Chicago
Sales Manager
The Onion, America’s Finest News Source, is looking for a confident, assertive, and experienced Sales Manager to take on the challenge of our local newspaper and website in our Chicago market. An extensive knowledge of the local market is preferred. The most competitive candidates will display a strong understanding of the Onion’s unique brand and readership. Prior media selling experience, particularly with online digital sales, is required. This is a terrific job for a highly motivated Sales Manager with demonstrated management skills and hands-on sales experience.
The candidate will be responsible for advertising sales activities, both print and online, with new prospects, development of agency/client relations, preparing and presenting proposals, constructing sales assignment plans, and closing business. Sales Manager directly supervise a staff of 3-4 individuals.
- Excel in hands-on selling!
- Contact local clients to schedule in-person meetings.
- Analyze client objectives, preparing and presenting advertising proposals that match client’s objectives.
- Develop agency and direct client relationships, building a solid client base.
- Effectively close business and perform necessary follow-up to the sale, such as solving disputes and collecting of overdue balances.
- Coordinate with the Production Department to ensure proper ad placement.
- Attend promotional events, networking, etc.
- Lead the selection, training, motivation, and retention of print and online advertising sales force.
- Monitor sales force performance including new account prospecting, contact with current accounts, achievement of sales goals, rate-card integrity, and collections.
- Become actively involved in creating and advising on solutions to customer problems.
- Conduct all formal annual performance reviews, weekly one-on-ones, and individual goal setting sessions.
- Candidates must possess initiative, be a quick study, organized, punctual, detail oriented, and able to work independently and within a team environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Build sales, people, and business management capabilities, mentoring, training and motivating a team of Account Executives.
Valid state drivers license in good standing required.
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, vision, group life insurance and 401K plans.
Interested applicants should forward a cover letter, resume and compensation requirements to scurtis@theonion.com. Please, no phone calls.
