Inside Sales Rep – Literacy Initiatives

Job Description:

THE OPPORTUNITY

Scholastic Literacy Initiatives Inside Sales Representatives manage and grow business for the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) and Literacy Partnerships programs within an established territory by developing and strengthening partnerships with schools, school districts, public libraries, and community organizations nationwide. Working within established sales campaigns and in collaboration with outside/field Account Executives, Inside Sales Representatives expand market coverage, increase sales opportunities and revenue, and drive customer engagement through proactive outreach, consultative relationship management, and ongoing customer support.

This role is responsible for maintaining and growing existing business while identifying new partnership opportunities, increasing revenue through program participation, and advancing literacy and community engagement initiatives across both educational and community-based markets.

Specific Responsibilities

A Scholastic Literacy Initiatives Inside Sales Representative utilizes phone, email, direct mail, and virtual presentation platforms (such as Microsoft Teams) to retain existing business and grow sales within an established territory. Representatives engage in consultative conversations with educators, literacy leaders, and community-based organizations to understand family and community engagement goals and identify how Scholastic Education products, services, and literacy solutions can support their specific initiatives and funding priorities.

This role requires proactive outreach, relationship management, strategic follow-up, and collaboration with internal and external partners to drive revenue growth and customer success.

• Meet or exceed established sales goals, activity metrics, and customer contact expectations
• Build, manage, and maintain a healthy sales pipeline through prospecting, follow-up, and account development activities
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with schools, districts, public libraries, and community organizations within the assigned territory
• Conduct outbound sales calls, virtual meetings, presentations, and email campaigns to generate new business opportunities and expand existing partnerships
• Identify customer needs and recommend appropriate Scholastic Literacy Initiatives solutions
• Maintain and grow existing customer accounts through ongoing communication, customer support, and strategic account management
• Collaborate with outside/field Account Executives to coordinate sales efforts, increase territory coverage, and support customer initiatives
• Utilize CRM systems and sales tools to document customer interactions, manage opportunities, and maintain accurate account records
• Monitor and follow up on quotes, proposals, orders, and customer inquiries in a timely and professional manner
• Support customer participation in literacy initiatives and family/community engagement programs
• Stay informed on Scholastic products, educational trends, funding opportunities, and literacy initiatives impacting schools and community organizations
• Attend educational conferences, community outreach events, sponsored trainings, and sales meetings as assigned
• Participate in ongoing professional development and sales training opportunities as needed

HOW YOU CAN FIT (Qualifications)

Experience

• Previous experience in sales, customer service, education, literacy initiatives, nonprofit organizations, or community engagement is beneficial, but not required
• Experience working with schools, educators, libraries, or community-based organizations is a plus
• Prior experience with phone sales, relationship management, account support, or consultative selling is helpful
• Familiarity with CRM systems, virtual meeting platforms, and customer outreach strategies is preferred
• Candidates with strong communication skills, a customer-focused mindset, and the ability to build relationships are encouraged to apply, even without direct industry experience

Skills & Qualifications

• Professional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong phone presence with the ability to build rapport and engage customers effectively
• Active listening and consultative selling skills
• Strong computer proficiency (Salesforce, Microsoft Office applications, Google Suite, Outlook, etc.)
• Digital presentation and virtual meeting skills
• Organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage high call volume while maintaining accuracy and professionalism
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and achieve sales goals
• Problem-solving and objection-handling skills
• Thrive in a fun and fast-paced environment with the ability to multi-task and re-prioritize as needed
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new products, systems, and sales strategies
• Customer-focused mindset with a passion for delivering excellent service and support
• Strong follow-up and relationship-building skills
• Ability to collaborate…