Harvard Business Publishing (HBP) – the leading destination for innovative management thinking. We reach lifelong learners to improve the practice of management in a changing world. This mission inspires each of us to unlock the leader in everyone – including you!
The opportunity
Strategic Relationship Manager – US Central, Higher Education
Harvard Business Impact (HBI) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the practice of management. As a subsidiary of Harvard University, we serve educators, students, and professionals worldwide through high-quality content and learning solutions that support active, experiential, and skills-based learning in higher education.
The Higher Education division partners with institutions globally by providing cases, simulations, articles, online courses, and emerging AI-enabled learning tools. We support faculty and program leaders through training, curriculum design resources, and digital delivery platforms that help bring participant-centered learning to life.
We are seeking a Strategic Relationship Manager (SRM) to drive growth, strengthen institutional partnerships, and expand adoption of HBI solutions within the US Central region. This role partners closely with the Regional Director and cross-functional teams to execute territory strategy, deepen engagement at key accounts, and identify new opportunities across undergraduate, MBA, and executive education programs.
What you'll do
Manage a portfolio of higher education institutions, driving revenue growth, adoption, and retention of HBI solutions.
Build and sustain relationships with key stakeholders, including deans, directors, faculty, and administrators.
Serve as a trusted advisor by understanding curriculum needs and institutional priorities.
Lead virtual and in-person engagements, such as course planning, product demos, and faculty development sessions.
Execute territory strategy, identify new opportunities (including AI-enabled solutions), and negotiate partnership agreements.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver a consistent customer experience and leverage data insights to drive targeted campaigns.
Represent HBI at campus visits and institutional events, promoting inclusive access and expanding brand presence.
Manage multiple revenue channels within accounts, including institutional and student-pay programs, to maximize engagement and growth.
Identify emerging opportunities within accounts, including AI-enabled solutions, and propose tailored approaches that meet evolving institutional and program needs.
Negotiate annual and multi-year agreements to strengthen enterprise partnerships.
What you'll bring
5–7 years of success in regional business management, strategic account management, or consultative sales—ideally in Higher Education, EdTech, publishing, or similar sectors.
Strong track record of revenue growth, solution selling, and relationship development with senior-level stakeholders.
Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage a large territory, and balance both virtual and on-site engagement.
Experience with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce) and analytics platforms to interpret usage trends and monitor adoption.
Experience with CRM tools such as Salesforce and analytics tools.
Strong negotiation skills, business acumen, and a growth mindset.
Extensive regional travel is required to meet with faculty, program leaders, and institutional stakeholders
Highly collaborative, diplomatic, and able to navigate complex academic environments.
You'll stand out if you have
Proven sales/upselling experience.
Field-based experience, including regularly meeting customers in person & virtual.
Demonstrated success managing a large/multi-state territory.
Ability to travel up to 50% during the school year.
Prioritizing candidates located near a major Central US airport (Chicago, Dallas, Denver, St. Louis, Kansas City, Houston, etc.)
What we offer
As a mission-driven global company, Harvard Business Publishing is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, trust, and engagement where everyone is welcome, valued, respected, and feels they belong. In addition to a competitive compensation and benefits package, we offer meaningful programs focused on career development and employee wellness, such as education reimbursement and early-release Summer Fridays!
HBP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
$90,000 - $100,000 annual base salary
Above is the annualized pay range for this position. This position is also eligible to participate in HBP’s sales variable bonus plan. Actual salary will be set based upon a range of factors, including external benchmark market data, individual knowledge, skills, experience, location, and internal equity.