Director, Strategic Partnerships

ID

2026-21457

Category

Sales & Account Management

Position Type

Regular FT

At Barnes & Noble Education (“BNED”) we are dedicated to making tomorrow a better, more inclusive, and smarter world by servicing all who work in education. As a leading solutions provider for the education industry, we are committed to driving affordability, accessibility, and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide by ensuring millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Together, our teams work to elevate lives through education.

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Director of Strategic Partnerships to lead top-line sales growth and cultivate lasting relationships with key accounts. In this role, you will drive new business through targeted lead generation, strategic outreach, and effective proposal development. You’ll also oversee the seamless onboarding of new accounts while collaborating with senior leadership on key initiatives. The ideal candidate excels in strategic thinking, relationship management and project coordination.

• Drive leads for top-line sales growth leveraging lead generation tools, cold calling, and building connections through all channels.
• Develop response strategies for RFPs, RFIs, and other inquiries from prospects through compelling presentations and proposals.
• Negotiate and finalize the terms of proposals and agreements, including inventory purchase, renovation plans, and major commitments, with approval from senior leadership.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with established accounts through regular visits and communications.
• Assist in negotiating contract modifications, extensions, and renewals as requested by the VP of Stores.
• Collaborate with prospective accounts to define the scope of remodeling and renovation plans, determine financial commitments, and present plans formally as needed.
• Coordinate all activities to ensure a smooth and orderly transition of new accounts to the VP of Stores, Director of Stores, and Regional Manager.
• Consult with the VP of Stores as needed to align on strategic initiatives.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required.

• 4+ years of relevant experience in sales, business development or a related field required.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, collaboration and people management skills.
• Strong presentation and sales skills, with a proven ability to persuade and influence key stakeholders.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to think critically and develop effective solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Note: This position requires frequent travel throughout the country to meet with potential and current clients on college and university campuses.

We believe your success is our success, so our benefits package is designed specifically to support you in every aspect of your life. At BNED, we offer a variety of programs and resources to support the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our employees by offering a competitive total rewards package for full-time employees, which includes medical, dental, and vision plans, 401k match, life insurance, commuter benefits, paid time off with paid holidays, and a broad range of other benefits.

The hiring rate for this position is $80,000 - $90,000, and it is a commission-based role. The actual pay may vary based on factors such as professional experience, skills, and competencies. Commission details will be provided during the hiring process and are based on individual performance.