As an Account Executive - Large Accounts at HMH, your primary responsibilities will include developing strategic sales plans to engage large public school districts, such as Chicago Public Schools. You will identify key stakeholders, effectively communicate the advantages of HMH’s educational products, and build long-term relationships with decision-makers in the districts. Ensuring that your strategies align with the educational priorities of these districts is crucial, along with tracking your sales progress in Salesforce.com.

To qualify for the Account Executive - Large Accounts position at HMH, candidates should hold a Bachelor's Degree in Education, Business, Marketing, or a related field. Having experience with large urban public school districts is highly preferred, and sales experience in education or technology is essential. Classroom teaching experience is considered a strong advantage, as understanding the educational landscape is key to success in this role.

Success as an Account Executive - Large Accounts at HMH requires strong communication skills to articulate the benefits of educational solutions convincingly. You'll need to be adept at building relationships and cultivating trust with various stakeholders within school districts. Additionally, a strategic mindset to develop tailored sales plans and an ability to stay updated on market trends and district-specific needs will greatly enhance your effectiveness in this role.

The Account Executive - Large Accounts role at HMH involves significant field sales responsibilities, with travel expected to be up to 60%. This will include both domestic air travel and driving to various school districts to engage with educators and decision-makers directly. Being comfortable with this level of travel is essential for fulfilling the responsibilities of the position.

The compensation for the Account Executive - Large Accounts position at HMH ranges from $80,000 to $85,000 annually, in addition to potential uncapped commissions. This competitive salary reflects the importance of the role in advancing educational solutions within large public school districts, making it a rewarding opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact.

To build strong relationships with stakeholders, I prioritize understanding their unique challenges and objectives. I initiate conversations focused on their needs, actively listen to their concerns, and follow up with targeted solutions that demonstrate how HMH can support their goals. Establishing credibility through consistent communication and by providing valuable insights into educational trends helps in fostering trust.

In my previous role, I was tasked with increasing sales within a specific timeframe in a similar sector. By developing a targeted sales strategy and leveraging data to identify key decision-makers, I successfully exceeded my quota by 30%. This involved regular follow-ups, addressing customer concerns promptly, and engaging stakeholders with tailored presentations that showcased the benefits of our solutions.

I regularly read industry publications, attend educational conferences, and participate in professional networks to stay updated on trends and best practices. Following thought leaders and engaging in online forums helps me understand emerging needs in the educational sector, allowing me to position HMH's solutions effectively during sales discussions.

When facing objections, I listen carefully to the client's concerns to fully understand their perspective. I then address their objections with factual data and case studies that illustrate how HMH has provided solutions in similar situations. My goal is to turn objections into opportunities for deeper conversations about their needs and how we can meet them effectively.

To develop a strategic sales plan, I start by analyzing the specific needs of the district and aligning them with HMH's capabilities. This involves researching the district's existing programs, identifying gaps, and proposing tailored solutions. I also set measurable goals and timelines, ensuring that all stakeholders are engaged in the planning process to increase buy-in and collaboration.

Effective time management during travel involves careful planning of my schedule. I use technology to map out my appointments, ensuring I allocate appropriate travel time between meetings. I also check in with clients ahead of time to confirm meeting details and utilize travel time to prepare for upcoming discussions or follow up on previous interactions.

In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges facing public school districts today is adapting to changing educational standards and technology integration. Many districts struggle with balancing budget constraints while trying to provide modern solutions that enhance teaching and learning experiences. Addressing these challenges requires customized strategies and advocacy for sustainable solutions.

I am drawn to HMH because of its commitment to improving student outcomes through engaging educational solutions. I admire the company’s innovative approach to fostering partnerships with educators and schools. I believe my background in educational sales aligns perfectly with HMH's mission, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to improving the learning experience for students.

Balancing sales objectives with educational integrity is essential in my approach. I focus on understanding the educational needs of the clients and ensuring that any solution I propose genuinely benefits students and teachers. By prioritizing long-term relationships and fostering trust, I am confident that HMH's products will be seen as a valuable investment rather than just a sales pitch.

I utilize CRM tools, particularly Salesforce.com, to track my sales progress meticulously. This includes logging interactions with clients, monitoring the status of deals, and setting reminders for follow-ups. By analyzing my sales funnel regularly, I can adjust my strategies and prioritize opportunities effectively, ensuring that I stay on target with my sales goals.