Sales Development Representative

Newsela

. Generate qualified pipeline by engaging leaders and partnering with large school districts .

Posted 10/2/2026full-timeRemote • California • United StatesJunior💰 $55,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in K-12 education sales, particularly in engaging school districts and navigating curriculum adoption cycles. Proficient in utilizing CRM tools and data insights to manage pipelines and enhance outreach strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

K-12 Education Sales ExperienceCalifornia K-12 District Landscape NavigationCurriculum Adoption UnderstandingSalesforce ProficiencyStrong Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Outbound ProspectingConsultative ConversationsPipeline ManagementData Insights UtilizationCurriculum Integration

Soft Skills

Intellectual CuriosityAdaptabilityTime ManagementProactive ManagementCreativity

Tools & Technologies

SalesforceSalesloftOutreach.ioAI Tools

Industry Keywords

K-12 EducationDistrict Buying CyclesCurriculum Adoption TimelinesSecondary ELAELLs and MLLs Support

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Generate qualified pipeline by engaging leaders and partnering with large school districts
Conduct high-volume outbound prospecting through strategic email cadences and targeted daily phone outreach
Lead SDR outreach for Newsela’s Core product, targeting state initiatives and complex curriculum adoption cycles such as California ELA and Core curriculum adoptions
Research district curriculum adoption timelines and identify evaluation and purchasing stages
Qualify district needs through consultative conversations and transition high-potential leads into qualified Strategic Sales opportunities
Partner with Account Executives on territory strategy, coordinated outreach, and introductory meetings
Collaborate with Sales to improve strategy and processes and shape the Core product go-to-market playbook
Represent Newsela and its education technology solutions as the initial prospect contact
Review calls, share best practices, and refine customized talk tracks and personalized email outreach
Use data insights and maintain CRM data hygiene to track cadences, prioritize leads, and manage pipeline

Requirements

What you’ll need

3+ years in K-12 education OR 1+ year of inside sales experience, with a proven track record of engaging prospects to secure qualified meetings
Experience navigating the California K-12 district landscape
Proven understanding of district buying cycles and curriculum adoption timelines
Experience or background in 6–12 Secondary ELA and ELD instruction or curriculum adoption is a major plus
Background supporting ELLs and MLLs through instruction, targeted interventions, or curriculum integration is highly desirable
Ability to research and stay up-to-date on the region as a territory expert
Ability to track account activity and manage hundreds of school accounts across designated states
Intellectual curiosity and adaptability; ability to seek feedback, master Newsela’s full product suite, and refine approaches daily
High intrinsic drive, excellent time management and organization, and proactive management of daily responsibilities
Familiarity with Salesforce, Salesloft, and/or Outreach.io
Strong communication skills and ability to empathize with K-12 buyers and translate insights into value propositions
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and use creativity when partnering with team members
Experience using AI tools to improve efficiency and productivity
Legally authorized to work in the US
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical benefits with employer contribution to premiums and HSA accounts
Gym reimbursement
Pet insurance
Free access to the Calm app
Free access to Rocket Lawyer
Fully remote work arrangement
Monthly tech stipend for work-from-home needs
Parental leave
Fertility support
Adoption support
401(k) plan with employer match
Flexible PTO
Paid sick time off
Company holidays and winter break (Dec 24th–Jan 1st)
Annual learning and development allowance for external training sessions, classes, workshops, conferences, and educational materials
Incentive stock options
Variable compensation / on-target commission