Sales Manager

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. We focus on the foundational reading skills—phonics, phonemic awareness, and sight words—kids need to master so they can decode a sentence. Students in Ignite Reading’s program achieve over 2 weeks of reading skills growth per week of instruction, and notably all students achieve the same outstanding results including students with IEPs, multilingual learners, students of color and those receiving free or reduced-price lunch. Ignite Reading is a mission-driven public benefit corporation. We believe we can do well for our team members and shareholders while we solve one of the nation’s biggest challenges. We believe we will be more successful with a diverse team and are seeking candidates who have lived experience related to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Your Role At Ignite Reading, we’re on a mission to ensure every child learns to read, and our sales team is the engine that makes that impact possible. We’re looking for a Frontline Sales Manager who loves the "heart of the work"—the day-to-day energy of leading a team and seeing deals cross the finish line. This isn't a role for sitting behind a spreadsheet; it’s a role for someone who wants to be in the trenches with their team. You’ll be the primary coach and cheerleader for a group of dedicated reps, helping them navigate the unique world of K-12 partnerships. This role requires regular travel to attend district meetings, conferences, team gatherings, partner events, and in-person customer engagements nationwide. Key Responsibilities Pipeline & Deal Management - Guide the Momentum: Lead weekly pipeline reviews with every rep, ensuring our data is accurate and no opportunity is left behind. - Collaborative Deal Coaching: Deep-dive into opportunities in real time to help identify roadblocks and map out clear, actionable next steps to keep things moving. - Fuel Our Growth: Support consistent outbound activity and pipeline generation, helping reps stay energized and accountable to their targets. - Represent Ignite Reading Nationally: Attend conferences, partner events, and industry gatherings as a visible ambassador for Ignite Reading’s mission and impact. - Field Leadership & Customer Engagement: Build Relationships in Person: Travel regularly to support reps in the field, strengthen district relationships, and participate in key customer conversations. - Master the K-12 Journey: Act as a seasoned guide for your team as they navigate the nuances of district sales, from RFPs and board approvals to building consensus with multiple stakeholders. Coaching & Performance - Holistic Mentorship: Coach 5+ individual reps on their skills, sales process, and mindset—focusing on the "how" just as much as the "what." - Close the Gaps: Proactively identify where deals might be stalling and partner with your reps to build a strategy that improves conversion at every stage. - Actionable Feedback: Provide feedback that is kind, specific, and designed to help your team grow. We value clear, honest communication over generic encouragement. - Individualized Support: Stay close to weekly performance metrics so you know exactly who needs an extra hand or a new challenge. - Know the Mission, Deeply: Develop and maintain a working knowledge of the Science of Reading so you can speak credibly about Ignite Reading's instructional approach, coach your reps to lead with conviction, and ensure every district co