K-12 Education Business Development Strategist

This is an exciting opportunity to lead business development efforts in the K-12 education sector, driving growth and strategic partnerships across North America and globally.

As a seasoned professional with 10+ years of experience in business development or direct sales, you will collaborate closely with field sales teams and partners to identify, qualify, track, and secure large-scale K-12 opportunities.

The ideal candidate should possess a deep understanding of K-12 networking challenges, public funding mechanisms such as E-rate, digital equity initiatives, and security infrastructure needs.

You are expected to be highly knowledgeable in CommScope technologies, including RUCKUS Wi-Fi, switching, private LTE, and copper and fiber connectivity infrastructure.

Moreover, you should be comfortable engaging in both consultative and technical sales discussions with school districts, technology leaders, and state-level decision-makers.

Candidates for this role must be located either in Atlanta or NC State.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert to the field sales team and partners, guiding strategic sales pursuits across the K-12 vertical and providing consistent forecasting of revenue and pipeline progress.
• Respond to and support requests from CommScope sales teams and partners engaged in K-12 opportunities, advising on contract vehicles (e.g., E-rate), cooperative purchasing strategies, and program alignment with education funding timelines.
• Establish and nurture relationships with ecosystem partners to develop joint reference architectures that enhance CommScope's K-12 offerings.
• Act as the internal advocate for the K-12 business, working cross-functionally with various departments to define and influence the solutions, programs, and features needed to serve this segment.
• Help shape the K-12 market strategy, including vertical value propositions and tailored go-to-market models that align with school IT priorities.
• Develop technical enablement plans and build training content for sales and technical teams to empower confident positioning of CommScope's K-12 portfolio.
• Monitor and influence sales pipeline and revenue within RUCKUS to ensure expected growth in geographies.

Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience in business development or direct sales focused on education, public sector, or technology solutions, with a strong understanding of the K-12 education ecosystem. Proven ability to build executive relationships with district CIOs, CTOs, superintendents, and state education officials.
• Strong understanding of public funding models including Erate, ESSER, and state/local bond-funded technology modernization initiatives.
• Experience as a quota-supporting or quota-carrying sales professional.
• Deep strategic thinking and planning ability, with experience developing and executing go-to-market initiatives.
• Skilled at navigating matrixed organizations, balancing collaboration with independent leadership.
• Capable of leading discussions from C-level strategy to technical architecture.
• Exceptional communication skills, both technical and conceptual, internal and external.
• Recognized as a thought leader in education or public sector networking, able to speak at events, participate in webinars, or support advocacy initiatives when needed.
• Willingness to travel up to 50%, including potential for limited international engagements.

Why Join Us?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, life and accidental death insurance, a 401(k) plan, and participation in our Incentive Plan.

Candidates starting with us will be eligible for eleven paid holidays in a full calendar year, two weeks of paid vacation, as well as other leave options.