At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships with university leaders and drive digital transformation in education.
- Company: Join Adobe, a leader in creative technology for education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of education.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student success and innovation in higher education.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience in enterprise software and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Higher Education is undergoing profound transformation, driven by the evolution of artificial intelligence, changing student expectations, increased pressure on institutional finances, and a 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.
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 the company’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 the company 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 the company’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 Higher Education landscape, procurement frameworks, and sector priorities.
Employment Equity Statement
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 | Adobe for Education Sales Specialist (DACH) employer: Adobe
At Adobe, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for our Account Executive role in the Higher Education sector. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and creativity, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career. With a focus on meaningful partnerships with leading universities across the DACH region, you will play a pivotal role in driving digital transformation and enhancing student outcomes, all within a supportive and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Executive, Higher Education | Adobe for Education Sales Specialist (DACH)
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Account Executive, Higher Education | Adobe for Education Sales Specialist (DACH) at Adobe, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Adobe. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Account Executive, Higher Education | Adobe for Education Sales Specialist (DACH). Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Account Executive, Higher Education | Adobe for Education Sales Specialist (DACH)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Adobe:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Adobe. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adobe
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Adobe that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Adobe that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Adobe’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
