Division/Location: USA TODAY Sports Media Group / New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta
Job Title: Sports Sales Strategy Associate
Summary:
The Sales Strategy Associate (SS) develops strategic cross-platform solutions, leveraging the properties, franchises, and assets of USA TODAY Sports Media Group to drive sports account revenue. The SS is responsible for working closely with the national sales team and regional VPs to identify sales opportunities, create programs that align with client marketing objectives, participate in client pitches.
The ideal candidate has some experience working in a pre-sale (RFP or proactive) capacity in the sports space for a media company or agency and is proficient in creating multifaceted and compelling PowerPoint proposals and presentations.The SS is solution-oriented with the ability to connect sports marketing strategies to business objectives, while finding ways to creatively communicate value propositions to clients/agencies.
In this role, the Sports Sales Strategy Associate will:
Prospect and partner with sales to brainstorm and implement brand outreach strategies to maximize revenue for new business, renewals, cross-selling, and upselling for brand partners
Significantly increase market share and drive revenue for USA TODAY Sports Media Group
Manage and lead the complete RFP Process, including ideation development, internal tracking systems, and internal team communication
Lead internal brainstorming and strategy sessions. Develop and capture ideas and solutions. Succinctly articulate solutions and ideas and brief internal teams on options
Collaborate with editorial, research, account management, and product to conceptualize and deliver solutions that are aligned with client budget, brand, timing, and objectives, and are executable from a timing and inventory standpoint
Convey ideas and opportunities via self-produced PowerPoint proposals and presentations that are timely, innovative, and effective, including meeting decks and proactive proposals
Identify proactive steps to close business.Assist in delivering follow-up in the negotiation of terms pertaining to the sale and delivery of the program
Manage sports revenue pipeline for sales team, including RFPs, sales decks, media plans, IOs, and campaign performance
Participate in external, client-facing meetings and possess the ability to evangelize the value proposition of USA TODAY Sports Media Group
Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with clients and agencies
Collaborate with strategy team to provide consistent feedback to improve standard, off-the-shelf offerings and identify new opportunities
Work with post-sale team to relay sponsorship concept and elements for sold campaigns.Develop case studies outlining executions, including analysis of campaign results against industry standards to showcase positive outcomes
Participate and represent USA TODAY Sports Media Group at local industry events
Develop an understanding and knowledge of USA TODAY Sports Media Group portfolio, sports landscape, competitive set, and key clients business
Skills needed:
A strong understanding, passion, and knowledge for Sports
BA or BS from accredited college or university (marketing, communications, psychology, journalism, or English majors preferred but not required)
Minimum (2) two years experience in digital advertising at a media company, sports marketing agency or digital agency, and/or in the sports industry; ideally work experience includes interacting directly with sales or marketing teams
Knowledge, skills, and abilities required:
Experience in developing innovative, creative, and impactful integrated marketing solutions in an advertising agency, client, or publisher capacity
Strong executional abilities with proven record of managing many projects at once
Creative, analytical/strategic thinker with solid problem-solving skills and ability to write and speak effectively
Ability to set deadlines and work efficiently with internal and external teams
Must be a proactive self-starter, capable of taking initiative and navigating through a complex organization with a variety of internal/external counterparts
Solid knowledge of/experience with media across digital, print, events, social & mobile platforms. Print experience helpful but not necessary. Digital media experience necessary.
Must be adept at developing cross-platform opportunities that drive revenue while aligning with client objectives and overall sales goals
Must possess an understanding of media business, ad sales, and have a respect for content and the creative/editorial process
Must be team-oriented, collaborative, and can support driving an agenda forward while also balancing needs of multiple conflicting stakeholders
This position has no direct reports but must inspire others to do what is needed and must therefore exhibit leadership ability
Must be passionate about the media business and sports industry with the ability to inspire and nurture the same in others
Ability to effectively manage through ambiguity and change in a fast-paced, competitive environment with a positive attitude
Must be comfortable delivering presentations to a variety of internal and external audiences
Proficiency in Microsoft: PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word; knowledge of comScore and SalesForce is a plus
