Sales Support Manager

Job Title: Sales Support Manager
Organization: American Retirement Association
Location: Hybrid (On-site 3+ days/week, Arlington, VA)
Position Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Reports To: Senior Director of Sales Operations

About Us

At the American Retirement Association (ARA), we are dedicated to empowering retirement professionals to help all Americans achieve a secure retirement. We do this through education, advocacy, and innovation. Join our collaborative, mission-driven team and help shape the future of retirement in America.

Position Summary

We’re looking for a Sales Support Manager to join our Sales Operations team. The Sales Support Manager plays a critical role in the success of the sales team by ensuring seamless communication and collaboration between departments, streamlining processes, and providing administrative support. This position manages the daily operations of the sales support function, overseeing workflow, data collection and record keeping, reporting and analytics, customer support, identifying and resolving interdepartmental operational issues, and driving overall team productivity. The manager also trains and supports the sales team on systems, processes, and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations: Liaise and collaborate with logistics and operations teams to facilitate seamless coordination between sales and other departments. Identify operational challenges, analyze, and coordinate effective resolutions.

• Process Improvement: Manage the sales team’s workflow and document all processes and procedures. Identify and implement enhancements to optimize processes and efficiency. Work closely with other departments to ensure alignment and eliminate bottlenecks.

• Customer Relationship Management: Serve as the main point of contact for key account customer inquiries and follow-ups. Respond to and resolve customer concerns promptly, escalating when needed.

• Administrative Support: Draft and process sales contracts efficiently. Accurately update and maintain customer records and sales databases with a focus on quality control.

• Reporting and Analysis: Create and distribute routine sales performance reports. Evaluate data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for enhancements.

• Sales Enablement: Assist in preparing sales collateral, presentations, and proposals to support the sales team. Support the onboarding of new sales team members.

• Technology: Train the sales team in systems, processes, and procedures to ensure compliance with company policies and best practices.

Qualifications

• Skills Requirements: Interpersonal, communication, collaboration, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. Multitasking, project management, planning, organization, and customer service skills. Analytical and problem-solving skills. Time management skills.

• Knowledge Requirements: Sales support principles, practices, and procedures.

• Technology Requirements: CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce). Collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams). Digital communication tools (e.g., Zoom). Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and Fonteva or other Association Management Systems.

• Experience Requirements: 3+ years in a sales support role. Experience creating, implementing, and maintaining policies and procedures.

• Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

• Supervisory Requirements: None

• Travel Requirements: Local travel via motor vehicle. Domestic overnight travel.

• Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, both in a home and office environment. Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, phones, and printers. Visual acuity to view and analyze information on a computer screen for extended periods. Occasional light lifting (up to 20 lbs) for transporting a laptop or office materials between work locations. Ability to commute to the office as required (i.e., at least 3 days per week). Ability to participate in virtual and in-person meetings, presentations, or team collaborations.

Why Join Us?

We’re a purpose-driven organization that values innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact. As the Sales Support Manager, your work will directly support our mission and enhance the way we connect with our community.

We offer:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits
• Hybrid workplace

Employee Benefits

ARA offers its full-time employees a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Profit Sharing 401(k) Plan
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Eleven Paid Holidays
• Eighteen Days of Paid Time Off
• Two Hours of Personal Leave Per Month
• Parental Leave
• Hybrid Work Arrangement (Telework on Mondays and Fridays)
• Commuting/Telework Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Membership in Experian My Financial Expert
• Membership in Calm App
• Spot Pet Insurance Discount

Equal Opportunity Employer

American Retirement Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. American Retirement Association provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Apply now to join a team that’s helping build a secure retirement future for millions of Americans.