The Post and Courier Columbia and Free Times team seeks a dynamic sales and business development professional to serve as a Marketing Account Executive (outside sales) within our advertising team. Through this role, the Account Executive is responsible for crafting and selling print, digital and event marketing solutions to local businesses in the Midlands of South Carolina through The Post and Courier’s portfolio of products; exceeding monthly and quarterly sales goals within an assigned territory or client list; developing new business through extensive sales calls and conducting sales assessments; and providing quality service to advertising clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as outside salesperson for Midlands region of South Carolina, with primary duties of daily selling and account management primarily through outbound sales activity and in-person meetings
• Serve as outside seller on sales team, conducting door knocks, need analyses, in-person sales proposals, in-person client meetings, etc.
• Focus will be on acquisition of new business and/or long-term contracts
• Develop and maintain a strong knowledge of digital marketing strategies, continually participating in trainings (company trainings and self-guided) and keep up with latest trends in the digital marketing space
• Achieving assigned monthly sales goals through upselling, prospecting efforts and new business development
• Participation in sales of specialized or targeted products, such as sticky notes, magazines, digital advertising, search engine marketing, etc.
• Growing number of active accounts within the assigned territory or client list
• Increase financial investment per client over a period of time
• Generate and follow-up on sales leads; identify key decision makers
• Create comprehensive marketing proposals for prospective customers, with a focus in digital marketing solutions
• Collaborate with product specialists in presenting needs-based solutions to clients
• Work with staff designers to generate concepts and ensure message accuracy for advertising creative for respective clients
• Track all prospecting efforts and sales in Hubspot CRM tool
• Attend staff and sales team meetings as required
• Represent The Post and Courier and Free Times at company events or at community events and/or networking opportunities as needed
• Assist in preparation and on-site execution of Post and Courier events in the Columbia region
• Advocate for The Post and Courier in the Columbia region, encouraging readers, community members and clients to subscribe to our journalism and support our brand in other ways.
• Perform other duties as requested by management.

Requirements, minimum education level, and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• 2-3 years of sales, marketing, media or business development experience
• Proven track record of excellence in sales/sales support
• Dependable transportation and a valid South Carolina driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong and persuasive verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Strong presentation skills, interpersonal, problem solving and customer service skills also required
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite; including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Physical Requirement: Close eye work, continuous sitting, constant walking, standing, light to moderate lifting 15-30 pounds (per safety policy).