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Interactive Account Executive, Video, Audio, and Casual Gaming | Puzzle Verticals

Gannett

Detroit, MI
Full Time
Senior
70k-80k
3 days ago

Job Description

About the Role

We're a major media organization operating a large network of news sites, including over 100 local newspapers, a unified national news platform, and dedicated sports and lifestyle channels. Our multimedia group, anchored by a portfolio of series, special projects, and daily content in news, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and more, drives millions of views and listens every month across our O&Os, YouTube, social channels, streaming, podcast, and emerging platforms. We're seeking an Interactive Sales Executive with a proven track record in closing high-value sponsorships and partnerships in video and audio to generate substantial revenue for our multimedia portfolio including our existing puzzle site and the broader forthcoming PLAY experience. Your success will help power flagship multimedia brands such as our good-news vertical Humankind, lifestyle video flagship Problem Solved, our expansive sports multimedia portfolio, expanding entertainment and lifestyle verticals, audio storytelling and series, and much more. Creating and scaling successful brand partnerships across social media will be a key area of focus in this role. Some of our multimedia brands have built large-scale, highly engaged social media audiences and we are seeking a sales leader to innovate in this space, creating significant revenue streams from our popular social series, while at the same time building on the success of direct-sold campaigns across our O&Os.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end sales cycle to achieve $5M in sponsorship revenue first year, doubling to $10M by year two.
  • Identify, prospect, and cultivate relationships with key decision-makers across multiple verticals Pharma, Financial Services, Automotive, Media, CPG, Technology & Telecom.
  • Build a robust pipeline of brand partnerships, premium sponsorships, and custom advertising packages for our multimedia portfolio.
  • Develop compelling sponsorship opportunities leveraging the scale of our multimedia portfolio, especially video and audio, in verticals spanning news, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional content teams to craft integrated programs for both proactive, targeted pitches and RFP responses.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for brand partners, nurturing long-term relationships and maximizing recurring revenue streams.
  • Conduct client-facing presentations, proposal development, and quarterly/annual business reviews to ensure partners see strong ROI.
  • Manage complex sales cycles, including presentations, negotiations, and contract closures.
  • Stay ahead of digital advertising trends, sponsor needs, and industry developments, especially in digital video, social media, and influencer-style content-creator approaches.
  • Develop data-motivated analysis and recommendations for quantifying opportunities.
  • Feed back market intelligence to internal stakeholders, helping shape sponsorship packages, product enhancements, and editorial alignments.
  • Maintain accurate records of deal progress, revenue forecasts, and pipeline health in CRM systems.
  • Provide regular updates to senior leadership on sales progress, market demand, and strategies to reach revenue targets.
  • Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Creative, and Operations teams to execute campaigns seamlessly.
  • Identify and develop new business opportunities with major advertisers.
  • Provide guidance or mentorship to junior sales or account managers supporting partnership activations.

Requirements

  • Proven Sales Track Record: 2+ years in digital media sales, sponsorship sales, or partnership development with a consistent record of closing high-value, multimillion-dollar deals.
  • Industry Relationships: Established network of brand and agency contacts across Pharma, Financial Services, Automotive, Media, CPG, Technology & Telecom (additional verticals a plus).
  • Strategic Selling & Negotiation: Demonstrated ability to build custom sponsorship solutions, negotiate large contracts, and influence C-level decision-makers.
  • Revenue Accountability: Comfortable owning a $5M+ annual quota with the ambition and structure to double revenue by the second year.
  • Digital Media Expertise: Familiarity with branded content, native advertising, integrated sponsorship packages, and performance metrics (CPM, CPA, brand lift).
  • Strong Communication Skills: Exceptional presentation abilities, adept at creating proposals and delivering pitches.
  • Analytical & Results-Driven: Competent using CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar), with data-oriented approaches to pipeline management.
  • Team Player: Able to collaborate with internal product, editorial, and marketing teams to craft solutions that align with audience engagement.
  • Willingness to Travel: Ability to meet clients and attend industry events as needed (estimated 20-30% travel).

Nice to Have

  • Additional verticals experience is a plus.

Qualifications

  • No specific formal educational qualifications specified in the description.

Benefits & Perks

  • High-Impact Opportunity: Spearhead major sponsorship deals for an established brand reaching over 140 million unique visitors monthly, with robust puzzle and gaming verticals poised for rapid expansion.
  • Competitive Compensation: Base salary plus aggressive commission/bonus structure aligned with your revenue achievements.
  • Growth Trajectory: Play an integral role in evolving our new PLAY experience, shaping strategic partnerships and influencing product innovation.
  • Supportive Team Culture: Collaborate with passionate, forward-thinking colleagues in marketing, editorial, and product-focused on delivering engaging casual entertainment to a massive audience.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Working at Gannett

Our culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a passion for delivering engaging content and experiences across multiple platforms. We value forward-thinking colleagues dedicated to growth and audience engagement.

Apply Now

Job Details

Posted AtJun 21, 2025
Job CategorySocial Media
Salary70k-80k
Job TypeFull Time
Work ModeRemote
ExperienceSenior

About Gannett

Website

gannett.com

Company Size

10000+ employees

Location

Detroit, MI

Industry

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