Manager, Sales Development

As the Manager of Sales Development at Newsela, your key responsibilities include leading a team of Sales Development Representatives (SDRs), implementing and designing effective lead generation strategies, and coaching your team to achieve their performance metrics. Additionally, you'll be collaborating with district and school administrators to initiate partnerships that transform educational experiences.

To be considered for the Manager, Sales Development role at Newsela, you should have at least 4 years of sales experience or 2 years in sales management. A proven track record of coaching and achieving sales goals is crucial. Familiarity with sales tools like Salesforce and other platforms such as Gong or Salesloft is also essential.

In the role of Manager, Sales Development at Newsela, you play a vital role in advancing our mission to bring meaningful classroom learning to every student. By leading an engaged team and developing partnerships with educational institutions, your efforts directly impact the quality of education that students receive, making a real difference in their learning experiences.

As the Manager, Sales Development at Newsela, you will utilize various sales tools to manage team performance and workflows, particularly Salesforce and Salesloft. These platforms help streamline operations and improve team communication, enhancing overall sales effectiveness.

At Newsela, the team culture for the Manager, Sales Development role is vibrant and collaborative. You will work closely with your SDRs and sales leaders to foster an environment where coaching, strategic thinking, and innovation thrive, all while being dedicated to the company's mission of transforming education.

A successful approach involves understanding each team member's strengths and weaknesses, providing personalized coaching, and integrating regular check-ins. Recognizing achievements and setting clear, attainable goals are also effective ways to inspire motivation among SDRs.

My approach to lead generation revolves around understanding the target audience deeply and leveraging data. I implement targeted campaigns, use innovative outreach techniques, and continuously analyze the results to refine strategies for better engagement and success.

I employ consistent performance metrics that align with company goals. By utilizing tools like Salesforce to track KPIs, as well as conducting regular performance reviews and one-on-one feedback sessions, I can effectively assess and enhance team productivity.

Firstly, I would schedule a one-on-one meeting to understand the challenges they are facing. By providing targeted coaching and aligning them with additional resources or training, I can help them develop the skills needed to succeed and boost their confidence.

Collaboration is crucial in a sales development team. It encourages knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving which can lead to innovative solutions. By fostering a collaborative environment, we can improve strategies and drive greater success as a team.

I use sales tools to track performance metrics, manage workflows, and facilitate communication within the team. By analyzing data from tools like Salesforce, I can identify trends, optimize processes, and establish best practices to boost performance effectively.

I have hands-on experience coaching sales representatives through regular training sessions, personalized feedback, and creating development plans tailored to individual needs. This has helped previous teams achieve their targets and grow both personally and professionally.

Yes, there was a situation where market dynamics changed unexpectedly. I quickly gathered feedback from the team, reassessed our target audience, and pivoted our lead generation strategies accordingly. This proactive adjustment allowed us to remain aligned with our goals despite the shifts.

Having worked closely with educational institutions, I've learned that understanding their unique challenges, such as budget constraints and varying technology adoption rates, can inform more effective sales strategies. Tailoring our messaging to address these needs has proven successful.

I foster a positive team culture by promoting strong communication, encouraging virtual team-building activities, and ensuring that everyone feels valued. Regular check-ins help me stay connected with my team members, addressing concerns proactively and celebrating achievements together.