Sales Development Representative

Who you are

• The ideal SDR is intrinsically motivated, highly organized, intellectually curious, and thrives in a collaborative environment where preparation, continuous learning, and purposeful outreach drive results
• 3+ years in K-12 education (as a teacher, administrator, leader, or similar role) OR 1+ year of inside sales experience (K-12 EdTech inside sales experience highly preferred), with a proven track record of engaging prospects to secure qualified meetings
• Located in Pacific or Central Time zones preferred, or fully open and willing to align working hours based on business and customer needs
• Ability to be a strategic thought partner to Account Executives (AEs), continuously researching and staying up-to-date on your region as a territory expert, tracking account activity, and managing hundreds of school accounts across designated states
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and adaptability by actively seeking feedback, mastering Newsela’s full product suite, and refining your approach daily
• Demonstrate a high intrinsic drive, excellent time management and organization, and a proactive approach to managing your daily responsibilities
• Familiar with sales platforms such as Salesloft, and/or Outreach.io
• A strong communicator who can empathize with the unique challenges of our K-12 buyers, translating those insights into compelling value propositions
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment and uses creativity when partnering with team members to ensure flawless execution
• Experiencing using AI tools to drive greater efficiency and productivity
• Legally authorized to work in the US

What the job involves

• Sales Development Representatives (SDRs) generate qualified pipeline by engaging leaders within Newsela's Strategic segment, partnering with some of the largest school districts in the country
• They are energized by research and account planning, using a deep understanding of the K–12 landscape to personalize outreach, navigate complex district structures, and lead thoughtful, meaningful cold calls that uncover real district priorities
• SDRs collaborate closely with Account Executives, communicate proactively, and take ownership of every opportunity from first touch through handoff
• This is a fully remote role and an exciting opportunity to have an impact on student outcomes!
• Drive high-volume outbound prospecting through strategic email cadences and targeted daily phone outreach to key school decision-makers, including administrators and instructional coaches
• Uncover and qualify district needs through consultative conversations, transitioning high-potential leads into qualified opportunities for the Strategic Sales team
• Partner with a dedicated Account Executive (AE) to align on territory strategy, coordinate outreach, and book introductory meetings
• Collaborate within the Sales organization to inform strategy and processes that enhance overall sales performance
• Contribute to a highly supportive team environment, backed by robust sales training, enablement, marketing, and operations
• As the initial point of contact with prospects, represent the future of education by empowering districts to supplement their curriculum with differentiated instruction
• Review calls with the SDR team, share best practices, and iterate on outreach strategies, including crafting customized talk tracks and hyper personalized email outreach
• Utilizes data insights and maintains meticulous CRM data hygiene to track cadences, prioritize active leads, and ensure efficient pipeline management

The application process

• All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check as part of our pre-employment process

Benefits

• Healthcare (pets included)
• Continue your learning - on us!
• Discounts and resources to stay healthy
• Commuter savings (trains/bikes)
• Generous time off for your most important job — maternity, paternity, and adoption
• Unlimited time Off