At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships with university leaders and drive digital transformation in higher education.
- Company: Join Adobe, a leader in creativity and digital innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of education.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student success and institutional growth through innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience in enterprise software and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
Higher Education is undergoing profound transformation, driven by the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, changing student expectations, increasing pressure on institutional finances, and the need to equip graduates with future-ready digital skills. We are seeking a strategic and consultative Account Executive to partner with leading universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutions, and sector organisations across Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Eastern Europe. This individual will help institutions accelerate digital transformation, enhance teaching and learning, improve student outcomes, and foster creativity and innovation at scale. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong enterprise sales capabilities, a proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, and experience leading cross‑functional teams to deliver measurable value for customers.
What You’ll Do
- Build trusted relationships with senior university leaders, including Presidents, Rectors, Vice Chancellors, CIOs, Chief Digital Officers, Pro‑Vice Chancellors, Deans, and Teaching & Learning leaders.
- Develop and execute account strategies that align institutional priorities with Adobe’s vision for creativity, digital literacy, AI adoption, and student success.
- Drive growth within existing accounts while identifying and developing new opportunities across faculties, departments, libraries, research centres, and central services.
- Position Adobe as a strategic partner in institutional transformation initiatives, including digital skills development, AI readiness, curriculum innovation, employability, and student engagement.
- Lead complex, multi‑stakeholder sales cycles and facilitate executive‑level discussions focused on outcomes, impact, and value realisation.
- Collaborate closely with Customer Success Managers, Solution Consultants, Enterprise Architects, Digital Strategists, Marketing, and Partner teams to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
- Develop compelling business cases and value frameworks that demonstrate impact on student outcomes, staff productivity, institutional efficiency, and graduate employability.
- Partner with sector bodies, strategic alliances, and ecosystem partners to strengthen Adobe’s presence and influence across the Higher Education community.
- Support thought leadership activities including conferences, executive forums, webinars, customer showcases, and sector events.
What You Need to Succeed
- Proven enterprise software sales experience with a track record of securing complex, multi‑year strategic agreements.
- Experience selling into Higher Education, Public Sector, Research, or other complex consultative environments is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated success engaging senior executive stakeholders and building consensus across diverse groups of decision‑makers.
- Strong understanding of digital transformation, AI adoption, workforce readiness, teaching and learning innovation, or student experience initiatives.
- Proven ability to develop executive relationships and influence institutional strategy.
- Experience working effectively across cross‑functional teams including solution consulting, customer success, marketing, and partners.
- Strong commercial acumen with a history of achieving or exceeding revenue objectives.
- Excellent presentation, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Fluent German and English language skills.
- Ability to travel across Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Eastern Europe as required.
Preferred Experience
- Experience working with universities, research institutions, or education technology providers.
- Understanding of the DACH and EE (an advantage) Higher Education landscape, procurement frameworks, and sector priorities.
Adobe is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Account Executive – Higher Education (DACH) employer: Adobe Systems GmbH
Adobe is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in the rapidly evolving Higher Education sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training and development opportunities, enabling our team members to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on digital transformation across universities in the DACH region. Our collaborative environment encourages strategic partnerships and empowers employees to engage with senior leaders, ensuring that every contribution is valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Executive – Higher Education (DACH)
✨Dive into Digital Learning Communities
Join online forums and communities focused on digital education, like EdTech Meetups or LinkedIn groups. Engage actively—share ideas and insights, and you'll not only learn a ton but also connect with potential employers and thought leaders in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Create content that demonstrates your understanding of digital learning—think blogs, videos, or even free online workshops. This could catch the eye of companies like Adobe Systems GmbH looking for innovative thinkers. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your presentation skills!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're still in education or have access to an alumni network, make the most of your university's career services. They often have exclusive job listings and workshops tailored to students wanting to break into full-time roles in education technology.
✨Apply Directly Via Company Websites
When you come across roles like Account Executive – Higher Education (DACH) at Adobe Systems GmbH, make sure to apply directly through their website. It not only shows you're serious but sometimes you'll find positions listed there that may not be on job boards yet. Keep an eye on those!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Executive – Higher Education (DACH)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Adobe Systems GmbH, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of Adobe Systems GmbH and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adobe Systems GmbH
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Adobe Systems GmbH might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Adobe Systems GmbH.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
