Client Strategist

About the Role

The Client Strategist owns the long-term partnership between PeopleGrove and a portfolio of institutions, mostly based in higher education. You set the strategic direction for each account — aligning the institution's goals with their PeopleGrove platform, setting targets, and checking in on progress. You lead a team of Engagement Managers who carry that strategy forward with clients day to day, and you're accountable for renewal outcomes across your portfolio.

This position requires approximately 35 – 40% travel.

What You'll Do

Strategic Planning & Account Direction Lead annual strategy sessions with institutional stakeholders to align campus goals with their PeopleGrove platform. Set clear targets and give direction on platform usage based on each institution's priorities. Map platform capabilities to the institution's broader student success, advancement, or enrollment goals. Check in on progress against strategic targets and adjust the plan as institutional priorities change. Identify opportunities to expand platform usage in ways that support the institution's goals. Balance one-to-one strategic guidance with one-to-many programming. Shape the direction of client-facing events, including webinars, conferences, campus visits and PeopleGrove hosted events. Identify opportunities to plan, organize and attend the ones that matter most to the portfolio. Serve as the voice of the collective client inside PeopleGrove, sharing and providing feedback with CS Leadership, Product and Engineering.

Renewal Management Own the renewal strategy for your portfolio, including forecasting, timing, and negotiation. Identify risk metrics and monitor account health; work with your Engagement Manager team to identify and intervene early on accounts at risk. Identify up- and cross-sell opportunities to tee up to New Sales team.

Client Relationships & Advocacy Serve as the senior point of contact for institutional leadership within your portfolio. Represent your clients' priorities internally, working with Product, Support, and Sales to close gaps and inform the roadmap. Build a network of institutional champions who can speak to the value of the PeopleGrove partnership.

Team Leadership Manage and coach a team of Engagement Managers, setting priorities and reviewing progress against adoption goals. Support Engagement Mangers in building and implementing a scalable engagement strategy for portfolio of clients. Run regular one-on-ones and support the professional growth of your team. Help onboard and train new Engagement Managers as the team grows.

Metrics & Reporting Track monthly gross and net retention rates, logo retention, account health, and adoption metrics across your portfolio. Report on portfolio performance and flag risk early enough to act on it. Use data to decide where your team should focus its engagement efforts.

Who You Are

Experience

• 6+ years in client success, account management, or a related role in higher education or SaaS, including experience leading or mentoring a team.
• Track record of managing renewals and account growth for institutional or enterprise clients.
• Experience with customer success or CRM platforms such as ChurnZero and Salesforce.

Skills

• Strong strategic and consultative skills, comfortable setting direction with senior stakeholders at a college or university.
• Clear communicator, in writing and in front of a room.
• Data-driven approach to tracking account health and identifying risk.
• Comfortable managing multiple institutional relationships and competing priorities at once.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; advanced degree a plus.
• Background in higher education, SaaS, or both preferred.

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive salary + annual bonus
• Flexible PTO and hybrid/remote work options
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401K with generous company match + financial planning
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Collaborative and purpose-driven culture