Account Director, Content Studio

With over two times the visitors of any other local media website, digital agency partners with advertisers as the digital solution for their local marketing needs. We leverage over 125 years of Pulitzer-prize winning coverage to help local and national advertisers connect with their customers. As part of the most distinguished news source in the Pacific Northwest, creates custom branded and editorial content, making deeper connections and fostering loyalty with engaging articles, interactives, and videos that go beyond traditional advertising.

Our Advertising team is seeking a versatile Account Director to focus on services with Content Marketing and Creative Services. This high-level sales leadership position focuses on growing revenue in content management, video production and other creative services provided through our Content Studio and Media Solutions teams. Ideally, you are comfortable working closely with a creative team to pitch new creative to businesses and brands throughout the Pacific Northwest with a knack for understanding and articulating how to promote their content through SEO, Social, Programmatic, Email, website development and more. You should be driven, creative, confident, knowledgeable, and unafraid to prospect businesses of all sizes. Successful finalists will possess an innate ability to work with C-suite executives as well as internal sales, creative and operational teams.

Please note: while currently remote, this position will require some work in our Seattle office once normal operations resume. Applicants should be current (or future) residents of the Greater Seattle area.

Responsibilities

• Prospects and closes new and nontraditional business for Seattle Times Content Studio and Seattle Times Media Solutions, with a focus on sales of $50k+.
• Meets monthly and quarterly sales targets by identifying key decision makers, prospecting, closing, retaining and growing revenue through advertising and marketing services.
• This seller will be an expert in content marketing strategy including branded content, video, interactive graphics, SEO, event marketing, influencer marketing and more. He/she/they will have an understanding of digital marketing services including SEO, social advertising, Connected TV, YouTube, email marketing, website development, and more, with a strategic understanding of how marketing tactics work together.
• This senior level seller will conduct an exemplary sales process:
  • Builds and nurtures a pipeline of prospective accounts and delivers a strong Introduction.
  • Conducts thorough client Needs Assessment, and provides value to the client upfront in insights, recommendations, and strategy.
  • Collaborates closely with Creative, Research and Agency Services leaders to ensure proposed strategies and solutions can be effectively executed.
  • Presents high-value, insightful, and measurable solutions that are grounded in a deep understanding of the market and client goals and objectives, with realistic expectations set up front.
  • Consistently closes new clients, solo and with the team, reaching annual and quarterly pacing targets.
• Manages new clients, retaining and seeking opportunities for growth, in collaboration with their Account Management and Creative Services teams.
• Works closely with Content Studio Director on creative ideation and pitch concepts. Collaborates with the Agency Services teams on amplification tactics that meet client needs and set proper expectations.
• Oversees the team pipeline for content and creative services, a new and growing area of the STMS product suite. Helps lead training, share best practices, serve as resource, and otherwise keep this area of business top of mind for the sales team at large.
• Participates in sales leadership meetings that drive sales strategy, influence product development, and surface areas for improvement.
• Publicly represents The Seattle Times Content Studio and Seattle Times Media Solutions through participation in professional and community organizations, including networking and public speaking opportunities that uphold the STCS image, values, and expertise.
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years in digital marketing business development sales, with a proven track record of account and revenue generation. 2+ years in sales development of content marketing services.
• Track record of success in prospecting, pitching and closing sales
• Ability to influence others to achieve results
• Ability to formulate strategies to support client objectives
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with teammates
• Ability to work and adapt in a changing environment
• Collaborative, and able to work across teams with ease
• Effective communicator (oral and written communication skills) with clients and internal stakeholders
• Driven to hit sales targets in a fast paced and competitive environment
• Strategic in both client consultation, and internal department leadership
• Superior analytical and interpersonal skills to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Public speaking experience required
  
  

Please note: this position requires a pre-employment background check, drug screen (excludes cannabis), and personal vehicle insurance coverage.

Founded in 1896, The Seattle Times continues its tradition as a family-owned, Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper that cuts through the clutter and provides readers with timely, relevant news. We serve the Pacific Northwest with thoughtful, independent journalism that makes a real difference in our community. And as a media solutions company, we combine cutting-edge digital capabilities and service with the values and integrity of respected traditional media… with an established audience of 2.1 million. At The Seattle Times, you'll find work that matters.

If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] and provide a description of the reasonable accommodation(s) needed.