Account Manager, School Partnerships

Description

The Account Manager, School Partnerships position is a full-time position that will be reporting to the Senior Manager, Loan Program Management. This position is responsible for building and maintaining strong and positive relationships with our partner schools. The role is focused on the highest level of customer service with an additional focus on business development and growing accounts through upselling, program development, and cross-selling opportunities. Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain long-term relationships with all core representatives at new and existing partner schools
• Serve as primary point of contact for new school onboarding, new product implementations, and partner school updates, including live trainings and regular partner check ins and updates 
• Own (no-code) technical onboarding from approved to go-live for each partner school
• Collects required partner school information o Builds platform, application, and grants access for each program & school
• May coordinate with additional third parties related to the school partnership
• Identify opportunities to expand Ascent's partnership with existing partner schools through new product offerings and strategic cross-selling opportunities
• Answer inquiries and provide expert level support to partner schools on their role in the funding experience · Manage change both internally and externally, implementing changes initiated by partner schools, and communicating changes initiated by Ascent, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned
• Serve as the internal expert on all assigned partner schools by maintaining an organized case file for each partner school, flagging any concerns internally, and collaborating on strategic updates 
• Collaborate with other Ascent team members across different business lines to ensure consistent and streamlined service for all partner schools 
• Communicate with partner schools on behalf of Ascent including sharing school level reports, inquiries regarding complaints, and unique issues at the request of other teams (Fulfillment, Compliance, Treasury, etc.). Facilitate follow up conversations between partner school and Ascent teams as needed for deeper understanding of reporting, complaints, or other partnership requests. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree Preferred, Alternative closely related experience considered (8+ years)
• 2-4 years of account management role and/or 3-6 years of customer service experience.
• Proven track record of cultivating positive relationships amongst client accounts, co-workers, and management.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively negotiate resources and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, as well as attentiveness to details and a commitment to follow up.
• The ability to apply creative problem-solving techniques to situations using sound business judgment and collaboration.
• Comfort with public speaking and teaching or training internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in MS Office, with extensive knowledge of MS Excel.

Bonus points if you Have:

• Experience working in financial services, student lending, or in higher education (traditional or non-traditional)
• Experience working with no-code platforms (for example, Wordpress)
• Sales experience (inside or outside sales)
• CRM aptitude, HubSpot experience a bonus.
• Experience working with a distributed team.

Qualities we look for in candidates:

• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment; solve problems and resolve conflicts to achieve a positive outcome; and work independently in a team environment without close supervision.
• The capacity to get things done at short notice while collecting information from a variety of internal and external sources.
• Being comfortable with change as the product focus and service levels evolve based on business strategy, product priorities, and development of new initiatives.
• And an eagerness to learn, a drive to succeed, a sense of urgency, and a passion for the work.

Competitive pay with bonus, and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but not limited to:

• Compensation includes base salary of $70,000 - $87,000 commensurate with experience, plus bonus and options.
• Company Stock Options
• 401(k) + Company Match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Annual HSA contribution of $1,700
• Life insurance, disability, and critical illness
• 14 Paid Holidays! Eleven (11) + Two (2) Community Days + Your Birthday!
• Snacks and drinks in the office
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Generous paid leave policies
• $2,000 Vacation Incentive Plan after 3 years + $1,000 Sabbatical Day
• Wellness, Work from Home funds, and more!