About FirstIgnite
FirstIgnite builds AI-powered solutions for higher education, empowering universities to connect with industry for research partnerships, student hiring, and philanthropic opportunities. We work with institutions around the world to help bring groundbreaking technologies to market.
The Role
We’re seeking a motivated and ambitious Sales Development Representative (SDR) – EMEA to help expand our partnerships across the region. In this role, you’ll be responsible for generating qualified leads, booking meetings, and building early-stage relationships with prospective clients. You’ll collaborate closely with our Account Executives to ensure a smooth handoff of qualified opportunities and will play a key role in driving pipeline growth for our sales team.
Responsibilities
- Research and identify prospective universities and key decision-makers across EMEA
- Execute targeted outbound outreach via email, LinkedIn, and phone
- Qualify inbound leads to assess fit and potential
- Book meetings and coordinate with Account Executives for follow-up
- Track all activity in our CRM and maintain accurate, up-to-date records
- Collaborate with sales leadership to refine messaging and outreach strategies
- Stay informed on higher education and technology trends to engage prospects effectively
Qualifications
- 1–2 years of experience in a sales or business development role (SaaS or higher education experience a plus)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Comfortable conducting outreach and engaging with new contacts
- Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
- Highly effective in a remote work environment
- Fluency in English; additional European languages are an asset
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary
- Commission on qualified opportunities and closed deals
- Comprehensive benefits package
Why Join Us
- Work closely with a dynamic sales team and gain hands-on experience in the full sales cycle
- Play a key role in expanding our presence across the EMEA region
- Join a mission-driven company making a real-world impact in higher education innovation
- Opportunities for career advancement into Account Executive and leadership roles