Education Account Manager at Guitar Center in Chicago, IL

Music & Arts, (a division of Guitar Center) is the nation’s largest school music dealer in band/orchestra rentals, instrument repairs and private lessons in the USA. We are seeking a Business Development Sales Specialist (we call them Education Account Managers) to work with and build relationships with schools from grade schools to high schools.

Our Education Account Managers are the frontline relationship builders, problem solvers, and community partners who help music programs thrive.

You will serve as the primary conduit between Music & Arts and the schools within your assigned territory. You will cultivate educator relationships, drive rental, repair, and product growth, expand program adoption, and represent Music & Arts as a trusted partner to students, teachers, and the broader school community.

Essential Functions (not all-inclusive):

Relationship Development & Territory Growth

• Build meaningful, trust-based relationships with music educators, administrators, and district decision-makers.

• Expand Music & Arts’ footprint using our database and prioritized regional school lists.

• Establish weekly outreach rhythms (calls, emails, school visits, virtual meetings).

• Develop strategic territory plans focused on new school programs, educator support, and local engagement.

Sales Activity & Pipeline Discipline

• Achieve weekly expectations for educator conversations, meetings, and school visits.

• Respond to all inbound leads within 24 hours.

• Maintain complete, accurate pipeline documentation in Salesforce, including next steps, dates, meeting notes, and opportunity stages.

• Drive net-new program creation, renewals, and expansions across rentals, repairs, and product categories.

• Partner with Regional Logistics Coordinators (RLCs) to stay focused on client-facing activity.

Community Engagement & Store Activation

• Work closely with local Music & Arts and Guitar Center stores to host educator nights, community events, and back-to-school events.

• Promote in-store resources, coupons, and promotional programs for educators and parents.

• Support store-based music education initiatives and recruitment events that attract families and build long-term loyalty.

• Drive school traffic to nearby stores to increase brand visibility and educator engagement.

Customer Support & Educator Service Excellence

• Serve as the primary point of contact for educators, ensuring timely resolution of issues related to rentals, repairs, and product needs.

• Work collaboratively with stores, repair shops, customer service, and RLC partners to ensure seamless educator support.

• Maintain exceptional professionalism, responsiveness, and ownership in all educator interactions.

• Proactively identify and resolve friction points before they impact customer experience.

Culture & Leadership Behavior

As a representative of Music & Arts’ renewed culture, the Ed Account Manager is expected to:

• Lead with optimism, service, and professionalism.

• Model accountability — avoid negativity, blame, or disengagement.

• Embrace coaching, continuous improvement, and a set productivity cadence.

• Contribute to a positive team environment and support peer success.

Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to create lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.

The first Music & Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD and run by founder Benjamin O'Brien. When Music & Arts opened its doors in 1952, we offered printed music, music lessons, dance lessons, and art supplies. Ben decided shortly after opening his business that he wanted to focus on music to better serve his customers -- a decision that remains intact to this day.

Since the 1990's, Music & Arts has expanded nationwide through organic growth and a series of acquisitions and mergers with other music dealers. In 2005, Music & Arts joined forces with American Music to become the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD, Music & Arts is now part of the Guitar Center enterprise and comprises 225+ retail stores, 200+ educational representatives, and 250+ affiliate locations.

Skills, Experience and Education:

Minimum Requirements:

• Sales, customer engagement, or community relations experience.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to travel throughout assigned territory.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ability to learn CRM systems.

• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred:

• Experience working with music educators or school districts.

• Bilingual capability (especially Spanish).
  
  
• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Performance, Music Business, or equivalent experience.
  
  
• Strong practical understanding of band & orchestral instruments

Why Music & Arts? Here's just some of the rewards:

This position also includes a company vehicle.
For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave--take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour! Music & Arts offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.
The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.
Love this gig and want to apply?

Send your resume and cover letter today along with salary expectations!

Music & Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐ related requirements.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by calling 1‐818-735-8800 ext. 2862 or by sending an email to recruiting@guitarcenter.com.