Fast Facts

Reading Horizons is seeking a California-based Account Executive to drive sales in the K-12 education sector, focusing on relationships with the California Department of Education and school districts to enhance literacy programs.

Responsibilities: The Account Executive will prospect and build relationships within K-12 districts, secure vendor status, represent the company at education events, and meet sales quotas through effective communication and coordination with internal teams.

Skills: Candidates should possess strong knowledge of K-12 education in California, excellent communication and relationship-building skills, and be experienced in sales and navigating educational policy.

Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include existing relationships within California education, experience with the approval process for educational products, and familiarity with CRM tools like Salesforce.

Location: Bakersfield, CA, US

Compensation: $70000 - $90000 / Annually

Description

ABOUT READING HORIZONS

At Reading Horizons, we are on a mission to eradicate illiteracy because we believe literacy is opportunity. We provide educators with a proven, simple instructional method powered by our tech-enabled solution to teach students how to read. We aim to make a measurable impact in K-12 schools and serve 8 million students by 2032. 

If you're passionate about making a difference and want to work for a purpose-driven organization, Reading Horizons might be the perfect place. We live and breathe our core values: make an impact, put people first, and show up as a supportive partner. We are committed to creating a collaborative workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We believe a diverse and inclusive workforce leads to better decision-making and fuels our growth and impact.

Summary/objective

The primary focus of an Account Executive (AE) is to achieve a sales quota within a defined territory. The Account Executive will be responsible to build a territory by prospecting (dials, email, social media, etc.) into districts and leveraging relationships with existing customers to cross-sell, up-sell, and renew business. 

We are currently only screening applicants who live in the state of California for this role. 

Essential functions

•  Lead the process of getting Reading Horizons added to the approved vendor list under AB 1454.
• Build strong relationships with decision-makers at the California Department of Education, county offices of education, and K–12 school districts.
• Educate stakeholders on how Reading Horizons aligns with state priorities, reading intervention mandates, and AB 1454 requirements.
• Identify and close district opportunities once vendor status is secured.
• Represent the company at California education conferences, events, and stakeholder meetings.
• Work cross-functionally with internal sales, marketing, and legal/compliance teams. 
• Set up a territory plan with your manager and work the plan all year to exceed quota.
• Set up a list of potential prospects, divided by zones and work to get demos scheduled for prospects
• Coordinate with an Education Specialist and Sales Development Rep to set up appointments, product demonstrations, and seminars throughout the territory.
• Establish and maintain communication with potential, returning, and continuing customers via email, phone, and on-site visits
• Plan, develop, and conduct on-site events and virtual demonstrations. 
• Write quotes and build a pipeline to exceed quota.
• Assist our Customer Success with the implementation of our products and services after the sale has been completed
• Follow up with clients regularly to ensure needs are being met and identify opportunities.
• Illustrate the value of products and services to create growth opportunities; compile and analyze data to identify trends
• Participate in brainstorming, office activities, staff meetings, and client meetings, researching and assisting with program development for existing clients and new prospects
• Ultimately responsible for meeting and exceeding quota in your territory

Other duties

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Competencies

• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Experience maintaining a business/travel expense account
• Some overnight travel will be required

Requirements

Required education and experience

• Strong knowledge of California’s K–12 education landscape, including funding models and state programs.
• Direct experience with or within the California Department of Education (CDE) or county/district offices of education.
• Working knowledge of AB 1454 and its implications for literacy vendors in California.
• Proven sales or policy advocacy experience. We are looking for someone who can get things done and navigate red tape.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills.
• Professional Sales, Business Administration, or a related field preferred, but not required, with adequate relevant experience
• Minimum of 5 years Sales Experience (preferably in Education or Saas)
• Outstanding communication skills (written and non-written)
• Experience selling into C-level titles or district/school-level administrators
• 1-3 years of experience using a CRM (Salesforce, Dynamics, Hubspot, etc). Salesforce experience is preferred.
• Experience conducting sales-related events (dinners, luncheons, conferences).

Preferred education and experience 

• Existing relationships with state/district education leaders in California.
• Experience bringing a curriculum product or edtech tool through an RFP or state approval process.
• Familiarity with MS Excel or Google Sheets (analyzing spreadsheets and charts)
• Strong understanding of sales performance metrics

Travel Required

Some overnight travel is required, up to 30%.

We offer our employees the following benefits:

• Competitive base salary with unlimited commission potential
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Rx benefits
• 401(k) with generous company match and profit-sharing opportunity
• Company-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance
• 12 paid company holidays, including two floating holidays of your choice, per year
• Monthly wellness days and generous paid time off (PTO)
• A supportive, team-oriented work environment
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

 If you’re motivated by making an impact, have a hunger for success, and are excited about being part of an organization working toward a purpose bigger than themselves, we want to hear from you!

ADA Statement

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform any and all essential functions.

Physical Demands

There will be prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. While performing the duties of this job, the team player is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. The team player frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms.

Work Environment

The office has ambient indoor temperatures, lighting, air quality, and low noise levels.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements

The team player must be eligible to work in the United States, verified by completion of USCIS Form I-9 document.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

It is the policy of Reading Horizons to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Disclaimer

This job description does not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that the team player must do for this job,