The Star Tribune is the Upper Midwest’s largest news organization, with audience numbers consistently in the top five in the country amongst regional and national peers. Building on an extraordinary legacy that includes seven Pulitzer Prizes and hundreds of other awards, the Star Tribune is an unrivaled force for journalistic excellence in Minnesota. It is also a company under transformation – realigning its core purpose for a new age of media consumption through innovative new partnerships, technology strategies, and a refreshed strategic direction. Our company has a new vision to create the leading model for local news in America – driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan’s life better. We’re looking for dynamic leaders to help create that model. We’re excited to work with people who care about journalism and democracy and are eager to re-invent one of ;our state’s most trusted companies for a completely new era of growth that embraces new technologies and strategies for excellence.

Job Summary

The Business Development Executive will drive new business leads and grow active accounts for the Star Tribune’s creative agency, Foundry425. This not only includes developing revenue from current Star Tribune accounts, but also includes prospecting and closing new business.

A successful Business Development Executive will have a high level of expertise in creative marketing, with an emphasis in content and digital marketing. The Business Development Executive will focus efforts on identifying and executing target initiatives that will successfully grow Foundry425’s book of business. The ideal candidate will have a background in agency or creative marketing firm.

Responsibilities

• Prospect new accounts (that have not, or currently are not working with Star Tribune) that lead with Foundry425, but that also drive large media buys.
• Develop new business leads with Star Tribune sales teams. This includes with existing and new clients.
• Work with sales representatives to identify, approach, and do discovery with new business leads.
• Prospect new accounts.
• Help sales reps integrate Foundry into pitch work. In particular, they will be a resource for developing a strong creative proposal in conjunction with a strong media campaign.
• Guide reps through a creative selling cycle, in particular with longer-selling cycles (that are more common for creative projects.)
• Attend creative-related discovery calls with Sales representatives and report findings to Foundry425.
• Help ensure that creative proposals are aligned with those goals.
• Help Foundry425 with account management. While Foundry425 has historically been good at retaining customers from the creative side of the business, this person will help manage customers in more traditional way. This includes routinely checking in with portfolio and digital sellers, and by proactively checking in with clients.
• Advocate for Foundry425 within Star Tribune sales teams, by sharing successful selling strategies and proposals.
• Representing Foundry425 in settings that can generate leads, like trade shows.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 3 years of successful sales experience, preferably with demonstrated new business sales skills
• Excellent attention to detail, communication, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with complex organizations and agencies
• Highly developed negotiation, presentation, and problem-solving skills
• A consultative seller that thrives in a fast paced, creative environment
• Ability to sell wide range of products and services
• Ability to probe and develop a comprehensive understanding of customer needs
• Past content or digital media experience is preferred
• Proficient in PowerPoint, Excel and Dynamics is a plus

More about the Star Tribune:

At the Star Tribune, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. We go above and beyond to ensure their happiness, growth, and overall well-being. Here is a glimpse into the exceptional benefits we offer:

Modern downtown office with a free fitness center and rooftop patio. Commuting subsidy, medical, dental, and vision insurance. Wellness program with financial incentives. Paid time off which includes flexible holidays to honor the preferences of employees, plus one volunteer day and 2 wellness days. 401(k) with company match, parental and caregiving leaves, flexible work arrangements, employee assistance program, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, flexible spending, and health savings accounts.

Selected in 2023 to Diversity MBA's inaugural list of Top 25 Outstanding Leadership and Diversity Impact Awards.

Equal Opportunity Employer

If you're interested in this role but don't meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. The Star Tribune is dedicated to fostering a more diverse and inclusive workplace, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.