As an Account Executive at Lexia in Houston, your primary responsibilities involve managing a designated sales territory and driving the sales of literacy learning solutions for preK-12 education. You will lead complex sales processes, engage with key educational stakeholders through in-person and online presentations, and develop tailored proposals. Additionally, maintaining accurate customer CRM data, strategizing market approaches, and developing relationships with decision-makers are vital components of this role.

To be an Account Executive at Lexia in the Houston area, candidates should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree along with over five years of experience in K-12 sales, particularly in technology-driven literacy solutions. Proven skills in business development and account management are essential, as well as familiarity with CRM tools, such as Salesforce. A strong understanding of the K-12 educational landscape in Texas and a proven track record in achieving sales goals will greatly enhance your candidacy.

The Account Executive role at Lexia supports educational professionals by providing them with access to innovative literacy learning solutions and resources designed to help students of all abilities become proficient readers. By fostering strong relationships with teachers and school administrators, you will deliver training and implementation services that empower educators in their quest to support their students' reading proficiency, ensuring quality education for all.

Preferred experience for an Account Executive at Lexia includes a strong background in sales, particularly within the K-12 educational sector and a focus on technology-based literacy programs. Candidates should demonstrate a successful track record of attaining sales goals in a competitive market, alongside experiences that highlight their ability to nurture professional relationships with educational institutions. Comprehensive knowledge of the Texas educational landscape and specific district needs will also be advantageous.

The Account Executive role at Lexia in Houston requires approximately 50% travel. This includes visiting schools and districts within your territory to build relationships, understand their needs, and present solutions. Flexibility for overnight travel might also be necessary, as building lasting connections with educational stakeholders is a crucial aspect of this position.

To create a successful territory plan as an Account Executive, start by conducting a thorough market analysis to identify key schools and districts that could benefit from Lexia's literacy solutions. Assess the needs and pain points of potential clients and create a strategic engagement timeline that includes targeted outreach efforts, presentation schedules, and follow-ups. Regularly review and adjust your plan based on performance metrics and evolving market conditions to stay aligned with company goals.

In your response, paint a vivid picture of a specific successful sales pitch where you tailored your presentation to the audience’s needs. Discuss how you highlighted the unique features and benefits of the product, including how it addressed specific challenges faced by the stakeholders. Mention any positive feedback received and how the pitch resulted in achieving desired outcomes, such as closing a deal or securing future business opportunities.

Building relationships with educational decision-makers involves a mix of networking, active listening, and showing genuine interest in their goals. Attend educational events, engage on professional platforms, and regularly follow-up with personalized messages. Demonstrating knowledge of their district’s specific challenges and proposing effective solutions will help in establishing trust. Additionally, consistently provide value through resources and insights can nurture and strengthen these critical relationships.

Discuss your past experiences using CRM systems like Salesforce effectively. Highlight how CRM allows you to track customer interactions, manage leads, and analyze data to tailor your sales approach. Explain how you relied on CRM to maintain organized records, forecast sales, and develop targeted marketing campaigns, leading to more efficient account management and higher success rates in closing deals.

When faced with objections, remain calm and receptive. Actively listen to understand the client's concerns fully, clarifying any misconceptions. Respond with data-driven insights and testimonials to demonstrate how Lexia's solutions can specifically address those objections. Emphasize your readiness to support them with tailored resources, and remain flexible in finding a solution that aligns with their needs.

Show your understanding of Lexia by stating its commitment to supporting literacy learning and helping educators achieve successful outcomes for their students. Highlight how Lexia's tools are designed to cater to diverse learners and their needs, emphasizing how they bridge gaps in literacy. Mention your admiration for their innovative approach and its impact on teaching and learning environments, as well as your enthusiasm for contributing to such an important mission.

Reflect on specific challenges, such as aggressive competition or changing educational regulations, and explain the steps you took to overcome them. Present a scenario where you identified the root of the problem, devised a strategy to address it, and the results that followed, showcasing your resilience and problem-solving skills. This demonstrates your readiness for potential challenges in the Account Executive role at Lexia.

Effective time management involves identifying tasks based on urgency and importance. Elaborate on how you leverage tools like calendars and to-do lists to structure your day, ensuring that high-impact activities, such as client meetings and strategic planning, receive priority. Also, discuss the need for flexibility and the ability to respond to urgent matters without sacrificing key long-term objectives.

Share an example where collaboration with cross-functional teams was crucial for project success. Describe your role in facilitating communication between sales, marketing, and product development to align strategies and goals. Highlight how your leadership and organizational skills contributed to positive outcomes while also demonstrating your ability to work effectively in a team environment, aligning with Lexia's collaborative culture.

Express your passion for education and helping students succeed, emphasizing how Lexia’s mission resonates with you. Discuss your eagerness to work with cutting-edge literacy solutions that improve educational outcomes. Your enthusiasm for collaborating with educators and being a part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in students' lives can showcase your potential fit for the role at Lexia.