Account Executive, WLEX

Sales Account Executive

Join WLEX, where your passion for sales meets exciting opportunities! We are seeking an experienced, motivated Sales Account Executive to enhance our media team at the E.W. Scripps station in Lexington, KY. This role goes beyond a job—it's a chance to contribute to our community by developing new television and digital business while nurturing existing accounts. You'll help local businesses attract customers through diverse platforms, including OTT video, social media, digital display, and broadcast TV.

Lexington, known as the "Horse Capital of the World," blends Southern charm, rich history, and modern amenities. It features beautiful landscapes, historic landmarks, and a vibrant culinary scene, alongside the University of Kentucky (UK) and a thriving arts community. With numerous outdoor activities and a welcoming atmosphere, Lexington is an attractive place to live and visit. WLEX also has partnerships with the UK and the Bengals!

What We'll Offer:

• Uncapped sales commission
• Extensive Scripps Sales Process training
• Monthly allowance for mileage and cell phone
• 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.

A Day in the Life:

• 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 returns 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 rating data, qualitative information, and market trends to negotiate program ratings and advertising rates with advertising agencies 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, copywriting, 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 through 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 make-good 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 a 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
• Valid driver's license, good driving record, and ability to provide proof of insurance with the company-required insurance limits

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)