Suggested rewrite: Led a cross-functional initiative that improved [business outcome] by [measurable result], demonstrating experience relevant to this role...
Senior Account Executive – Canvas – HiEd
Review the role, location requirements, compensation details, and application process before deciding whether this opportunity fits your next career move.
Make your next move.
Prepare your resume, explore your fit, and draft a cover letter for this opportunity.
The role, at a glance.
Instructure is hiring a Senior Account Executive to drive new Canvas LMS business with higher-education institutions across the West/Central United States. The role owns consultative enterprise sales activities, including prospecting, solution positioning, stakeholder engagement, proposals, forecasting, and closing. Candidates need at least five years of sales experience, ideally in SaaS or EdTech, with demonstrated success against targets and executive-level buyers. The position requires strong Salesforce discipline, knowledge of complex purchasing processes, and up to 25% travel.
Role DNA
A quick view of the complexity, pace, ownership and collaboration implied by the job description.
Pace & Pressure
4/5Autonomy Level
5/5Communication Load
5/5Salary analysis
Estimated compensation compared with the broader US market for similar roles.
Core skills
Skills and capabilities most closely associated with this opportunity.
Sample interview questions
I would segment institutions by enrollment, LMS environment, renewal timing, strategic initiatives, buying structure, and likelihood to benefit from Canvas. I would then prioritize high-propensity accounts, map key stakeholders, create account-specific outreach plans, and maintain a balanced pipeline across near-term opportunities and longer-term strategic pursuits.
I begin with discovery to understand each group's priorities, risks, and success measures. I build a stakeholder map, establish a shared mutual action plan, tailor value messaging by audience, and maintain clear communication on evaluation milestones, technical validation, commercial steps, and decision criteria.
I ask structured questions about teaching and learning goals, current platform limitations, faculty adoption, integrations, accessibility, data requirements, implementation capacity, and procurement timelines. I validate the business impact of the identified problems and connect the solution to measurable institutional outcomes rather than leading with product features.
I identify the specific cause of the slip, such as an unresolved stakeholder concern, budget approval, competing priority, or procurement dependency. I update the forecast promptly, re-establish a mutual action plan with the customer, engage internal resources where useful, and develop next-best opportunities to protect overall pipeline coverage.
I update opportunities immediately after meaningful customer interactions and document stakeholder roles, next steps, close-plan dates, risks, and qualification details. I use consistent pipeline reviews and dashboards to ensure my forecast reflects evidence, not optimism, and to identify stalled opportunities early.
About this role.
At Instructure, we believe in the power of people to grow and succeed throughout their lives. Our goal is to amplify that power by creating intuitive products that simplify learning and personal development, facilitate meaningful relationships, and inspire people to go further in their education and careers.
We do this by giving smart, creative, passionate people opportunities to create awesome. And that’s where you come in:
Instructure is seeking an experienced Senior Account Executive to join our growing higher education sales team. You’ll play a pivotal role in expanding the reach of Canvas and transforming how colleges and universities approach digital learning across the West/Central US region.
What You’ll Be Doing
Drive new business growth by selling Canvas to new clients in the West/Central US region.
Reside in the West/Central US or within convenient travel distance to the region.
Share insights to help prospective clients accurately evaluate different solutions and choose what best fits their needs.
Prepare and tailor messaging and presentations for prospective clients.
Guide prospects through the purchasing process to successful, timely closure.
Accurately forecast your quarterly and annual sales performance.
Develop targeted sales strategies to build and nurture a robust client pipeline.
Navigate through higher education institutions and build relationships with key decision makers and buyers.
Consistently achieve or exceed sales quotas within established timelines.
Partner closely with Senior Account Executives and clients in the field to gain referrals and expand market presence.
Log detailed, accurate account information in Salesforce CRM in a timely manner.
What We’re Looking For
5+ years of proven sales experience, ideally within SaaS or EdTech.
Demonstrated ability to achieve and exceed sales targets in a competitive environment.
Experience selling complex enterprise-level software, SaaS solutions, and services.
Experience selling at all levels, including C-suite and executive leadership.
Outstanding strategic and consultative sales skills with the ability to conduct thorough needs analyses and develop tailored proposals.
Understanding of educational pedagogy and the process of selling an LMS is a plus.
Existing relationships within higher ed institutions in the West/Central US are a bonus.
Willingness and ability to travel up to 25%.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales/Marketing, or a related field preferred.
If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are passionate about helping education institutions succeed, we want to meet you. Join us at Instructure and help shape the future of learning.
Get in on all the awesome at Instructure!
We offer competitive, meaningful benefits in every country where we operate. While they vary by location, here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
Competitive compensation, plus all full-time employees participate in our ownership program – because everyone should have a stake in our success.
Flexible work culture. Our remote, hybrid and in-office collaboration spaces vary by role, team and location.
Generous time off, including local holidays and our annual “Dim the Lights” period in late December, when teams are encouraged to step back and recharge based on departmental needs.
Comprehensive wellness programs and mental health support
Learning and development resources, including professional development tools and tuition reimbursement, to support your growth
The technology and tools you need to do your best work
Motivosity employee recognition program
A culture rooted in inclusivity, support, and meaningful connection
We believe in hiring great people and treating them right. The more diverse we are, the better our ideas and outcomes.
Instructure is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with applicable employment and anti-discrimination laws in every country where we operate.
All employees must pass a background check as part of the hiring process. To help protect our teams and systems, we’ve implemented identity verification measures. Candidates may be asked to verify their legal name, current physical location, and provide a valid contact number and residential address, in accordance with local data privacy laws.
Any attempt to misrepresent personal or professional information will result in disqualification.
This job listing has been manually reviewed by the Jobicy Trust & Safety Team for compliance with our posting guidelines, including verification of the company's legitimacy, accuracy of job details, clarity of remote work policy, and absence of misleading or fraudulent content.
Apply now.
Follow the employer’s application method and review Jobicy’s safety guidance before sharing personal information.
Continue on the employer website
Protect your personal information and never pay to secure an interview or job offer. .
