Partnerships Manager - Ignite Reading

About Ignite Reading

Today, 67% of students and 82% of low-income students can’t read at grade level by the end of third grade. That’s when students are supposed to go from learning to read to reading to learn. It’s America’s number one education crisis and we know how to fix it.

Ignite Reading delivers one-to-one virtual tutoring that teaches every student the foundational skills they need to become a confident, fluent reader. We pair students who need extra support with expert reading tutors who provide daily, 15-minute, Science of Reading-based instruction that rapidly closes their decoding gaps. Students in Ignite Reading’s program achieve over 2 weeks of reading skills growth per week of instruction.

Ignite Reading is a mission-driven public benefit corporation seeking candidates who have lived experience related to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Your Role

As a Partnerships Manager, you are at the heart of our mission to ensure every child has the chance to become a confident reader. You’ll spend your days connecting with small-to-mid-sized K–12 districts, sharing how Ignite Reading’s 1:1 virtual literacy program can change their students' lives.

This is a full-cycle sales journey where you’ll guide districts through thoughtful discovery and clear execution. While you’ll take the lead on most partnerships, our senior team is always ready to support you with complex contracts or pricing.

Key Responsibilities

Generate Revenue & Acquire New Clients

• Prospect, qualify, and close new district opportunities within defined territory parameters
• Own Discovery → Demo → Proposal → Contract for assigned accounts
• Meet quarterly and annual quota targets

Pipeline Development & Prospecting Discipline

• Build pipeline through outbound prospecting, events, referrals, and SDR-sourced leads
• Conduct structured discovery using MEDDPICC methodology
• Run certified Ignite Reading demos once certified

Account Scope

• Focus on small-to-mid-sized districts
• Navigate multi-stakeholder environments with structured buying processes
• Escalate enterprise-level or state-wide opportunities to Director/VP

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Customer Success for smooth handoffs post-close
• Support pilots as pathways to broader adoption
• Collaborate with Directors on complex or high-value opportunities when required

Qualifications

K–12 EdTech Sales Foundation

• 2–4 years of experience in K–12 education technology sales with consistent quota attainment
• Experience selling to principals, curriculum directors, literacy coordinators, and school-level leaders
• Exposure to district procurement processes
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage small-to-mid-sized district opportunities from prospecting through close

AI-Enabled Sales Discipline

• Active use of AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, or similar) to improve research, outreach personalization, and call preparation
• Strong CRM discipline and comfort using tools such as HubSpot and conversation intelligence platforms
• A mindset of optimization — you consistently look for ways to improve efficiency, increase conversion rates, and shorten sales cycles

Core Competencies

• Clear, confident communicator who can educate district stakeholders without overcomplicating the message
• Coachable and growth-oriented — you actively seek feedback and apply it quickly
• Ownership mentality — you manage your pipeline with discipline and accountability
• Resilient and persistent — you handle rejection professionally and stay focused on long-term wins
• Detail-oriented with strong HubSpot hygiene and reliable follow-through
• Willingness to travel up to 65-70%

Mission Alignment

• Genuine passion for literacy equity and closing achievement gaps
• Energy and optimism even in challenging environments
• Commitment to serving students and educators, not just hitting numbers

Why Join Ignite Reading?

• Transparent Compensation: $90,000 base / OTE $180K+
• Employee Stock Options
• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans (80% employee coverage, 70% dependent coverage)
• Short-term Disability (100% employer paid)
• 401(k) retirement plans with company contribution
• 12-weeks paid parental leave
• Unlimited vacation days (+ 12 paid holidays)
• Technology Stipend
• Wellness Stipend
• Professional Development Stipend