The Director of Higher Education Strategy and Business Development is responsible for defining and executing CivicPlus’ growth strategy within the Higher Education market. This role leads the development of a focused go-to-market approach that positions CivicPlus as a trusted digital experience partner for colleges and universities seeking to better engage students, faculty, staff, and their broader communities.

As a strategic individual contributor, this leader partners closely with the CRO, Sales Leadership, Marketing, Product, and Customer Success teams to expand CivicPlus’ presence in Higher Education. The Director will identify market opportunities, shape long-term account strategies, cultivate executive-level relationships, and drive sustainable revenue growth through thoughtful, consultative engagement.

This role blends market strategy, executive relationship development, and disciplined business development execution to accelerate CivicPlus’ impact across Higher Education institutions nationwide.

About CivicPlus

At CivicPlus, we strive to bring our company vision to life through innovation and collaboration. Supported by approachable leadership and transparent communication, we're empowered to make an impact on local government and the residents they serve. Grow your career alongside great people, where authenticity is welcome, successes are celebrated, and potential is nurtured.

What You’ll Do

As a Director of Higher Education Strategy and Business Development, you will:

Higher Education Market Strategy

Develop and own CivicPlus’ Higher Education growth strategy, including segmentation, target account prioritization, value positioning, and multi-year expansion planning.
Identify emerging trends, funding models, regulatory considerations, and digital transformation priorities across colleges and universities.
Translate market insights into actionable go-to-market initiatives that align with CivicPlus’ broader growth objectives.

Business Development & Revenue Growth

Lead enterprise-level sales efforts across Higher Education institutions through consultative, outcome-focused engagement.
Build and execute strategic account plans that drive long-term partnerships rather than transactional sales.
Establish trusted advisor relationships with university executives (Presidents, CIOs, CMOs, Enrollment Leaders, Student Affairs, IT, and Communications leaders).
Drive pipeline development and maintain accurate forecasting aligned to quarterly and annual revenue targets.

Executive Relationship Building

Represent CivicPlus at Higher Education conferences, industry associations, and thought leadership events.
Cultivate strong relationships with strategic partners and influencers within the Higher Education ecosystem.
Position CivicPlus as a mission-aligned partner focused on improving digital access, transparency, engagement, and operational efficiency.

Cross-Functional Strategic Alignment

Partner with Product and Innovation teams to ensure Higher Education market needs inform roadmap priorities.
Collaborate with Marketing to refine messaging, case studies, and campaigns specific to Higher Education audiences.
Work with Customer Success to identify expansion opportunities and ensure strong long-term institutional outcomes.

Market Intelligence & Competitive Positioning

Maintain a deep understanding of the Higher Education technology landscape, including digital experience platforms, CMS solutions, student engagement tools, and compliance considerations.
Conduct competitive analysis and adjust strategy to ensure CivicPlus remains differentiated in value, service, and impact.
Provide ongoing executive-level insights and recommendations regarding investment, positioning, and growth strategy in the Higher Education vertical.

What We’re Looking For

We know that excellent candidates come from diverse backgrounds. Even if you don’t meet 100% of the listed requirements, we encourage you to apply!

Preferred Qualifications:

10+ years of senior leadership experience in SaaS or enterprise technology, with a record of driving strategic growth in complex markets.
Proven ability to architect and scale a new vertical or emerging market, including market entry strategy, early adopter acquisition, and sustainable revenue expansion
Demonstrated success closing complex, multi-stakeholder enterprise deals, engaging C-suite, cabinet, IT, procurement, and governing boards.
Executive presence with a consultative, strategic advisory approach, guiding institutions through modernization and digital transformation initiatives.
Data-driven operator with CRM and forecasting expertise (Salesforce or similar).
Willingness to travel (20–30%)

Why CivicPlus?

This role offers:

Own and scale a national Higher Education strategy. Lead segmentation, positioning, and expansion planning with direct executive visibility and impact.
Build C-suite university partnerships. Engage Presidents, CIOs, and senior leaders in consultative, outcome-focused conversations that drive long-term growth.
Shape product and go-to-market direction. Turn market insights into roadmap influence, messaging clarity, and competitive advantage.
Drive mission-aligned digital transformation. Help colleges modernize engagement and improve access for students and communities nationwide.

Compensation and Benefits

Estimated Salary Grade Range: $119,100 – $181,100
- The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience and is based on a 40-hour work week.
Potential Variable Pay: Based on set quotas
Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, Flexible Time Off, 401(k) plan, and more.

Our Hiring Process

Introductory call with Talent Acquisition
Interview with the Hiring Manager
Panel Interview with CivicPlus team members, including an interview project activity
Offer

Note: The process may vary slightly depending on the role.

Additional Information

CivicPlus is currently unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US.
This position will remain open until Feb 27th. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the posting may close earlier at the discretion of the Talent Acquisition team

Equal Opportunity Commitment

CivicPlus is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate and support diversity for the benefit of our employees, products, clients, and communities. Reasonable accommodations are available during the interview process.

Apply now

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