Role Overview
Hearst Newspapers is seeking a passionate and dynamic Director of Sales to lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing sales team driving revenue for Austin Monthly and Austin Home magazines across print, digital, social, branded content, and live experiences. This role is first and foremost a people leader—responsible for building a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous growth while empowering the team to deliver integrated, full-funnel marketing solutions that achieve measurable results for clients.
What will you do?
- Lead, inspire, and manage a high-performing advertising sales team focused on driving revenue across print, digital, social, branded content, and event sponsorships through integrated, client-focused solutions.
- Build a culture of accountability, urgency, and high performance, setting clear expectations and consistently raising the bar on results.
- Drive consistent achievement of sales goals through disciplined execution, clear KPI tracking, and proactive performance management.
- Actively coach team members on consultative selling, account growth, and closing strategies, helping them build and convert robust pipelines.
- Conduct regular 1:1s, pipeline reviews, and in-field coaching sessions to reinforce best practices, remove obstacles, and accelerate deal velocity.
- Develop employee growth to elevate performance and retention, identifying top talent and creating clear paths for advancement.
- Lead structured, high-impact sales meetings focused on strategy, accountability, skill development, and team motivation.
- Drive multi-platform revenue growth through team leadership, empowering sellers to package and sell across all channels.
- Own and scale event & experiential revenue, guiding the team in developing sponsorships and custom activation programs.
- Oversee sales operations, including forecasting, pipeline management, CRM discipline, and revenue pacing.
- Manage magazine ad inventory and layout, partnering with production and editorial teams to optimize pagination, maximize yield, and ensure on-time delivery.
- Set sales strategy and go-to-market direction, including new products, sponsorship packages, and revenue opportunities.
- Foster cross-functional collaboration across editorial, marketing, events, and production to deliver seamless client programs.
- Analyze performance and drive results using data and insights to continuously refine strategy and improve outcomes.
- Support key client relationships, helping the team secure and grow high-value partnerships within the Austin market.
What would it take to be successful?
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
- Proven ability to build a culture of accountability and results.
- Expertise in integrated media, digital marketing, and experiential/event-based revenue.
- Strong understanding of sales operations, forecasting, and print production workflows, including ad layout and inventory management.
- Ability to balance strategic leadership with tactical execution.
- Data-driven decision making and analytical mindset.
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
- Adaptability in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Collaborative approach across teams and stakeholders.
- Proven track record of exceeding revenue goals.
What we’re looking for
- Education: BA/BS in Advertising, Marketing, Communications, or equivalent experience.
- Experience: 5+ years in media or advertising sales with success in integrated marketing solutions, event sponsorships, and/or print sales operations, including familiarity with magazine production cycles and ad layout processes.
- Mindset: Highly motivated, competitive, and team-oriented with strong relationship-building skills.
- Skills: Strong presentation, communication, and technical skills (Salesforce, Excel, PowerPoint).
What we offer
- Dynamic and collaborative work environment.
- Comprehensive training and development.
- Competitive compensation with uncapped earning potential.
- Opportunities for career growth within Hearst.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
- Retirement plan with company match.
- Generous paid time off and holidays.
- Paid parental leave.
- Child & dependent care reimbursement.
- Mental wellness support.
- Inclusive healthcare benefits.
- Pet wellness reimbursement.