Solution Engineer, Higher Education

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Higher Education Account SE

Job Description

Want to drive innovation in higher education? Join Salesforce’s Global Public Sector Solution Engineering team and help institutions modernize operations, enhance student experiences, and improve engagement through cutting-edge technology.

As an Account Solution Engineer, you’ll collaborate with sales teams, product experts, and partners to develop tailored solutions that address institutional challenges. From discovery to demonstration, you’ll showcase the power of Salesforce’s platform to optimize student success, streamline administrative processes, and drive long-term transformation.

In a fast-paced, results-driven environment, your ability to bridge technology and strategy will be key. You’ll lead technical conversations, articulate business value, and build trust with institutions seeking to innovate. If you thrive on solving complex problems and driving meaningful change, this role is for you.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Solution Cycle – Collaborate closely with account executives, product specialists, and partners to drive the technical aspects of the sales cycle from discovery to close.
• Understand Institutional Needs – Engage with higher education institutions to deeply understand their unique challenges and strategic goals, mapping them to Salesforce’s solutions.
• Position Salesforce as a Strategic Partner – Clearly articulate how Salesforce products, including Education Cloud, can drive student success, improve engagement, and optimize administrative efficiency.
• Develop and Deliver Custom Solutions – Build and present tailored demonstrations that showcase Salesforce solutions aligned to institutions' strategic and technical goals
• Showcase Industry and Technical Expertise – Translate higher education business processes into impactful technology solutions, explaining Salesforce capabilities to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, from IT teams to provosts and presidents.
• Drive RFP and Proposal Processes – Lead the technical response to RFPs and RFIs, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and clearly demonstrating Salesforce’s value.
• Collaborate Across Teams – Work with account teams, solution specialists, and professional services to align Salesforce solutions with institutional needs.
• Stay Ahead of Industry Trends – Continuously build expertise in higher education challenges and technology trends, incorporating insights into solution recommendations.
• Achieve Performance Goals – Meet quarterly and annual objectives related to customer engagement, solution development, and revenue contribution.
• Invest in Professional Growth – Participate in training, certifications, and mentorship programs to continuously enhance expertise and effectiveness in the role.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of combined experience working with Salesforce or other CRM solutions, with a focus on higher education.
• 5+ years of experience in solution engineering, consulting, enterprise software delivery, or customer success.
• Artificial Intelligence Certifications, Salesforce-preferred, related to generative AI and LLM concepts
• Deep understanding of higher education operations, including student lifecycle management, academic operations (registrar, advising, curriculum management), financial aid, student success initiatives, enrollment, and alumni relations.
• Strong technical acumen, with experience configuring and demonstrating Salesforce or similar enterprise platforms in a sales or implementation context.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, value-driven narratives for stakeholders at all levels—from IT teams to university presidents.
• Proven ability to lead discovery sessions, understand institutional challenges, and craft tailored solutions that drive digital transformation in higher education.
• Experience with RFP and proposal processes, including developing responses that align with institutional needs and Salesforce’s value proposition.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple engagements in a fast-paced sales environment.
• Curiosity and passion for technology, with a desire to continuously learn, experiment, and stay ahead of industry trends in higher education and CRM solutions.
• Collaborative mindset, able to work cross-functionally with sales, professional services, product teams, and partners to deliver customer success.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for customer meetings, presentations, and industry events.
• Preferred: Salesforce certifications, including Administrator, Education Cloud Consultant, Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, and Experience Cloud.
• Experience with Education Cloud, Salesforce Industries (Vlocity), OmniScript, or Industry Common Components is a plus.

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