Account Executive Strategic Partnerships SmartConnect

OVERVIEW

The Account Executive - Strategic Partnerships is a specialized role focused on acquiring and integrating high-value partners—such as Third Party Administrators (TPAs), financial advisory firms, and health systems—to build scalable channels that drive a continuous stream of client referrals. This position focuses on partnering with organizations to offer Smart Connect as a value-added benefit to their clients or members.

This position is critical in generating new growth opportunities for Smart Connect. You will direct and coordinate all components of the partnership sales cycle, from prospecting and negotiation to closing and integration hand-off. The Account Executive - Strategic Partnerships is instrumental in establishing Smart Connect as the trusted Medicare solution for organizational partners.

The Account Executive reports to the VP, Business Development within the Smart Connect Department.

The essential duties and responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Drive the acquisition of strategic, non-broker partners (TPAs, Financial Advisors, Health Systems), expanding our Total Addressable Market (TAM) by identifying, pursuing, and closing new organizational partnerships.
• Update and maintain a pipeline of prospective partners using Salesforce.
• Prospect and generate leads through market research, networking, and cold outreach using Zoom Info and Linked In, specifically targeting decision-makers in Business Development, Marketing, and C‑Suite roles.
• Provide compelling demonstrations to prospective organizational leadership, highlighting client retention, organizational value‑add, and the ease of the referral process rather than just product features.
• Lead contracting discussions and final negotiations, ensuring agreements are structured to drive volume (e.g., tiered incentives) and are mutually beneficial.
• Serve as the primary driver for securing signed agreements and ensuring partners are "activated" (actively referring clients) before handing off to the Account Management team.
• Work closely with Account Management leadership to ensure a seamless implementation and hand‑off experience for new partners.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to create, maintain, and update B2B sales materials and co‑branded collateral for partners.
• Attend vendor conferences (Fin Tech, Health Tech, HR Benefits) to network and identify new partnership opportunities.
• Clearly communicate the progress of partner acquisition and lead generation initiatives to internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Stay informed about industry trends, competitive landscape, and partner needs to adapt sales strategies accordingly.
• Meet and exceed sales objectives, specifically related to Partner Acquisition (Contracts Signed) and B2C Lead Generation (Referral Volume).
• Work with finance to ensure partner payouts (revenue share or referral fees) are accurately set up according to the contract.

• Be Aware (Emotional Intelligence)
• Be Open & Honest (Communication)
• Be a Team Player (Teamwork and Collaboration)
• Be Accomplished (Drive for Results)
• Be the Example (Develop Self & Empower People)
• Be Forward Thinking (Strategic Thinking)
• Be a Problem Solver (Continuous Improvement)

• Proven experience in account management, business development, or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of B2B2C business models.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex deal cycles and priorities.
• Knowledge of Medicare and Financial Advisory, TPA, or Healthcare landscape is a strong plus.

• Minimum BA/BS degree or equivalent work experience in a related field.

• Sales experience, preferably in the B2B space, preferred.
• Management experience preferred.
• Comprehensive Medicare knowledge including Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug plans, and ancillary products.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work interdepartmentally.
• Innovation and problem‑solving skills.
• Detail‑oriented and process‑minded.
• Adaptable, self‑motivated, proactive.
• Excellent time management skills.