Junior Account Executive / Sales Associate

Job Summary
The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) is a non‑profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association.

Junior Account Executive will be responsible for identifying and attaining new advertisers and sponsors for AFA products, including Air and Space Forces Magazine, display advertising on Airandspaceforces.com, newsletters, content marketing, thought leadership programs, and event sponsorships for AFA self‑produced events. This entry‑level position reports directly to the Vice President of Sales and assists in research and execution of sales programs while performing a broad range of sales‑related duties for the greater Sales team.

Compensation
AFA has a generous employee benefits package in addition to cash compensation. Salary ranges from $63,760 to $79,080. Additional salary requirements can be highlighted during application.

Essential Functions
Build and Manage New Business Pipeline: 40%

Build and maintain an active sales pipeline for all assigned programs within AFA product line, including advertising, media, and event sponsorship.

Conduct daily outreach to warm leads and perform cold calls as assigned.

Prospect within designated focus areas as assigned by the Vice President of Sales.

Convert leads from existing AFA Corporate members into active AFA Advertisers/Sponsors.

Collaborate cross‑departmentally to research, curate, create, and maintain lead lists for new business.

Executing Sales Functions: 40%

Meet or exceed aggressive new business sales targets.

Build relationships with external stakeholders to secure sales contracts, sponsorships, and general support and awareness of AFA.

Manage existing relationships with advertisers while growing year‑over‑year investment.

Promote AFA product line through media kit, prospects, and customized sales and marketing collateral.

Build comprehensive integrated marketing proposals for clients ranging from junior level to senior agency buyers.

Host virtual and in‑person presentations.

Attend consumer, trade, and other industry events to solicit new sponsors.

Analyze metrics, maximize revenue, identify opportunities, optimize campaigns, and troubleshoot issues.

Administrative Functions: 15%

Forecast, track, and report on sales performance.

Curate sales forecasts and other related data for internal presentations.

Create, modify, edit, draft or proofread outbound sales and marketing collateral.

Enter and maintain sales leads in the CRM.

Research best practices, strategies, and industry standards in online and print event marketing.

Other Duties as Assigned: 5%

Demonstrate ability to creatively problem‑solve revenue‑generating solutions to client business challenges.

Possess collaboration, negotiation, and customer‑service skills.

Partner effectively with internal teams while remaining independent.

Work in a team environment focused on the overall success of the sales department.

Show a positive, problem‑solving attitude.

Thrive in a rapidly changing, entrepreneurial, highly motivated environment.

Be a highly organized self‑starter.

Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication, negotiation, and consultative selling skills.

Have standard office computer skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Analyze current market trends, research appropriate business opportunities, and follow through on leads.

Adjust sales efforts to market demands.

Be a strategic thinker, self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and deadline‑oriented.

Work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining quality.

Possess exceptional customer‑relations skills and telephone etiquette.

Show strong organizational skills and consistency in managing details and meeting deadlines.

Commit to acting with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality while interacting with high‑profile individuals.

Required Job Qualifications
Education and Experience Required

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, PR, communications, business, hospitality management, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

1+ years of sales experience with a proven track record of meeting quotas and driving revenue through prospecting, discovery, pitching, closing, renewing, and upselling.

Experience Preferred

Experience selling a comprehensive product line that includes media and events.

Experience with CRM systems.

Working Conditions

Hybrid schedule: remote and onsite at AFA headquarters in Arlington, VA.

Office hours 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday‑Friday, with possible modifications based on program needs.

Professional office environment with occasional travel to local offices, partners, and events.

Standard office equipment, including computers, phones, copiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Potential overtime and travel as required.

Physical Demands

Primarily sedentary work; occasional handling of up to 25 pounds.

Occasional movement within the office to access file cabinets and equipment.

Operate computer and office production machinery.

Communicate verbally with others; maintain accurate communication.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer
AFA is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a competitive compensation package and a generous benefits package including 401(k) matching contributions, paid vacation and holidays, medical, dental, and life insurance.

#J-18808-Ljbffr