Client Solutions Manager I - Sales Ops
Req #26592
Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.
To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.
Position Title: Associate Sales Strategy & Development Manager
Target Salary: Acceptable range $55,000 - $60,000, depending on experience, skills, and location
Target Experience: 0 - 1+ years of professional experience in media. This could include; Media Planners, Buyers, Account Executives or Strategists.
USA TODAY NETWORK is a next-generation media company re-imagining its roots. With an unparalleled local-to-national reach, we successfully connect consumers, communities and businesses through rich content and award-winning digital, mobile and print products. We are about innovation and services that are delivered whenever and wherever.
USA TODAY Network is seeking an Associate Sales Strategy & Development (SSD) Manager to serve as the marketing point-person in the development of integrated, idea-led advertising solutions in support of ad sales partners. These solutions will strategically support advertiser objectives by leveraging the equity and strengths of the USA TODAY NETWORK, which comprises its parent company, plus 200+ local media properties and 300+ owned and operated sites. The Associate Sales Strategy & Development Manager is a strategic and enthusiastic solution-driver, who puts our consumers and clients at the core of everything we do.
We are looking for someone with knowledge of the digital landscape, familiarity with major brands and a knowledge of emerging digital technology, social media, innovative ad platforms, competitive sites and mobile applications. What’s more, you should have the ability to effectively multi-task and manage complex relationships with a variety of internal counterparts.
Specific responsibilities in this role include:
- SALES PARTNERSHIP – MARKETING SOLUTIONS DEVELOPMENT: Develop cross-platform, client specific advertising solutions for USA TODAY NETWORK’S national sales business across: digital, mobile, tablet, print, events, social. Manage collateral development for key categories (may include multiple categories). Collaborate with internal (sales, research, corporate marketing, product team, creative, and more) on the creation of all client specific advertising concepts. Develop innovative insight-based 'big idea' presentations, respond to RFPs and develop proactive ideas for clients with strong written communication, visual/graphics, and supporting research.
- PRE-SALE BRAINSTORM PROCESS: As part of the pre-sales process the Associate Sales Strategy and Development manager will be responsible for both RFP response and proactive client outreach. The Associate SSD Manager will partner with a national seller to fully understand client needs and come prepared to meetings with research and ideas.The Associate SSD Manager will work with the team to take part in and or lead the creative brainstorming process. The Associate SSD Manager will help synthesize a specific marketing strategy and develop presentation that clearly articulates the marketing idea and why USA TODAY Network is the right partner for that advertiser.
- PROACTIVENESS & ADDITIONAL MARKETING DEVELOPMENT: The Associate SSD Manager willpartner with national sales to formulate prospect lists to whom new opportunities and ongoing research can be presented. Help develop ideas for these prospects. Work with Account Managers to create recap presentations and develop case studies outlining executions, including analysis of campaign results against industry standards to showcase positive outcomes.
Associate Sales Strategy & Development Manager Responsibilities:
Get Get to know our network of properties and products so you can offer clients the best possible marketing solutions based on their needs and USA TODAY Network strengths.
- Help generate RFP responses (proposals) by supporting and taking part in brainstorming process to developing and vetting custom marketing solutions leveraging USA TODAY tools and ad products. Work with various departments to ensure a thorough and insight-based proposal is developed and can be executed by our post sales team.
- Develop presentations for sales teams to present at client meetings, conferences and various events that focus on USA TODAY Network’s unique positioning, value proposition and overall capabilities. This will help sales partners generate interest among clients. Help develop marketing positioning for USA TODAY Network as a brand as well as specific content verticals and related digital properties.
- Learn, participate and eventually lead creative facilitation (brainstorm) process that we use to generate persuasive marketing campaigns and campaign extensions for our clients
- Serve as key hub in coordinating feedback as the Sales Strategy & Development group addresses strategic client requests and responses to our proposals. Work with internal departments to ensure we address client questions and concerns regarding marketing pitches.
- Help evaluate completed campaigns and develop case studies based on successes to be used in sales materials.
Here’s what you need:
- Bachelor's degree required AND an internship some professional experience is preferred in; marketing, communications, psychology, journalism, or English majors preferred but not required).
- Excellent project management and organization skills, including proven experience in developing and executing innovative, creative and impactful integrated marketing solutions either in an advertising agency, client, or publisher capacity.
- Creative and strategic thinker with good writing ability.
- Ability to set deadlines and work efficiently with internal clients.
- Must be a proactive self-starter and resourceful team player with the ability to navigate their way through a complex organization.
- Must be team-oriented, collaborative and have the capability of driving an agenda forward while also balancing needs of multiple conflicting stakeholders.
- This position has no direct reports but must inspire others to do what is needed and must therefore exhibit leadership ability
- Must be passionate about the media business with the ability to inspire and nurture the same in others.
- Exhibits core behaviors – e. g., interpersonal relationship skills, communication, creativity, analytical/strategic thinking, problem-solving, strong work ethic, resourceful, positive attitude, takes initiative, & full-scale organization (over-arching to tactical).
- Ability to effectively manage complex relationships with a variety of internal counterparts with a positive attitude
- Able to calmly manage through ambiguity and change in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
- Understanding how to use the following platforms: online, social, tablet, smartphones.
- Proficiency in PowerPoint and either Mac or PC Platform.
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Other details
- Job Family Client Solutions
- Job Function Marketing Solutions
- Pay Type Salary
- Min Hiring Rate $55,000.00
- Max Hiring Rate $60,000.00