Are you ready to help local businesses thrive while building your own successful sales career? WXMI, the E.W. Scripps Fox affiliate in Grand Rapids, is seeking a dynamic Account Executive who will partner with local and regional businesses to deliver compelling multi-platform advertising solutions. This role offers the exciting opportunity to work with a full array of advertising platforms, from Over The Top (OTT) video and social media strategies to broadcast television, helping clients achieve real growth and measurable results.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Sell advertising solutions to local and regional businesses and advertising agencies.

• Apply the Scripps Sales Process (SSP) to analyze current and prospective customer needs and apply customized advertising solutions that provide return on their investment.

• In addition to television commercial airtime sales, facilitate the customer's ability to take advantage of the full array of digital marketing options available.

• Independently prospect, secure appointments, perform needs analysis, develop customized solutions, present and close sales to develop and maintain new business from traditional and non-traditional advertisers.

• Use ratings data, qualitative information and market trends to negotiate program ratings and advertising rates with advertising agencies in order to maximize revenue as well as develop custom solutions for new advertisers.

• Serve as a trusted advisor with new and existing clients, provide best-in-class customer service, grow accounts, and gain additional business from referrals.

• Perform client services, including but not limited to media avail negotiations, presentation preparation delivery and execution, copy writing, credit applications and collection of revenue due.

• Effectively and proactively manage a sales funnel by way of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, monitoring and achieving key performance indicators and expected activity levels.

• Contribute to the creative development of campaigns though client communication and needs analysis, storyboard and concept creation, and assistance in production aspects.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships, which may include entertaining prospective and existing clients.

• Perform routine administrative functions of a media salesperson including makegood resolution, continuous update of CRM system with activity, account information and pending revenue, and communication with sales leadership regarding the status of accounts

• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• BS/BA in related discipline preferred or equivalent years of experience

• Generally 2+ years of proven sales success preferred

• Experience in strategic account management, broadcast ratings and digital execution preferred

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

• Highly self-motivated and goal focused

• Highly creative and innovative thinker

• Strong influencing, selling and upselling skills

• Effective teamwork and collaboration skills

• Very strong analysis and data interpretation - able to translate needs and research data into sound marketing proposals

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

• Outstanding presentation abilities (in person/virtual, small/large groups, all levels)

• Strong time management and organizational skills

• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

• Working knowledge of Google Office (Sheets, Docs, Slides) and virtual conferencing platforms (E.g. Skype, WebEx, Zoom or MS Teams etc.)

WHAT WE'LL OFFER:

• Uncapped sales commission

• Monthly allowance for mileage and cell phone

• Extensive Scripps Sales Process training

• A career path to grow your professional experiences

• Full medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as certain other health and wellness benefits

• Retirement savings plan with company match

• Other key company benefits include disability accident insurance, life insurance, ID protection, pet discount program, and employee assistance program. More details about timing and conditions of benefits eligibility and other plan terms and conditions will be provided upon hire.

WHERE YOU'LL LIVE, WORK AND PLAY:

Grand Rapids, Michigan offers the perfect blend of urban energy and natural beauty. As Michigan's second-largest city, Grand Rapids boasts a thriving downtown with an impressive food scene, world-class breweries, and vibrant arts culture - including the renowned ArtPrize competition. The city sits along the scenic Grand River with easy access to Lake Michigan's stunning shorelines just 30 minutes away. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the area's abundant parks, trails, and four distinct seasons offering everything from summer water sports to winter skiing.

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WHAT WE'LL OFFER:

• Extensive Scripps Sales Process training

• Uncapped sales commission

• Monthly allowance for mileage and cell phone

• A career path to grow your professional experiences

• Full medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as certain other health and wellness benefits

• Retirement savings plan with company match

• Other key company benefits include disability accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, life insurance, AD&D, ID protection, pet discount program, and employee assistance program. More details about timing and conditions of benefits eligibility and other plan terms and conditions will be provided upon hire.

If you are a current Scripps employee, please do not apply on this site. Please access our internal career site at Worklife > My Info > View Open Positions at Scripps.

SCRIPPS’ COMMITMENT TO A CULTURE THAT CREATES CONNECTION:

At Scripps, we are committed to a culture that reflects the audiences and communities we serve. We are intentional about creating an environment where employees, our audiences and other stakeholders feel valued and inspired to reach their full potential and create connections. To successfully deliver on this commitment, we must understand and reflect the values and perspectives those around us embody. That process begins by looking inward to build and celebrate a respectful workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection. By continuing to cultivate an environment where all employees have a fair chance to succeed, are included, valued, and seen, we will strengthen the connections that drive positive business impact and align with our core purpose. 

ABOUT SCRIPPS:

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlet Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, ION Plus, ION Mystery, Bounce, Grit and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps Sports serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and its longtime motto is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

As an equal employment opportunity employer, The E.W. Scripps Company and its affiliates do not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, color, religion, age, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, citizenship or national origin, and military membership or veteran status, or on any other basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law. Furthermore, the company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the company.