Senior Strategic Customer Account Manager – SLED & Public Sector Partnerships

About brighthush

brighthush is a global leader in delivering high‑performance, mission‑critical bandwidth solutions that empower the world’s most influential organizations. With a network spanning over 140,000 miles across North America and Europe, brighthush connects thousands of buildings, data centers, and enterprise campuses through dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access. Our infrastructure fuels the digital transformation of industries ranging from media and technology to finance, healthcare, and public services.

Why Join brighthush?

At brighthush, we believe that the future of connectivity is built on collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on customer success. As a Customer Account Manager – SLED, you will be at the forefront of shaping how state, local, and educational institutions harness our cutting‑edge network to drive public service excellence. You’ll partner with senior leaders, navigate complex procurement landscapes, and unlock growth opportunities that directly impact communities and future generations.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain executive‑level relationships with public‑sector and education customers, ensuring alignment between their business objectives and brighthush’s service portfolio.
• Account Planning & Execution: Design multi‑year account plans that incorporate funding cycles, procurement timelines, competitive dynamics, and financial exposure. Translate these plans into actionable renewal, expansion, and risk‑mitigation strategies.
• Revenue Stewardship: Own the full revenue protection lifecycle—churn management, renewal execution, and expansion initiatives—while balancing customer outcomes with pricing discipline and margin targets.
• Complex Renewal Leadership: Lead multi‑service, multi‑location, and multi‑year renewal negotiations, RFP/RFQ responses, and executive business reviews. Deliver compelling proposals that address technical, financial, and contractual nuances.
• Funding‑Cycle Alignment: Develop and execute strategies that align with E‑rate funding cycles, eligible service categories, and procurement timelines. Leverage state contract vehicles, cooperative purchasing programs, and education consortiums to secure renewals and new business.
• Growth & Expansion: Partner with Sales to identify and advance growth opportunities by understanding customer infrastructure needs, funding availability, upcoming procurements, and technology initiatives.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Coordinate complex customer requirements across Sales, Engineering, Finance, Billing, Legal, Deal Management, Service Assurance, Delivery, Product, and Operations to ensure seamless execution.
• Customer Advisory: Serve as a trusted advisor on brighthush services, procurement processes, and funding programs, providing insights that help customers navigate public‑sector procurement environments.
• Market Intelligence: Monitor changes in funding, procurement, and market conditions. Translate insights into actionable account strategies that keep brighthush ahead of the curve.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Mentor junior CAMs, contribute to renewal playbooks, training modules, negotiation best practices, and operating standards—especially for Public Sector and Education accounts.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience in Customer Retention, Strategic Account Management, Client Services, or Sales, with senior roles requiring 8+ years.
• Proven track record managing large, complex SLED accounts—state and local government, K‑12, higher education, or similar procurement‑intensive organizations.
• Deep expertise in the E‑rate program, including alignment of services with funding cycles, eligible categories, application timelines, and procurement requirements.
• Comprehensive understanding of SLED procurement processes: RFP/RFQ development, formal bid processes, state contract vehicles, cooperative purchasing programs, and education consortiums.
• Advanced experience in renewals, retention, commercial negotiations, RFP/RFQ response, contract execution, and revenue preservation.
• Strong analytical skills to manage churn, gross and net revenue retention, discount performance, and recurring‑revenue metrics.
• Excellent executive‑level communication, presentation, negotiation, and facilitation skills—capable of building credibility across operational users to senior decision makers.
• Proficiency in managing complex timelines and multiple competing priorities, with strong organizational and project‑management capabilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Public Administration, Education, or a related field (preferred). Equivalent experience is acceptable.
• Willingness to travel as required by customer and business needs.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Significant telecommunications or digital infrastructure experience.
• Experience navigating state and local government purchasing environments, including budgeting, contracting, and approval processes.
• Familiarity with state contract vehicles, cooperative purchasing programs, and education consortiums.
• Prior exposure to incentive plans—both discretionary annual and sales incentive structures.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Account Planning
• Revenue Management & Forecasting
• Complex Negotiation & Contract Management
• Stakeholder Engagement & Executive Presence
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Influence
• Data‑Driven Decision Making
• Adaptability & Problem Solving
• Customer‑Centric Mindset

Career Growth & Development Opportunities

At brighthush, your career trajectory is designed to evolve with your ambitions. As a Senior Strategic Customer Account Manager, you will:

• Progress into leadership roles such as Account Director or Regional Manager, overseeing larger portfolios and teams.
• Access to continuous learning programs—certifications in public‑sector procurement, advanced negotiation, and industry‑specific technology.
• Mentorship from senior leaders who champion your professional growth.
• Opportunities to contribute to cross‑functional initiatives, shaping product roadmaps and service offerings.
• Participation in global projects that expand brighthush’s footprint across new markets.

Work Environment & Company Culture

brighthush fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture where every voice matters. Our values—innovation, integrity, customer focus, and teamwork—guide our daily interactions. You’ll work alongside passionate professionals who are committed to delivering world‑class connectivity solutions while making a tangible impact on public services and education.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $75,390 – $107,700 USD annually (depending on experience, location, and qualifications). In addition to a competitive base, you may be eligible for:

• Discretionary annual incentive plan (for non‑sales roles)
• Sales incentive plan (for sales‑aligned roles)
• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Retirement 401(k) Savings Plan with company match
• Generous paid time off, including paid parental leave
• Professional development budget and tuition reimbursement
• Employee wellness programs and flexible work arrangements
• Comprehensive benefits package covering life insurance, disability, and retirement plans

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion

brighthush is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know.

How to Apply

Ready to shape the future of public‑sector connectivity? Submit your application through our careers portal and join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and customer success.