The Outside Sales - Director of Partnerships at Just Right Reader is responsible for developing trusted relationships with district leaders, creating a healthy sales pipeline, and consistently meeting sales targets for classroom libraries. This role involves utilizing sales tools effectively, understanding regional initiatives that affect literacy achievement, and occasionally traveling to meet with school districts and attend events.

Preferred qualifications for the Outside Sales - Director of Partnerships position at Just Right Reader include having 3+ years of experience in educational settings, ideally as a principal or district leader. Familiarity with school district operations and a strong passion for early literacy are also important, along with excellent communication skills and a proactive, organized approach to the role.

As the Outside Sales - Director of Partnerships at Just Right Reader, you can expect a fully remote work environment that fosters collaboration among a passionate team dedicated to education. The company supports work-life balance and offers various benefits, including a home office stipend and parental leave, allowing you to focus on making a positive impact on children's literacy.

Essential skills for success as the Outside Sales - Director of Partnerships at Just Right Reader include strong communication and relationship-building abilities, exceptional organizational skills, and a passion for early literacy. Additionally, having an ownership mentality and the capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment are crucial for meeting sales targets and driving initiatives forward.

In the Outside Sales - Director of Partnerships role at Just Right Reader, you will likely be evaluated based on your ability to meet or exceed sales targets, the growth of your territory and pipeline, and the relationships you cultivate with district leaders and key decision-makers. Your ability to understand and address the literacy needs of schools will also play a significant role in evaluation.

When answering this question, emphasize your consultative sales approach. Discuss how you prioritize understanding the specific needs of district leaders and how you use that insight to tailor your interactions, building trust over time.

In your response, highlight your experience with prospecting, networking, and utilizing CRM tools effectively. Talk about attending local conferences and collaborating with educational organizations to identify potential leads.

Explain the tools and techniques you use for organization, such as digital calendars, task management apps, and CRM systems. Also, mention the importance of prioritizing tasks to ensure you focus on high-impact activities daily.

Here, share a specific example of a challenge, possibly around budget constraints in schools. Explain how you addressed it, perhaps by showcasing the long-term value of your product and working closely with the district on funding options.

Discuss your personal connection to literacy and its importance in education. Explain how this passion influences your storytelling in sales conversations, making your pitch more relatable and compelling to stakeholders.

Talk about key performance indicators like sales targets, customer feedback, and the size of your pipeline. Mention the importance of regular check-ins with your team and setting personal goals to ensure accountability.

Share an example where teamwork was critical. Highlight how you communicated effectively with your colleagues, combined each member’s strengths, and maintained a clear focus on the common goal.

Mention subscribing to educational journals, attending webinars, and actively participating in educational forums and groups. This demonstrates your commitment to staying updated with industry trends and information, which is crucial for making informed sales decisions.

Discuss your approach to objection handling, such as actively listening, empathizing with their concerns, and providing thoughtful responses that address their specific issues, showcasing how your product can still meet their needs.

Before the interview, research Just Right Reader's mission and products. In your answer, demonstrate your understanding of their commitment to improving literacy and how it aligns with your values and professional objectives.