Account Executive

Summary:

The St Paul Pioneer Press, a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, is seeking an Account Executive to join the team!  MediaNews Group offers news reporting and third party advertising and marketing opportunities through its multi-platform products which include: web, mobile, tablet, and print.  We are one of the largest media groups in the U.S., serving high-value audiences and connecting advertisers to them. MNG publishes award-winning content (49 Pulitzers) that amasses and engages a nationwide audience via 800 multi-media platforms including web, mobile, social, and print.  We are transforming the news industry.

The Account Executive focuses on selling our full portfolio of print and digital solutions within a given geography/territory. Candidates in this position will be responsible for maintaining and growing existing revenue as well as targeting new business on a monthly basis. A successful candidate will establish and maintain long-term relationships with key decision-makers, followed by a proactive approach in anticipating client needs. This role works with consistent advertisers as well as transactional accounts. This position will require you to be highly proficient and professional in presenting directly to decision makers, and be able to articulate our value proposition effectively. 

What you will do:

Work independently and make sound business decisions related to achieving revenue goals while communicating with your manager each day to discuss strategy, forecasting and other key issues

Strategically prospect for new accounts, conduct needs assessments to determine customer needs, generate ideas and proposals, present recommendations, close the sale and set client expectations

Analyze clients’ advertising business objectives in order to prepare creative solutions by using all appropriate products and services to fit the advertisers’ budget and campaign goals

Own the sales and retention cycle for each campaign working in conjunction with the assigned support and operations teams

Meet with individual clients at appropriate frequencies (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.) to review schedules, budgets and create new strategies

Prepare and develop sales recommendations using our resources by gathering appropriate statistics concerning market share, demographics, market volume and various platform effectiveness

Demonstrate a complete understanding of product features and benefits, rates, and packages and explain them in a way to match recommendations to customer needs

Meet deadlines, create accurate advertising orders, and submit client contracts and complete sales reporting in a timely manner

Develop prospective leads using a variety of sources, including digital, radio, TV and direct mail, attend local or category business events for networking opportunities and stay up-to-date with industry trends

Analyze and interpret key sales metrics and develop strategies to reach sales success

What you will bring:

Ability to identify customer needs and effectively match to solutions

Detail oriented and understand the consultative sales process

Strong customer relations, sales and effective communication skills

Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks under the pressure of deadlines and through interruptions

Excellent presentation and customer relationship skills

3–5 years of outside sales experience, with a focus on building client relationships, meeting revenue goals, and managing a sales pipeline independently.

Experience working in a media, advertising, or marketing environment is a plus, but not required.

Social Media and Digital Marketing Advertising familiarity