Strategic Account Executive – Higher Education

About the role

Datadog is seeking a Strategic Account Executive to lead sales into the Higher Education segment across a national territory. You will work in a hybrid environment, driving revenue growth by prospecting, negotiating, and expanding relationships with universities and colleges.

Key responsibilities

• Prospect into Higher Education organizations while running an efficient sales process.
• Maintain, build and own relationship maps for your territory, including existing and aspirational contacts.
• Develop a deep comprehension of customers' business needs and value drivers.
• Negotiate favorable pricing and business terms by selling value and ROI.
• Handle existing customer expectations while expanding reach and depth.
• Demonstrate resourcefulness when faced with complex challenges.
• Identify robust value drivers behind all opportunities.
• Ensure high forecasting accuracy and consistency.

Required profile

• 5+ years of closing experience in field selling (mid‑market or enterprise) with a track record of $800k+ sales and average deal size of $50k+.
• Proven ability to prospect and build pipeline independently.
• Experience in an innovative tech company (SaaS, IT infrastructure preferred).
• Successful track record selling into state, local, and education organizations.
• Willingness to travel regularly to client sites across regions.

Required skills

• MEDDIC sales methodology.
• Command of the Message sales framework.

What we offer

• High income earning opportunities based on performance.
• New hire stock equity (RSU) and employee stock purchase plan (ESPP).
• Continuous professional development, product training, and career pathing.
• Sales training in MEDDIC and Command of the Message.
• Intra‑departmental mentor and buddy program.
• Inclusive company culture with Community Guilds.
• Competitive medical benefits package.
• Retirement savings match.
• Pet adoption and insurance program.