Director Sales
MA, US IL, US TX, US KS, US
We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture
Ascend Learning, a leading healthcare and learning technology company, is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data-driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning. From testing to certification, Ascend Learning products are used by physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers.
Headquartered in Burlington, MA, with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America’s 2025 Greatest Workplaces as well as America’s Best Places to work for Mental Well-Being for 2025.
We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more.
NHA is building the next generation of allied health professionals. Since 1989, we have helped over 1.25 million people access a better future in healthcare. From innovative learning solutions to certification and career development, we partner with individuals, educators and employers to elevate the learning experience, ensure practice and career readiness and drive positive outcomes for the industry, allied health professionals, and ultimately patients. NHA is a brand in Ascend Learning's healthcare segment.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
The Director Sales leads expansion efforts for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) portfolio within Allied Health. This leader is responsible for identifying, developing, and executing partnerships and growth strategies that accelerate revenue, deepen market penetration, and strengthen Ascend Learning’s leadership position across allied health education and training.
WHERE YOU’LL WORK
This position will work remote in the United States; up to 10% travel is required.
HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME
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Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy for the Allied Health (NHA) portfolio aligned to company growth goals.
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Lead, mentor, and scale a high-performing sales team by setting clear goals, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration, and developing talent to support sustained growth across the Allied Health portfolio.
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Identify and prioritize new market opportunities, including healthcare systems, educational institutions, certification organizations, and workforce development partners.
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Analyze industry trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape to inform strategic initiatives.
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Establish and grow strategic partnerships with health systems, academic institutions, associations, and technology providers.
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Structure and negotiate complex agreements that drive mutual value and long-term growth.
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Cultivate executive-level relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
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Build and manage a robust business development pipeline, from early-stage opportunities to closed deals.
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Own revenue targets associated with new partnerships and expansion opportunities.
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Partner with sales leadership to transition qualified opportunities and ensure successful execution.
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Collaborate closely with product, marketing, and operations teams to align offerings with market demand.
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Influence product roadmap by bringing forward market insights and customer needs.
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Support go-to-market strategies, including positioning, pricing, and packaging.
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Represent Ascend Learning at industry conferences, events, and client engagements.
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Act as a subject matter expert on trends in allied health education, workforce training, and digital learning platforms.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
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Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree in business, healthcare, or related field preferred
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10+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, or strategic growth roles; preferably selling Allied Health solutions within hospital health systems.
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7+ years of progressive leadership experience; proven success in building, leading, and developing high-performing business development or commercial teams within healthcare, education, or SaaS environments strongly preferred
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Demonstrated success in closing complex, high-value deals and building long-term partnerships
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Strong understanding of allied health education, clinical training ecosystems, or healthcare workforce development
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Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
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Proven ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels
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Exceptional executive presence, negotiation, and communication skills
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Experience working in matrixed, cross-functional environments
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Strategic thinker with a strong commercial mindset
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Highly collaborative and influential across teams
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Data-driven decision maker with strong analytical skills
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Entrepreneurial, proactive, and results-oriented
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Comfortable navigating ambiguity and rapid growth environments
HIRING RANGE
The current full-time, annualized base pay hiring range for this role is $100,000.00-$143,000.00. In accordance with applicable state laws, we are providing the expected pay range for this position. Individual compensation will be determined by various factors, including relevant experience, qualifications, current business needs and local market factors. Most regular, full-time employees are eligible to participate in an Ascend incentive bonus or sales plan.
BENEFITS
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Company paid life Insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and parental leave
- Employee assistance program
- Other wellness programs such as Headspace and Airvet
- Charitable matching program
Fostering A Sense of Belonging
Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and be authentic. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.
Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S.-based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
