National Sales Manager - Head Start

Head Start National Sales Manager

Nelnet Business Services (NBS), a division of Nelnet, Inc., provides payment technology, education services, and learning management solutions to education and faith-based organizations, serving more than 1,300 higher education institutions, 11,500 K-12 schools, 3,500 churches, and millions of individual students, families, and supporters across the globe. Our culture of service enables us to form long-lasting and trusted partnerships, while our focus on creativity and innovative solutions empowers our customer communities to thrive. As a Nelnet company, the perks at NBS go beyond our benefits package. You're part of a community, invested in you as an individual and united by our mission to create opportunities for people where they live, learn and work.

Job Responsibilities

The Head Start National Sales Manager serves as the official Head Start sales representative for FACTS Education Services across the nation. This role is responsible for increasing partnerships with Head Start and Early Head Start grantees, driving revenue growth, and expanding the reach of FACTS professional development, coaching, and technical assistance services for early childhood programs. The manager will build relationships with key decision-makers, policy councils, and program directors across the U.S., ensuring FACTS solutions align with federal Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and local needs.

• Manage and Grow Partnerships: Develop, service, and expand relationships with Head Start and Early Head Start grantee agencies, including school districts, nonprofits, tribal governments, and community action agencies, across all regions.
• National Outreach: Represent FACTS at national and regional Head Start conferences, meetings, and events. Present services, build new contacts, and explore opportunities to serve Head Start agencies nationwide and in U.S. territories.
• Sales Strategy: Develop and implement effective sales strategies to achieve weekly, monthly, and annual goals for Head Start market penetration and revenue growth.
• Relationship Building: Establish and maintain high-level relationships with Head Start program directors, policy councils, and other key stakeholders. Serve as a trusted advisor on professional development and program improvement solutions.
• Proposal Development: Respond to Head Start RFPs, prepare partnership proposals, and collaborate with internal teams to ensure compliance with federal guidelines and local requirements.
• Market Intelligence: Monitor Head Start funding trends, policy changes, and competitive landscape. Provide insights to inform product development and marketing strategies.
• Professional Development: Coordinate and conduct educational seminars, webinars, and workshops for Head Start staff, supporting their required annual professional development hours.
• Database Management: Maintain accurate records of contacts, opportunities, and activities in the FACTS CRM system for national Head Start accounts.
• Travel: Travel nationally to meet with Head Start agencies, attend conferences.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Education degree, master's degree or completed graduate courses in education preferred (early childhood).

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience in the Head Start market space. Extensive experience in sales and/or Head Start program implementation.

Competencies – Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

Ability to work independently. Proficiency in computer/internet technology, including use of data management, sales management, sales presentations, and Microsoft (Office Suite) applications. Excellent communication and public speaking skills. Ability to build positive relationships and persuade nonpublic school leaders to purchase an intangible service offering. Exceptional listening skills with the ability to formulate a response to prospect objections. Ability to define prospect needs and respond quickly with solutions. Professional and personable in both dress and speech. Strong work ethic, values, and integrity. Outgoing personality and willingness to make cold calls to set appointments. Valid driver's license and dependable transportation with the ability to travel on a national level. Ability to manage an expense account within defined parameters.

Benefits

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program.

Nelnet is committed to providing a welcoming and respectful workplace where all associates have the opportunity to succeed. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. We value the unique contributions of every team member and believe that a positive work environment benefits everyone. Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at 402-486-5725 or corporaterecruiting@nelnet.net.