Manager of Educational Partnerships-So. California

About Collaborative Classroom

Collaborative Classroom is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization committed to ensuring that all students become readers, writers, and thinkers who learn from, care for, and respect one another. Since the organization’s founding in 1980, our work has reached more than 8 million students and 328,000 teachers in classrooms across the country, developing fluent readers and skilled writers, supporting instructional equity, transforming discipline practices, and bolstering student and teacher engagement.

Collaborative Classroom’s evidence-based programs help children develop as proficient readers and writers, appreciate the ideas and opinions of others, learn to agree and disagree respectfully, think critically about big ideas, and become responsible citizens of the world. Our commitment to continuous, embedded professional learning empowers educators to grow their teaching practices, build school community, and create the conditions for authentic, student-centered learning.

Internally, our work culture reflects our pedagogy, fostering a sense of community that is essential to individual development. In doing so, we create a work environment in which we value teamwork, collaboration, and respect for the differences and unique contributions that each individual brings to our organization.

Who you are: Manager of Educational Partnerships: must reside in Central or Southern CA

We’re seeking a strategic, territory-focused Sales Manager with a passion for K–12 education and a proven ability to deliver impactful curriculum solutions to schools and districts. This role requires a goal-driven professional with a strong record of exceeding sales targets through thoughtful planning, execution, and cross functional collaboration. The ideal candidate excels in managing complex sales cycles, from prospecting to closing—while maintaining a strong focus on customer relationships. They build trust with district decision-makers, and use a consultative approach to match solutions to district needs. This candidate is highly organized and data-driven, leveraging tools like Salesforce and Google Suite to manage and grow their pipeline and inform strategy. Knowledge of K–8 pedagogy, strong communication skills, ability to travel throughout the assigned territory, and deep commitment to educational equity and access are essential.

• Must reside in Central or Southern CA
• Understand local district funding and initiatives, align Collaborative Classroom programs to support those needs, and assist schools and districts with quotes and purchase orders.
• Relationship-sales knowledge
• Strong, demonstrable network with key decision makers and influencers in school districts
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Data savvy and able to prioritize, plan and execute sales strategies in a fast-paced work environment
• Technology Skills: Facility with Google Suite, Mac OS, MS Office Suite, and shared filing systems; Salesforce efficiency preferred

Who We Need:

As part of a dynamic, relationship-driven sales team, you’ll play a key role in supporting school districts by effectively managing your territory and aligning Collaborative Classroom programs with local funding and initiatives. Your work will involve building strong district relationships, assisting with quotes and purchase orders, and driving engagement through events, campaigns, district and customer outreach, and professional learning opportunities. You’ll also represent the organization at territory specific conferences and events and collaborate across departments to meet or exceed your regional sales goals. Key sales competencies include:

• Sales Cycle Mastery: Proven ability to manage the full sales cycle — from prospecting and cold outreach to closing and post-sale follow-up. Experience in creating urgency, overcoming objections, and closing deals with confidence and care.
• Listening & Questioning: Exceptional listening skills and the ability to ask insightful, open-ended questions to uncover district needs, priorities, and pain points.
• Getting to Decision Makers: Skilled at identifying and engaging key education decision-makers, including superintendents, curriculum directors, and principals. Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and move deals forward.
• Matching Needs to Solutions: Strong consultative selling approach with the ability to align curriculum offerings to district goals and challenges, particularly in literacy and instructional improvement.
• Relationship Management & Development: Demonstrated ability to build trust with existing clients while proactively driving new business development. Maintains strong communication and consistent follow-up to foster loyalty and drive long-term partnerships.
• Performance Orientation: Track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets and KPIs. Self-motivated, organized, and driven by results, with the ability to manage time and priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Persuasiveness & Emotional Intelligence: Capable of influencing buying decisions through empathy, clear communication, and value-driven storytelling. Builds rapport quickly and sustains positive relationships through trust and emotional insight.
• Education Market Experience (Preferred): Familiarity with the K–12 education space, particularly in curriculum, instructional resources, or EdTech sales.

Education, Certification:

This is the pay range for this position that we reasonably expect to pay. The base pay offered will take into account the candidate’s geographic location, education, demonstrable network with key school district decisionmakers, job-related knowledge, and level of sales competencies and experience. This range is for the So. CA location and may be adjusted to the labor market in other geographic areas.

In addition to the base salary, candidates are also eligible for a $15,000 dollar sign-on bonus as well as a sales-based bonus plan.

As part of our Total Compensation Program, Collaborative Classroom offers a comprehensive employee benefits package that includes: a 403b plan with generous company contributions; group medical, dental and vision coverage; life, AD&D and disability insurance; and flexible spending accounts. Our time off accrual program includes vacation (starting with 17 days in years 1-3 and 22 days at year 4), 10 sick days/calendar year, 10 paid holidays (including a company-wide winter shutdown in December not counted as vacation), 5 days/year company-funded disability, and emergency medical donor program for employees who may have exhausted their time-off accruals.

Collaborative Classroom is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Collaborative Classroom is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at hr@collaborativeclassroom.org with "Accommodations" in the subject line.

Collaborative Classroom participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with Form I-9 information from all new employees to confirm that they are authorized to work in the U.S. but does not use E-Verify to pre-screen applicants.

What Else You Should Know: This is a full-time, salary exempt position

What Now:

For consideration, submit your resume and cover letter via our career job posting.

No recruiters please.

Center for the Collaborative Classroom is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to racial equity and social justice. We believe that each of us has a responsibility to drive Equality in our communities and in our work environment and are committed to creating a workforce that reflects society through our inclusive programs.