Publisher and Advertising Director, Summerville Communications

The Publisher / Advertising Sales Director for Summerville Communications will serve as the chief business executive for the organization as well as daily leadership of the advertising department daily in driving and maximizing advertising sales revenue while providing top-notch service to our client base. This includes a team of account executives, account coordinators, and an office manager. This position will lead the local sales efforts to drive print and digital advertising and event sponsorship revenue growth.  This position will drive and grow local revenue by identifying sales opportunities, executing sales strategies, and working directly with sales executives to achieve revenue goals and company objectives. Responsible for meeting overall advertising revenue and profitability targets for both total department budget and specific initiatives.

Involvement in community events, chamber events and other business events are a must. An innovative mindset and strong leadership skills are critical. Will demonstrate sales success at all levels including building relationships and working collaboratively with internal and external customers.

Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Serve as chief executive for Summerville Communications, which includes Summerville Journal Scene, Berkeley Independent and Goose Creek Gazette
• Achievement of monthly and annual departmental revenue goals.                          
• Manage organizational expense budget to ensure profit targets are met.
• Planning and executing creative ideas and sales strategies for events and promotions, print and digital advertising campaigns.
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of competitive media, market research and market share growth opportunities.
• Continual learning of digital advertising capabilities and the digital landscape – serving as a strong digital marketing leader to drive increased market share in this sector of the business.
• Leading, motivating and training team of account executives.
• Evaluating account executives’ performance to budget achievement, account development, client services and team interaction.
• Attending related community and business meetings and events to meet and engage with key stakeholders and decision makers.
• Building strong relationships and executing presentations with accounts.
• Maximizing sales opportunities with active and new business accounts.
• Directly assist local sales representatives in new business development.
• Join account executives in client meetings, current and prospective, regularly.
• Conducting weekly sales meetings and 1-1 meetings with each direct report.
• Assisting with sales proposals and client presentations.
• Accountability for maintaining department records on a regular basis. This includes documentation of successful results and/or attempted effort for special emphasis selling projects assigned.
• Assisting local sales representatives with negotiating contracts and ensuring terms and conditions are met.
• Monitoring and analyzing competitive advertising rates. Recommending adjustments to rating strategies to remain competitive in the marketplace.
• Monitor competitive print and digital media for trends, ideas, threats and opportunities. Implement short-term and long-term strategies from findings.
• Analyze workflow and make recommendations to streamline operations to create the best experience for internal and external customers.
• Manage account executive and account coordinator sales activity and key performance indicators through Hubspot CRM.
• Attend community events on behalf of Summerville Communications and maintain high level of engagement and visibility within the Summerville community.
• Participate in Evening Post Publishing Group management meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in business, marketing, journalism, communications or related field preferred.
• Minimum of three to five years’ related management experience.
• Sales experience required. Media sales experience preferred.
• Proven ability to meet revenue goals.
• Ability to relate well with clients and business leaders and collaborate with co-workers.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to present research and proposals clearly.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent digital skills, including but not limited to social media, digital analytics and understanding of digital market trends.
• Hands-on media sales training experience.
• History of consultative selling approach across print and digital platforms.
• Candidate should be proficient with Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to work in a team environment is essential. 
• The ability and skill to effectively communicate and interact personally or electronically with team members, customers, clients and other employees of the organization in a professional and courteous manner is essential.
• Ability to read, write, analyze, and interpret specific marketing and advertising material, market data, general business periodicals, applicable regulations and procedures. 
• Knowledge of general financial accounting, budget expenditures and forecasting is critical in determining rates and calculating figures. 
• Ability to apply logical thinking in solving practical problems, collecting data, and establishing facts while drawing valid conclusions in situations where only limited standardization exists. 

Physical Requirement, Work Environment and Travel:
Close eye work on computer, continuous sitting, constant walking, standing, light to moderate lifting 15-20 pounds. Local travel is required. The Post and Courier is an equal opportunity, drug-free workplace.