Sales Development Representative; Remote- Downers Grove IL

Join to apply for the Sales Development Representative (Remote
- Downers Grove IL) role at School Specialty
.

Through high-volume, highly targeted, and personalized phone outreach, the Sales Development Representative is focused on driving top-of-funnel growth. Main responsibilities include lead generation, new customer acquisition, reactivation of lapsed accounts, and ensuring all Opportunities are fully developed before handing off to the sales team.

• Lead Generation & Campaign Execution
  • Qualify Leads:
    Be the first contact for leads, identifying top‑of‑funnel Opportunities.
  • Targeted Outreach:
    Call non‑buying sites within buying districts to drive new acquisition.
  • Convert Non‑Engagers:
    Call prospects who did not respond to postcards, emails, or other low‑touch campaigns.
  • Strategic Alignment:
    Focus outreach on priority product categories and funding initiatives to build a high‑value pipeline.
• Customer Retention and Reactivation
  • Lapse Prevention:
    Proactively contact customers flagged as at‑risk for lapsing to reduce loss.
  • Reactivation:
    Re‑engage lapsed or lost accounts, especially those less responsive to digital outreach, through phone calls.
• Sales Pipeline Development & Data Enhancement
  • Lead Nurturing:
    Develop leads until they’re ready for handoff to the sales team.
  • High‑Touch Outreach:
    Reach customers directly by phone when automated efforts aren’t effective.
  • Data Enrichment:
    Collect and confirm customer information (phone numbers and email) to support future campaigns.

• Success in managing high‑volume outbound calls and meeting targets.
• Strong verbal communication, active listening, and professional phone presence.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and able to manage both acquisition and reactivation pipelines.
• Strong organizational skills and professionalism.
• Team‑oriented, ethical, and confident.
• Consistent and regular attendance and adherence to schedule.
• Ability to work during normal business hours.

• 1-2 years of relevant sales experience.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.

• High School Diploma (Associates or Bachelors Degree Preferred).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental & Vision (effective day 1), basic life insurance, disability coverage, paid parental leave, wellness programs, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, 401(k), educational reimbursement, paid holidays, annual paid volunteer time, and more.

• Frequent sitting, hearing, typing data, using a personal computer and telephone; occasional vehicle operation.
• Mental demands include multitasking, decision making, problem solving, comparing, copying, computing, compiling, analyzing, coordinating, and synthesizing data.

• School Specialty, Inc. is a Drug‑Free Workplace. All applicants are subject to a drug screen and background check.
• EEO/AA including Veterans and Disabled.
• If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, contact us by email at Oppo
• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work. They are not exhaustive; all personnel may be required to perform duties outside normal responsibilities from time to time.