Associate, Sports Sales Strategy

The Sales Strategy Associate (SS) develops strategic cross-platform solutions, leveraging the properties, franchises, and assets of USA TODAY Sports to drive sports account revenue. The SS works closely with the national sales team to identify sales opportunities, create programs that align with client marketing objectives, and participate in client pitches.

The ideal candidate has experience working in a pre-sale (RFP or proactive) capacity in the sports space for a media company or agency and is proficient in creating multifaceted and compelling PowerPoint proposals and presentations. The SS is solution-oriented with the ability to connect sports marketing strategies to business objectives, while finding ways to creatively communicate value propositions to clients/agencies.

• Partner with sales to develop and implement brand outreach strategies for new business, renewals, cross-selling, and upselling
• Significantly increase market share and drive revenue for USA TODAY Sports
• Manage the complete RFP process, including ideation, tracking, and team communication.
• Lead brainstorming and strategy sessions, capturing and articulating ideas for internal teams
• Collaborate with editorial, research, account management, and product teams to deliver client-aligned solutions
• Convey ideas and opportunities via self-produced PowerPoint proposals and presentations that are timely, innovative, and effective, including meeting decks and proactive proposals
• Identify proactive steps to close business. Assist in delivering follow-up in the negotiation of terms pertaining to the sale and delivery of the program
• Manage the sports revenue pipeline, including RFPs, sales decks, media plans, IOs, and campaign performance
• Participate in client-facing meetings and promote USA TODAY Sports Media Group's value proposition
• Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with clients and agencies
• Collaborate with strategy team to provide consistent feedback to improve standard, "off-the-shelf" offerings and identify new opportunities
• Work with post-sale team to relay sponsorship concept and elements for sold campaigns. Develop case studies outlining executions, including analysis of campaign results against industry standards to showcase positive outcomes
• Participate and represent USA TODAY Sports Media Group at local industry events
• Develop knowledge of the USA TODAY Sports Media Group portfolio, sports landscape, competitive set, and key clients

• A strong understanding, passion, and knowledge for Sports
• BA or BS from accredited college or university (marketing, communications, psychology, journalism, or English majors preferred but not required)
• Minimum (5-8) five to eight years' experience in digital advertising at a media company, sports marketing agency or digital agency, and/or in the sports industry; ideally work experience includes interacting directly with sales or marketing teams

• Previous experience working at a digital media company/publisher - sports media preferred - specifically in the field(s) of sales planning, account management, ad operations and or client strategy/solutions
• Proven ability to develop innovative, integrated marketing solutions in an advertising agency, client, or publisher role
• Strong project management skills with a track record of handling multiple projects simultaneously.
• Creative and analytical thinker with excellent problem-solving, writing, and speaking skills.
• Ability to set deadlines and collaborate effectively with internal and external teams.
• Proactive self-starter with the ability to navigate complex organizations and work with various internal/external stakeholders
• Solid knowledge of/experience with media across digital, print, events, social & mobile platforms. Print experience helpful but not necessary. Digital media experience necessary.
• Skilled in developing cross-platform opportunities that drive revenue and align with client objectives
• Understanding of media business, ad sales, and respect for content and the creative/editorial process
• Team-oriented and collaborative, capable of balancing multiple stakeholders' needs
• Leadership ability to inspire and motivate others, even without direct reports.
• Must be passionate about the media business and sports industry with the ability to inspire and nurture the same in others
• Ability to manage ambiguity and change in a fast-paced environment with a positive attitude.
• Comfortable delivering presentations to diverse audiences
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word; knowledge of comScore and Sales Force is a plus