Account Executive, Fox 17 WXMI - Grand Rapids

Account Executive

Are you ready to help local businesses thrive while building your own successful sales career? WXMI, the E.W. Scripps Fox affiliate in Grand Rapids, is seeking a dynamic Account Executive who will partner with local and regional businesses to deliver compelling multi-platform advertising solutions. This role offers the exciting opportunity to work with a full array of advertising platforms, from Over The Top (OTT) video and social media strategies to broadcast television, helping clients achieve real growth and measurable results.
What You'll Do:

Sell advertising solutions to local and regional businesses and advertising agencies.
Apply the Scripps Sales Process (SSP) to analyze current and prospective customer needs and apply customized advertising solutions that provide return on their investment.
In addition to television commercial airtime sales, facilitate the customer's ability to take advantage of the full array of digital marketing options available.
Independently prospect, secure appointments, perform needs analysis, develop customized solutions, present and close sales to develop and maintain new business from traditional and non-traditional advertisers.
Use ratings data, qualitative information and market trends to negotiate program ratings and advertising rates with advertising agencies in order to maximize revenue as well as develop custom solutions for new advertisers.
Serve as a trusted advisor with new and existing clients, provide best-in-class customer service, grow accounts, and gain additional business from referrals.
Perform client services, including but not limited to media avail negotiations, presentation preparation delivery and execution, copy writing, credit applications and collection of revenue due.
Effectively and proactively manage a sales funnel by way of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, monitoring and achieving key performance indicators and expected activity levels.
Contribute to the creative development of campaigns though client communication and needs analysis, storyboard and concept creation, and assistance in production aspects.
Build and maintain strong client relationships, which may include entertaining prospective and existing clients.
Perform routine administrative functions of a media salesperson including makegood resolution, continuous update of CRM system with activity, account information and pending revenue, and communication with sales leadership regarding the status of accounts
Perform other duties as assigned.
What You'll Need:

BS/BA in related discipline preferred or equivalent years of experience
Generally 2+ years of proven sales success preferred
Experience in strategic account management, broadcast ratings and digital execution preferred
What You'll Bring:

Highly self-motivated and goal focused
Highly creative and innovative thinker
Strong influencing, selling and upselling skills
Effective teamwork and collaboration skills
Very strong analysis and data interpretation - able to translate needs and research data into sound marketing proposals
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Outstanding presentation abilities (in person/virtual, small/large groups, all levels)
Strong time management and organizational skills
Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
Working knowledge of Google Office (Sheets, Docs, Slides) and virtual conferencing platforms (E.g. Skype, WebEx, Zoom or MS Teams etc.)
What We'll Offer:

Uncapped sales commission
Monthly allowance for mileage and cell phone
Extensive Scripps Sales Process training
A career path to grow your professional experiences
Full medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as certain other health and wellness benefits
Retirement savings plan with company match
Other key company benefits include disability accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, life insurance, AD&D, ID protection, pet discount program, and employee assistance program. More details about timing and conditions of benefits eligibility and other plan terms and conditions will be provided upon hire.
Grand Rapids, Michigan offers the perfect blend of urban energy and natural beauty. As Michigan's second-largest city, Grand Rapids boasts a thriving downtown with an impressive food scene, world-class breweries, and vibrant arts culture - including the renowned ArtPrize competition. The city sits along the scenic Grand River with easy access to Lake Michigan's stunning shorelines just 30 minutes away. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the area's abundant parks, trails, and four distinct seasons offering everything from summer water sports to winter skiing.