Inside Sales Rep – Literacy Initiatives
Scholastic
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Full-Time
Competitive
RemoteExecutive
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.
RESPONSIBILITIES
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.
Key Responsibilities
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
Who We Are
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of core literacy curriculum and professional services, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates quality books and ebooks, print and technology-based learning programs for pre-K to grade 12, classroom magazines and other products and services that support children's learning both in school and at home. With operations in 14 international offices and exports to 165 countries, Scholastic makes quality, affordable books available to all children around the world through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom collections, school and public libraries, retail and online. True to its mission of 100+ years to encourage the personal and intellectual growth of all children beginning with literacy, the Company has earned a reputation as a trusted partner to educators and families. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.
Thank you for your consideration in choosing Scholastic.
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 effectively within a team environment
Scholastic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is clear: there shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam veteran. Those factors shall not influence the determination of qualifications for a job or other opportunity within the company. Further, all personnel actions (such as compensation, tuition aid, benefits, transfers, promotions, and dismissals, company-sponsored training, social and recreational programs) shall be administered without discrimination.