Account Executive - WNYT

Requisition #:  23-1115 - Account Executive

About Us:  Nestled between two beautiful mountain ranges lies the capital of New York State and the heart of the Capital Region. We are very proud of our diverse culture, our gorgeous landscape, and the world-class entertainment we enjoy every day. We are 3 short hours away from Boston or New York City -- in fact, you can take in a Broadway show or a professional sports game and get back home in time to visit one of our many craft breweries! When you join the community of the Capital Region and #TEAM13, you join a family of talented, diverse, smart, and welcoming professionals. At WNYT, we work as a team every single day. A team where collaboration is at the forefront and every opinion is valued. At NewsChannel 13, our mission is to serve the greater good of our communities and clients with local, authentic, solution-based content. We are the coverage you can trust.

Job Overview:  The Account Executive is responsible for selling advertising to clients and developing new business relationships by prospecting, developing, and selling new direct-business accounts, making sales presentations, performing collections, and maintaining client relations and sales.

Job Responsibilities:

• Meet and exceed monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets including spot, digital, and new direct business.
•  Prospect new businesses on a weekly basis.
• Prepare and complete sales presentations with decision-makers.
• Makes presentations to include a customer needs analysis, research, and supporting documentation, and creative business solutions. 
• Follow up and close all pending business in a timely manner.
• Update the Sales Manager weekly on the progress of the pending business.
• Work closely with other departments in creating effective promotional sales solutions for clients.
• Create and make presentations to agency personnel, including selling and pre-selling the station audience attributes.
• Provide exceptional customer service to direct and agency accounts. Personally contact each active account regularly- defined as an in-person meeting, including the presentation of pertinent sales information.
• Obtain credit approval for new accounts.
• Ensure all accounts are paid in a timely manner. 
• Follow up and assist in the collection process for past-due accounts. 
• Utilization of and proficiency with Sales software.
• Attend special events, such as remotes and broadcasts, which involve clients. 
• These events may occur after business hours and on weekends.
• Complete all written business requirements within established deadlines. 
• These requirements include but are not limited to: forecast reports, pending business updates, written orders, and advertising copy.
• Attend and participate in weekly sales staff meetings, individual meetings with the manager, and other necessary meetings and training as required by management.
• Have a thorough understanding of rates, promotions, inventory, and personnel. 
• Continue to learn and stay abreast of trends in the digital and broadcast advertising industry.
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with others. 
• Build working relationships with co-workers, customers, vendors, and the general public. 
• Complete other duties as requested and needed.

Qualification:

• 
  Previous sales, advertising, digital sales, or media experience is required.
  Knowledge of, and familiarity with, (or ability to learn) broadcasting and digital terminology and methodology preferred. 
• Ability to understand the features and benefits of advertising and competitive media.
  Familiarity with Microsoft Word for Windows; sales software knowledge helpful. 
• Excellent written and oral English language communication skills.
  Experience developing presentations for the purpose of direct-business selling and the ability to effectively present and communicate. 
• Ability to respond to questions appropriately and think on feet.
• Establish and maintain customer relationships; communicate effectively with a wide range of personalities in a professional and courteous manner.
• A high level of initiative and the ability to work independently are required.
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and a safe driving history as determined by the Company for the purpose of meeting clients and attending events. (Driving record will be checked.)
• Demonstrate effective negotiation and closing techniques.
• Strong analytical skills, good judgment, and a "positive can-do attitude" are required. 
• Ability to read, hear and speak clearly and follow both oral and written directions.
• Ability to think critically, analytically, creatively, and logically; and to articulate information in a clear, concise manner to others. Ability to work evenings and weekends.

Physical Requirements: 

• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to manipulate computer keys and general office equipment (telephone, copier, etc.). 
• Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time. Average pushing and pulling, bending and stooping. 
• The Company may make reasonable accommodations to facilitate the ability to perform essential job functions. 

Pay range: $52,000 - $156,000 / year

EEO Statement:          We are an equal-opportunity employer.