Senior Strategic Account Manager – State, Local & Education (SLED) Specialist with E‑Rate Expertise, Customer Success Leadership, and Public Sector Connectivity Champion at brighthush

About brighthush: Empowering Public Sector Connectivity

brighthush is a trailblazer in mission‑critical bandwidth and communications infrastructure, delivering high‑performance connectivity solutions that enable state, local, and education (SLED) agencies to serve their communities with speed, reliability, and security. Our portfolio spans cutting‑edge fiber, cloud, and edge services, allowing public sector organizations to modernize legacy networks, reduce operational costs, and unlock new capabilities for citizens, students, and educators. With a proven track record of partnering with government entities across the United States, brighthush has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor for public sector technology initiatives.

Why brighthush is the Right Place for You

At brighthush, we believe that the work we do has a direct impact on the quality of life for millions of people. Our culture is built on purpose, collaboration, and continuous learning. We empower our employees to take ownership of their careers, provide mentorship from seasoned leaders, and offer resources that help you grow both professionally and personally. Whether you are a seasoned account manager or an emerging talent, you’ll find a supportive environment that rewards innovation, recognizes achievements, and celebrates diversity.

Role Overview

As a Senior Strategic Account Manager, you will be the trusted partner for our most valuable SLED clients. You will own a portfolio of high‑value accounts, guiding them through the entire lifecycle—from initial engagement and E‑Rate compliance to renewal and expansion. Your deep understanding of public sector procurement, combined with your ability to translate complex technical solutions into clear business value, will drive revenue growth and cement brighthush as the go‑to connectivity provider for state, local, and education agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Account Leadership: Own a portfolio of high‑value SLED accounts, cultivating deep relationships with C‑suite executives, IT directors, and procurement officials across state, local, and education agencies.
• Customer Retention & Expansion: Drive renewal cycles, identify upsell and cross‑sell opportunities, and develop comprehensive account plans that align with client objectives, budget cycles, and long‑term technology roadmaps.
• E‑Rate Program Expertise: Act as the primary point of contact for clients navigating the E‑Rate funding process, ensuring compliance, maximizing rebates, and providing guidance on program updates, policy changes, and best practices.
• Negotiation & Deal Closure: Lead contract negotiations, manage pricing discussions, and close deals that meet both client needs and brighthush profitability targets while maintaining a win‑win relationship.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with Sales, Technical, Finance, and Customer Success teams to deliver seamless, end‑to‑end solutions, ensuring client satisfaction and successful project delivery.
• Market Intelligence & Thought Leadership: Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and regulatory changes affecting the SLED space; translate insights into actionable strategies and share knowledge with internal stakeholders.
• Project & Program Management: Coordinate cross‑functional teams to deliver complex connectivity solutions on time and within budget, while managing scope, risks, and stakeholder expectations.
• Travel & Client Engagement: Travel as needed (typically 20–30% of the time) to meet clients, attend industry events, and support on‑site project kick‑offs and post‑implementation reviews.
• Mentorship & Team Development: Provide guidance and coaching to junior account managers, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in customer retention, strategic account management, or B2B sales within the public sector or technology industry.
• Proven track record of managing complex SLED accounts, achieving high renewal rates, and driving revenue growth.
• Deep understanding of the E‑Rate program, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical mindset, comfortable using data to inform account strategies and forecast revenue.
• Self‑motivated, results‑driven, and able to thrive in a fast‑paced, remote work environment.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., brighthush), Microsoft Office Suite, and collaboration tools (Teams, Zoom).
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Information Technology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with state, local, or education agencies in the United States.
• Background in telecommunications, networking, or cloud services.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement processes and contracting frameworks.
• Certifications such as Certified Public Sector Sales Professional (CPSP) or Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Fluency in additional languages (Spanish, French, etc.) is a plus.
• Experience with data‑driven account planning tools and predictive analytics.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop long‑term account plans that align with client goals and brighthush’s business objectives.
• Relationship Building: Proven skill in cultivating trust and rapport with C‑suite executives, IT leaders, and procurement officials.
• Negotiation & Influence: Strong track record of closing deals while maintaining win‑win outcomes.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.
• Project Management: Experience coordinating cross‑functional teams to deliver complex solutions on time and within budget.
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating changing priorities and evolving client needs.
• Data‑Driven Decision Making: Proficiency in using analytics to drive account performance and forecast revenue.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to coach junior team members and foster a collaborative team environment.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At brighthush, we invest in our people. As a Senior Strategic Account Manager, you’ll have access to:

• Structured onboarding and mentorship programs that accelerate your integration into the team.
• Ongoing training in public sector sales, E‑Rate compliance, and emerging connectivity technologies.
• Opportunities to earn industry certifications and attend conferences that enhance your expertise.
• Clear career pathways to roles such as Account Director, Regional Sales Lead, or Product Management.
• Internal mobility across business units, allowing you to broaden your skill set and explore new challenges.
• Access to a learning library, webinars, and knowledge‑sharing sessions that keep you at the cutting edge of the industry.

Work Environment & Culture

brighthush embraces a flexible, remote‑first culture that empowers employees to work from anywhere in the United States. We prioritize:

• Work‑life balance through generous paid time off and flexible scheduling.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that foster a welcoming environment for all.
• Collaborative teamwork, with regular virtual town halls, cross‑team projects, and knowledge‑sharing sessions.
• A culture of transparency, where leadership shares company goals, challenges, and successes openly.
• Recognition programs that celebrate individual and team achievements.
• Community engagement opportunities, including volunteer days and partnership with local schools and nonprofits.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive total rewards package designed to attract top talent and reward performance:

• Base Salary: $75,390 – $107,700 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance Bonus: Eligible for annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance metrics.
• Equity: Potential for stock options or restricted stock units as part of the long‑term incentive plan.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with mental health resources and wellness stipends.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company match to help you build long‑term financial security.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and personal days, plus paid holidays.
• Parental Leave: Generous parental leave policy for new parents, including both maternity and paternity options.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for certifications, courses, and conferences.
• Wellness Programs: Access to virtual fitness classes, wellness stipends, and employee assistance programs.
• Technology & Workspace: Home‑office stipend, high‑speed internet reimbursement, and ergonomic equipment support.

How to Apply

Ready to take the next step in your career and help public sector organizations thrive? Submit your application through our careers portal or click the link below to explore this opportunity in more detail.