Senior Strategic Customer Account Manager – SLED & Public Sector – Network Infrastructure & Digital Services

Introduction

In today’s fast‑moving digital landscape, the backbone of innovation is reliable, high‑capacity connectivity. brighthush is a global leader in delivering mission‑critical bandwidth solutions that power the most influential organizations across the world. From state and local governments to K‑12 schools and higher‑education campuses, our expansive network of dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access enables public‑sector institutions to transform the way they serve communities, educate students, and protect citizens.

About brighthush

With a 141,000‑mile network spanning North America and Europe, brighthush connects thousands of buildings and data centers, providing the infrastructure that supports everything from emergency services to cutting‑edge research labs. Our commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer success has earned us a reputation as the partner of choice for organizations that demand the highest levels of performance and security.

Why Join brighthush

As a Senior Strategic Customer Account Manager – SLED & Public Sector, you will be at the forefront of shaping the future of public‑sector connectivity. You will partner with state and local agencies, school districts, and higher‑education institutions to align our advanced network services with their unique funding cycles, procurement processes, and technology roadmaps. In return, you’ll enjoy a dynamic work environment that rewards innovation, offers continuous learning opportunities, and recognizes your impact on the communities we serve.

Role Overview

In this pivotal role, you will serve as the trusted advisor and revenue steward for brighthush’s most complex and high‑value Public Sector and Education accounts. You will lead the post‑implementation relationship, ensuring customer satisfaction, securing renewals, and driving expansion opportunities that align with E‑rate funding cycles, state contract vehicles, and cooperative purchasing programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and nurture executive‑level relationships with government agencies, school districts, and higher‑education institutions, becoming the go‑to partner for all connectivity needs.
• Develop multi‑year account plans that incorporate customer priorities, service requirements, funding cycles, procurement timelines, competitive landscape, and financial exposure.
• Own revenue protection by managing churn risk, executing renewals, and identifying expansion opportunities across multi‑service, multi‑location accounts.
• Lead complex renewal and RFP/RFQ processes, coordinating cross‑functional teams (Sales, Engineering, Finance, Legal, Operations, Service Delivery) to deliver compelling proposals and secure contracts.
• Align strategies with E‑rate and other public‑sector funding programs, ensuring that service offerings match eligible categories, application deadlines, and procurement requirements.
• Navigate state contract vehicles and cooperative purchasing programs, leveraging these mechanisms to streamline renewals and unlock new revenue streams.
• Forecast churn and develop mitigation plans, balancing customer outcomes with pricing discipline, margin, and long‑term account value.
• Negotiate contract terms—including save, replacement, portability, migration, network redesign, relocation, decommission, and restructuring—while maintaining compliance with procurement regulations.
• Provide senior commercial judgment on credits, ETL, portability, rate increases, and revenue treatment, ensuring accurate financial reporting.
• Conduct executive business reviews, focusing on service performance, upcoming procurements, renewal readiness, funding opportunities, and future network requirements.
• Mentor junior CAMs and contribute to the development of renewal playbooks, negotiation best practices, and operating standards for Public Sector and Education accounts.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience in Customer Retention, Strategic Account Management, Client Services, or Sales, with senior roles requiring 8+ years.
• Proven track record managing large, complex SLED accounts, including public‑sector, government, and education organizations.
• Deep understanding of the E‑rate program, including eligibility, funding cycles, application timelines, and procurement requirements.
• Expertise in SLED procurement processes: RFP/RFQ development, formal bid processes, state contract vehicles, cooperative purchasing programs, and education consortiums.
• Advanced experience in renewals, retention, commercial negotiations, and revenue preservation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project‑management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple timelines and priorities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and facilitation skills, capable of building credibility with operational users and senior decision makers.
• Ability to work effectively across Sales, Engineering, Finance, Legal, Operations, Service Delivery, and Product teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Public Administration, Education, or related field (preferred).
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed to meet customer and business requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant telecommunications or digital infrastructure experience.
• Experience managing high‑revenue, multi‑service, multi‑location accounts with extended buying cycles.
• Familiarity with state and local government purchasing environments and the ability to navigate complex contracting, budgeting, and approval processes.
• Knowledge of churn metrics (gross and net revenue retention, discount performance) and recurring‑revenue management best practices.
• Experience with incentive plans and discretionary annual or sales incentive structures.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Customer‑centric mindset with a passion for delivering value.
• Strong negotiation and influence skills.
• Data‑driven decision making and financial literacy.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast‑paced environment.
• Team collaboration and cross‑functional leadership.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Career Growth & Learning

At brighthush, your professional development is a top priority. You will have access to:

• Structured mentorship programs with senior leaders in Sales, Engineering, and Operations.
• Regular training on the latest network technologies, procurement regulations, and industry trends.
• Opportunities to lead cross‑functional projects that shape the future of public‑sector connectivity.
• Clear career pathways to senior account management, regional leadership, or strategic consulting roles.

Work Environment & Culture

Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to community impact. You’ll find:

• A diverse, inclusive workplace that values every voice.
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid options.
• Regular team‑building events, hackathons, and community service initiatives.
• A focus on work‑life balance, with generous paid time off and parental leave.
• A transparent, merit‑based performance framework that rewards results and continuous improvement.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Base Salary: $75,390 – $107,700 USD annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Incentive Plans: Non‑sales roles may qualify for a discretionary annual incentive plan; sales roles may qualify for a sales incentive plan.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k) savings plan with company match.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO policy, including paid parental leave.
• Additional benefits such as life insurance, disability coverage, and employee assistance programs.

How to Apply

Ready to make a tangible difference in the public sector while advancing your career? Click the link below to submit your application and join the brighthush team.

Apply to this role at brighthush

brighthush is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know.

We also use a third‑party identity verification service, CLEAR1, to authenticate applicant identities. CLEAR1 may collect biometric data, such as facial geometry scans, in accordance with applicable privacy laws. By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge this disclosure.