Sr. Director of Sales

The E. W. Scripps Company is seeking a Sr. Director of Sales to join the WLEX team in Lexington, KY. This individual will lead a sales management team and help local and national businesses realize growth opportunity by reaching customers through compelling multi-platform advertising solutions.  The full array of advertising solutions may include platforms like Over The Top (OTT) video, search strategies (SEO/SEM), social media strategies, digital display and e-mail targeting, as well as broadcast television.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Collaborate with the General Manager and other Scripps managers to establish and accomplish the objectives of the station.
• Create sales budgets, project/forecast weekly station revenue so that annual revenue targets are achieved.
• Manage all broadcast and digital inventory, set and adjust station rates to maximize revenue.
• Manage the sale of advertising time to clients/agencies, involving local travel and national travel.
• Meet with clients, advertisers and community organizations to maintain high visibility in the market.
• Collaborate with other sales leaders to create best practices that optimize performance of team.
• Ensure sales managers and sellers utilize Scripps Sales Process (SSP) resources and tools provided to build effective sales strategies.
• Proactively create and manage enterprise or local station initiatives and new business projects.
• Collaborate with the Sales Managers to train, develop and motivate the local sales team so that revenue goals are achieved.
• Collaborate with the Sales Managers to foster career growth and development of the local sales team so that a pipeline of talent for future Scripps sales management openings is ready.
• Provide training and developmental coaching for the sales managers to include all aspects of local, national and general sales management.
• Effectively manage all personnel issues.
• Understand and interface with traffic system and personnel to efficiently manage airtime inventory. Approve all orders.
• Interface with station's national rep firm to set goals and objectives. Hold firm accountable for the achievement of all expectations.
• Establish local market value and position of the station through knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the competition.
• Maintain integrity in all business dealings.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field or equivalent experience preferred
• Generally, 10+ years proven success in media sales, including at least 3 years of management responsibility
• Inventory, pricing, political advertising/guidelines experience required
• Experience in agency and direct strategic account management, broadcast inventory and digital/video capabilities required

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

• Strong analytical abilities; foresee potential pitfalls within a strategy while remaining positive about achieving the benefits
• Facilitative problem-solving abilities
• The desire for decision-making authority and the willingness to accept decision-making responsibility
• Strong initiative to tackle new and difficult challenges
• Effective in a variety of formal presentation settings both inside and outside the organization
• Proven and effective leadership skills; fosters open dialogue, empowers others, addresses conflict quickly and directly
• Strong coaching skills; able to provide feedback and developmental coaching with empathy
• Proven ability to remain calm under pressure while managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Advanced oral and written communication skills
• Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office and Zoom

Work Environment

• Normal office environment
• Some travel required

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license, good driving record, and ability to provide proof of insurance with the company required insurance limits.

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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 a better-informed world. 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 outlets Scripps News and Court TV and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Defy TV, Grit, ION Mystery and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps’ long-time 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.