responsible for understanding and offering solutions to partners’ organizational objectives to help them to achieve their goals. They will do that by creating and introducing new strategic initiative ideas (including research, conference collaborations, thought leadership activities, marketing campaigns, etc.) and managing the launch process for new partners with both internal and external stakeholders.

Their goals will include outreach/communication goals as well as partner retention and growth.

The primary goals of this role will be focused on coaching a team of Partner Success Managers/Associates while being responsible for the team’s growth and retention. A candidate will be successful in this role if they are proactive, an innovative problem solver, and are continuously seeking opportunities to provide value to our partners through data and insights.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop relationships directly with universities to drive engagement.
• Be an effective storyteller, with strong presentation skills, who can successfully articulate Sophia's value proposition, overcome objections, and build trust and credibility to influence decision makers and secure business.
• Partner with leadership teams across client organizations to plan and execute communication strategies and engagement events.
• Lead, coach and own the professional development of a team of Partner Success Managers and Associates.
• Manage complex escalations from partners and internal teams, coordinating with Product, Operations, Academics, Learner Support, and Engineering to drive resolution and prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to operationalize and scale partner engagement tactics.
• Proactively present growth opportunities that align with the partner’s strategic mission and assist in reaching growth goals.
• Work with marketing, creative, and product teams to support the strategy needs.
• Monitor partner health and utilize data to provide value and drive strategic conversations with accounts.
• Assess client needs and provide feedback to the leadership team.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Job Skills:

• Must be a strong communicator to all levels of an organization with an ability to build relationships with clients and peers
• Must have exceptional presentation skills, and the ability to quickly alter approach based on client response.
• Sell ideas internally and externally: influence internal teams and external clients to drive quality execution
• Ability to analyze and present data and findings clearly, concisely, and accurately, and be able to draw meaningful conclusions and recommendations for action
• Ability to work cross-functionally.
• Must be self-motivated and can motivate others
• Must be detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects on varying timeline.

Work Experience:

• 6+ years managing clients (e.g. Client Success OR Partner Success OR Account Management OR Engagement Manager)
• Experience in the Higher Education industry required
• Previous experience in a startup or fast-paced environment preferred but not required

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Other:

• Must be able to travel occasionally should a business need arise. For most roles travel would not be common. Travel may involve plane, car or metro. In accordance with ADA policies, reasonable accommodations regarding travel limitations can be provided. Travel will be more common for roles such as Account Executives (25 - 50%), senior leaders (10 – 20%) or Capella Core Faculty (5 – 10%). 
• Ability to work onsite in Corporate or Campus location (in a typical office environment) may be required based on role. If so, this would include being mobile within the office, including movement from floor-to-floor using elevators or stairs.
• If offsite or hybrid role, must have access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
• Faculty and Federal Work Study roles require access to work in setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including computer, privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
• This role may require lifting, however reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with our ADA policies.
• Must be able to meet critical thinking and problem solving aspects aligned to job duties, as well as effectively communicating with co-workers.
• Must be able to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant. Accommodations related to schedule may be considered. 
• Able to access information using a computer.
• Other essential functions and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

SEI offers a comprehensive package of benefits to employees scheduled 30 hours or more per week. In addition to medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans, SEI employees may take advantage of well-being incentives, parental leave, paid time off, certain paid holidays, tax saving accounts (FSA, HSA), 401(k) retirement benefit, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, tuition assistance as well as entertainment and retail discounts. Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay, if applicable.

Careers - Our Benefits, Strategic Education, Inc

SEI is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture where individuals can grow their careers and contribute fully. We strive to attract talent with broad experiences, skills and perspectives. We welcome applications from all. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top end of the pay range at SEI, we offer a competitive salary. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate may vary depending on multiple factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay equity. Our Talent Acquisition Team is ready to discuss your interest in joining SEI. The expected salary range for this position is below.

$106,500.00 - $159,800.00 - Salary

If you require reasonable accommodations to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at Careers@strategiced.com.