Channel Account Manager - Chicago

Job Summary:

Department: Channel Sales / Partner Ecosystem                                              

Reports To: VP of Channels

Location: Chicago, IL                       

Travel: ~50% across the territory

Alkira is the leader in AI-Native Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (NIaaS). Founded in 2018 by Amir and Atif Khan — the team behind Viptela and the founding of the SD-WAN market — Alkira unifies any environment, site, or user through an enterprise network built entirely in the cloud, managed with the same controls, policies, and security systems network teams already know, and augmented by AI. There is no hardware to deploy, no software to download, and no new architecture to learn. Alkira is trusted by Fortune 100 enterprises, leading system integrators, and global managed service providers, and is part of Lumen Technologies.

Alkira's partner ecosystem is growing fast: over 150 partners now drive more than 40% of total company revenue, and the 1,000th partner was recently enabled. In March 2026, Alkira launched Connect, its next-generation partner program built around a “Partner Profit Stack” of tiered margins, rebates, MDF, and velocity incentives — giving VAR’s, GSIs, MSPs, cloud service providers, and security/AI-focused firms a repeatable engine to attach high-value services to every deal. Alkira has also expanded successfully into Canada, making the Northeast U.S. and Eastern Canada a natural, connected territory for a single owner.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Channel Account Manager based in Chicago to own and grow Alkira's partner ecosystem across the US Midwest. This role is responsible for recruiting, enabling, and driving revenue through the full range of partner types in the territory — VARs, GSIs, MSPs, TSDs/master agents, and cloud service providers — and for building the cross-border relationships needed to grow Alkira's presence on both sides of the border. The ideal candidate has established relationships with enterprise-focused partners in the Northeast corridor and is comfortable navigating the added complexity of a cross-border, dual-currency territory.

Key Responsibilities

Territory Partner Development

• Recruit, onboard, and manage strategic channel partners across the Midwest including VARs, GSIs, MSPs, TSDs/master agents, and cloud service providers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for territory partners, building relationships from executive sponsors down to field sales and technical teams.
• Build and execute a coverage plan spanning key US Midwest metros prioritizing investment where partner and customer demand is strongest.

Sales Growth & Pipeline Management

• Drive pipeline and revenue growth through joint account planning, demand generation, and co-selling with territory partners.
• Leverage Alkira Connect's Partner Profit Stack — tiered margins, rebates, MDF, and velocity incentives — to accelerate partner-sourced pipeline and time-to-first-deal.
• Maintain accurate partner pipeline and forecast reporting in Alkira's CRM/PRM, providing visibility to channel and regional sales leadership.

Partner Enablement

• Educate and certify partners on Alkira's NIaaS platform, ensuring their sales and technical teams can confidently position, sell, and deliver Connect Services Attach Plays (network modernization assessments, segmentation/compliance design, migration and cutover sprints).
• Execute Alkira's partner program initiatives, incentives, and joint marketing campaigns across the territory.
• Run and support partner trainings, roadshows, and events 

Collaboration & Market Expansion

• Work closely with Alkira's direct sales, marketing, and sales engineering teams to align on territory channel initiatives and joint opportunities.
• Identify new partner opportunities across target verticals in the Midwest to broaden Alkira's footprint.
• Represent Alkira at partner events, industry conferences, and customer-facing engagements throughout the territory

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in channel sales, partner account management, or alliances — preferably in networking, cloud, or SaaS.
• Established relationships with VARs, GSIs, MSPs, TSDs/master agents, or cloud service providers in the Northeast U.S.; experience with Canadian partners or cross-border sales is a strong plus.
• Strong understanding of enterprise IT infrastructure, cloud networking, and partner go-to-market motions.
• Demonstrated success driving revenue through indirect sales and partner-led opportunities.
• Proven ability to develop joint business plans, manage partner programs, and execute go-to-market strategies across a multi-market territory.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.
• Based in or near Chicago, IL with a valid passport and the ability to travel approximately 50% of the time

Compensation Disclosure

The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $96,038 - $160,051 and is based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors. 

Life at Alkira, a Lumen Connect Solution

Life at Alkira is human and connected, even in a fast moving, AI‑focused organization. We set clear expectations and trust people to meet them. With real support and shared accountability, teams collaborate better, move faster, and deliver meaningful outcomes. 

Our Lumen 8 behaviors guide how we interact, make decisions, and work together, shaping a culture built to perform and win.  To learn more about Life at Alkira, a Lumen Connect Solutionand how we live into the Lumen 8, please visit:  
https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/life-at-lumen

Background Screening

If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page. Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Equal Employment Opportunities

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, “protected statuses”). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.

Privacy Notice

Alkira, a Lumen Connect Solution is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected during the recruitment and hiring process. Our Applicant Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect applicant information, as well as how individuals may request access to or deletion of their personal data.

To review Alkira's Global Employment Applicant and Talent Community Privacy Notice, please visit:
https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/privacy-notice

Disclaimer

The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Please be advised that Alkira, a Lumen Connect Solution does not require any form of payment from job applicants during the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings will be posted on our official website or communicated through official company email addresses. If you encounter any job offers that request payment in exchange for employment at Alkira, a Lumen Connect Solution, they are not for employment with us but may relate to another company with a similar name.