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
Sales Growth & Pipeline Management
Partner Enablement
Collaboration & Market Expansion
Qualifications
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.