Twin Cities
Account Executive
The Onion, America's Finest News Source, is looking for a confident, assertive, and experienced salesperson to function as an Account Executive for our Minneapolis office. Experience in local media sales, coupled with an expansive knowledge of the market, is ideal if not required. Similarly, the most competitive candidates will display a strong understanding of The Onion's unique brand and readership. This is a terrific job for a highly motivated Advertising Account Executive with demonstrated communication skills and sales experience.
The candidate will be responsible for advertising sales activities with new prospects, development of agency/client relations, preparing and presenting proposals, constructing sales assignment plans, and closing business. Applicants should be confident, sociable, self-disciplined and able to manage a high volume of activity.
Qualified candidates should have a minimum of 1-2 years of outside sales experience, and a track record of meeting/exceeding goals. However, we will consider recent college graduates.
Account Executive have the potential to make 30-40K their first year and 50-60K their second year of employment. However, commissions are ultimately unlimited!
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Handling a diverse range of advertising sales activities.
- Contacting local clients to schedule in-person meetings.
- Analyzing client objectives; preparing and presenting advertising proposals that match client's objectives.
- Developing agency and direct client relationships; building a solid client base.
- Ability to effectively close business and perform necessary follow-up to the sale, such as solving disputes and collecting of overdue balances.
- Coordinating with the Production Department to ensure proper ad placement.
- Attending promotional events, networking, etc.
- Advanced time management skills within a deadline specific environment.
Other Qualifications:
- Candidates must possess initiative, be a quick study, organized, punctual, detail orientated, and able to work independently and within a team environment.
- Candidates should be able to position a brand, target a certain audience, and understand branding campaigns.
- Only those with strong Microsoft Suite experience (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), ideally on a MAC, will be considered. Previous Net Suite experience is a plus.
Requirements: Valid state drivers license in good standing
The Onion is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer compensation commensurate with experience, an attractive commission and bonus plan triggered by hitting individual goals, and a competitive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, group life insurance and matching 401K plans.
Interested applicants should forward a cover letter, resume and compensation requirements to scurtis@theonion.com. Please, no phone calls.
Please note, candidates must reside in the city prior to applying.
