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Director, Commercial

Risepoint assists primarily regional universities in increasing their access and impact by making their academic programs available to students online. Founded in 2007, Risepoint's mission is to expand access to high-quality, affordable, and workforce-relevant education, especially for working and adult students. Risepoint brings single-minded dedication to student success, an integrated set of services, and data-driven performance to our collaboration with university partners.

Reporting to the SVP of Analytics and Commercial, the Director, Strategy (Go to market) will be an impact-oriented Commercial leader, and a key cross-functional collaborator and thought partner for Risepoint’s senior executives and functional leaders. They will work with the Heads of Commercial, Strategy, Sales, Marketing, Product and Finance to develop and implement short and long-term strategies to optimize revenue and customer lifetime value in accordance with Risepoint’s strategic plan. Specifically, the Director will lead strategic and business initiatives related to growing priority offerings, as well as revenue stream and deal structure diversification.

The Director will help formalize Commercial Excellence as a differentiator for Risepoint by refining pricing, packaging, offering and deal structure across our suite of offerings. They will develop replicable playbooks to help Partner Universities determine Tuition levels for Risepoint-supported programs, and to help Risepoint define deal structures for partner relationships, ranging from Revenue Share to unbundled Fee for Service packages. These playbooks will embed a holistic view and quantification of lifetime value, and include a mix of primary research, market benchmarking, and price elasticity analysis, as well as tactics and frameworks to support Business Development and Account Management teams in retaining/ renewing existing accounts and securing new business. In addition, the Director will develop plans to evolve our revenue mix toward fee-for-service, including transition plan for existing Partners moving from Revenue Share arrangements.

Additionally, the Director will provide leadership, guidance and coaching to Risepoint colleagues, inspiring a collaborative and collegial culture that is high performing and results focused.

Main Responsibilities:

  • Developing Tuition playbook including market benchmarking, primary research, and price elasticity analytics, along with framework to determine when each element of the framework should be deployed
  • Developing Pricing playbook for Partner Contracts, including Revenue Share at Different Levels and unbundled Fee for Service offerings, along with framework to determine when each structure should be deployed
  • Developing Discounting frameworks to determine structure, duration, and use case for different Tuition and Contract Price discounts, and a structured approval process
  • Providing negotiation support including analytics and messaging for new deals and renewals
  • Holistic tracking of Tuition and Contract Pricing across our Partner base, and identifying / pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement

Job Requirements:

The ideal candidate will be intellectually curious, strategically minded, commercially-oriented, and highly collaborative. They will be a well-rounded experienced leader with the ability to lead strategic analyses as well as getting into the weeds of commercial negotiations, pricing, discounting and customer interactions. They will handle high pressure situations in a professional and balanced manner and will serve as a mentor, leader, and partner across the organization in a dynamic environment.

  • Minimum of 7 years’ experience in Consulting, Strategy, and Commercial roles, including leading high-impact teams
  • Proven track record of successfully scoping and delivering projects, building and leveraging appropriate processes and tools.
  • Exceptional and well-rounded analytical skills – able to evaluate opportunities from strategic, commercial and operational perspectives
  • Demonstrated analytical toolkit (e.g., negotiations models, financial impact assessments) and proven track record of delivering commercial impact
  • Exceptional leadership, management, and communication skills
  • Exceptional influencing skills and demonstrated ability to work cross functionally across all levels of an organization
  • Experience in the Higher Education and OPM sectors is desirable but not essential
  • MBA or equivalent advanced degree in commercial field is strongly preferred
  • Management consulting experience is strongly preferred, especially in the domains of revenue optimization, negotiations, pricing, etc.

#LI-AX1

Risepoint is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Risepoint offers the following comprehensive benefits:

  • 18 days PTO + Winter Shutdown 
  • 12 designated holidays + 1 floating holiday 
  • Medical – four options  
  • Dental 
  • Vision 
  • Life & Disability (company paid) 
  • Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account 
  • Retirement plan with company match 
  • Maternity / Paternity / Parental Leave (company paid) 
  • Volunteer Time Off 

Supplemental Benefits:

  • Wellness program
  • Alternative medicine options
  • Pet discounts
  • Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity

Personal and Professional Development:

  • Continuous Professional and Leadership Development Programs 
  • Tuition Reimbursement for employees and their dependents 
  • Rewards & Recognition programs

Risepoint is an equal-opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Average salary estimate

$135000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$120000K
$150000K

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What You Should Know About Director, Commercial, Risepoint

At Risepoint, we're on a mission to enhance access and impact for regional universities by enabling their academic programs to reach students online. As the Director, Commercial, you'll play a crucial role in shaping our future! Reporting to the SVP of Analytics and Commercial, you will collaborate with our senior executives and leaders across various functions such as Sales, Marketing, and Finance. Your strategic insights will help us optimize revenue and enhance customer lifetime value, reflecting our long-term goals. You’ll be responsible for leading initiatives that grow our priority offerings and diversifying our revenue streams. By developing playbooks for tuition levels and deal structures, you’ll provide our partner universities with the tools they need to succeed. You'll also be in charge of designing frameworks that will guide our negotiation strategies and discounting processes. This role isn’t just about strategy; it’s about making an impact, inspiring your colleagues, and fostering a collaborative culture. If you are a strategic thinker with a knack for negotiations and a desire to influence positive change in higher education, we would love to have you on our team at Risepoint!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Director, Commercial Role at Risepoint
What are the main responsibilities of the Director, Commercial at Risepoint?

The Director, Commercial at Risepoint is responsible for developing tuition and pricing playbooks tailored to partner universities, leading strategic initiatives for revenue growth, and providing negotiation support for new deals and renewals. This position also involves collaborating cross-functionally to enhance customer lifetime value and implementing frameworks that guide pricing and discount structures.

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What qualifications are required for the Director, Commercial role at Risepoint?

To qualify for the Director, Commercial role at Risepoint, candidates should have at least 7 years of experience in Consulting, Strategy, and Commercial roles. An MBA or an equivalent advanced degree in a relevant commercial field is strongly preferred. Proven leadership skills, particularly in revenue optimization and negotiations, are essential, along with experience working in or with Higher Education institutions.

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How does the Director, Commercial contribute to Risepoint's mission?

The Director, Commercial plays a key role in advancing Risepoint’s mission by driving strategies that expand access to affordable and relevant education. By developing frameworks that support our partner universities in pricing their programs effectively, the Director ensures that more students can benefit from high-quality education, especially working adults.

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What skills are essential for success as a Director, Commercial at Risepoint?

Critical skills for success as Director, Commercial at Risepoint include strong analytical abilities, exceptional leadership and communication skills, and a strategic mindset. The ability to work collaboratively across various levels of the organization and influence key stakeholders is crucial, along with a robust understanding of commercial practices in education.

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What kind of impact can a Director, Commercial have at Risepoint?

A Director, Commercial has the opportunity to profoundly influence Risepoint's growth trajectory. By leading strategic initiatives and optimizing revenue streams, they drive commercial excellence and enhance partnerships with universities, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes for students.

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Common Interview Questions for Director, Commercial
How would you approach developing a tuition pricing playbook for Risepoint?

When developing a tuition pricing playbook for Risepoint, I would first conduct market research and benchmark against industry standards. After analyzing price elasticity and customer preferences, I would create a structured framework that lays out pricing strategies based on comprehensive analytics, ensuring we meet our financial goals while remaining competitive.

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Can you describe a successful negotiation you led in a commercial setting?

In a past role, I successfully negotiated a deal that not only met our revenue targets but also forged a long-term partnership. I achieved this through thorough preparation, utilizing data to support our position, and maintaining open communication with stakeholders, ensuring all parties felt heard and valued throughout the process.

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What strategies would you implement to guide partner universities in pricing their programs?

To guide partner universities in pricing their programs, I would implement a strategic framework that includes market analysis, student feedback, and competition assessments. By creating tools and resources, such as case studies and playbooks, I would empower them to understand pricing structures and make informed decisions.

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How do you handle high-pressure situations, especially when negotiating contracts?

In high-pressure negotiation situations, I focus on remaining calm and collected. I rely on my preparation and the data at hand to guide discussions while actively listening to the other party's needs. By maintaining a collaborative approach, I can often find win-win solutions even under stress.

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What role does collaboration play in the success of the Director, Commercial?

Collaboration is crucial for the Director, Commercial role. Working closely with cross-functional teams allows for a sharing of diverse perspectives and expertise, leading to more robust strategies. Building relationships with Sales, Marketing, and Finance teams ensures that initiatives align with the overall business objectives and enhance our collective impact.

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What experience do you have with revenue optimization in education?

My experience in revenue optimization includes developing pricing strategies that align with market demand while also considering operational costs. I’ve worked on initiatives to transition revenue models and have implemented data-driven approaches that have led to sustainable growth in previous roles within the education sector.

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Can you discuss a time when you had to mentor a colleague or team member?

I once mentored a junior analyst who was struggling with strategic analyses. I guided them through the process by sharing frameworks and insights from my experience. After several sessions, they successfully led a project, and seeing their growth was immensely rewarding for both of us.

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What tools or frameworks do you recommend for tracking tuition and contract pricing?

For tracking tuition and contract pricing, I recommend using a combination of Excel for data analysis and visualization tools like Tableau for reporting. Implementing CRM systems that allow for ongoing tracking of pricing structures and performance analysis can also provide significant insights into areas for continuous improvement.

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How do you stay informed about market trends in the education sector?

I stay informed about market trends in the education sector through regular engagement with industry reports, networking at conferences, and participating in professional organizations. Additionally, I follow thought leaders and researchers in higher education to gain insights and incorporate best practices into my work.

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What would be your first steps in developing a discount framework for Risepoint?

In developing a discount framework for Risepoint, I would start by assessing historical data to understand the effectiveness of past discount strategies. I would then define clear objectives for offering discounts and create a structured approval process to evaluate and implement them based on strategic goals and specific scenarios.

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Risepoint (formerly Academic Partnerships) is an education technology company that provides services to help universities grow and increase access to affordable, life-changing education.

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Full-time, remote
DATE POSTED
April 2, 2025

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