Business Development Associate - Client Solutions

The Sales Strategy Associate (SS) develops strategic cross platform solutions, leveraging the properties, franchises, and assets of USA TODAY Sports to drive sports account revenue, with a dedicated focus on Golfweek. The SS plays a critical role in translating the strength of Golfweek's audience, editorial authority, and event portfolio into scalable, revenue driving programs, while also supporting broader USA TODAY Sports initiatives.


The SS works closely with the national sales team to identify sales opportunities, create programs that align with client marketing objectives, and participate in client pitches. This role also serves as a key project manager across larger, more complex accounts, ensuring seamless coordination from ideation through execution.


The ideal candidate has experience working in a pre-sale (RFP or proactive) capacity in the sports space for a media company or agency and is proficient in creating multifaceted and compelling PowerPoint proposals and presentations. The SS is solution oriented with the ability to connect sports marketing strategies to business objectives, while finding ways to creatively communicate value propositions to clients and agencies.


In This Role, The SS Will:

• Partner with sales to develop and implement brand outreach strategies for new business, renewals, cross selling, and upselling, with a strong emphasis on Golfweek partnerships
• Drive revenue growth across Golfweek's media, content, and event platforms, while contributing to broader USA TODAY Sports initiatives
• Manage the complete RFP process, including ideation, tracking, team communication, and timeline management
• Serve as a project manager across key accounts, ensuring alignment across sales, editorial, account management, and product teams from pre-sale through execution
• Lead brainstorming and strategy sessions, capturing and articulating ideas for internal teams
• Collaborate with editorial, research, account management, and product teams to deliver client aligned solutions, particularly across Golfweek tentpoles and programs
• Convey ideas and opportunities via self-produced PowerPoint proposals and presentations that are timely, innovative, and effective, including meeting decks and proactive proposals
• Identify proactive steps to close business and assist in delivering follow up in the negotiation of terms pertaining to the sale and delivery of the program
• Manage the sports revenue pipeline, including RFPs, sales decks, media plans, IOs, and campaign performance
• Participate in client facing meetings and promote USA TODAY Sports Media Group's value proposition, with a deep understanding of Golfweek's positioning in the market
• Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with clients and agencies, particularly within the golf and endemic sports categories
• Collaborate with strategy team to provide consistent feedback to improve standard offerings and identify new opportunities across Golfweek and the broader sports portfolio
• Work with post sale team to relay sponsorship concept and elements for sold campaigns
• Develop case studies outlining executions, including analysis of campaign results against industry standards to showcase positive outcomes
• Participate and represent USA TODAY Sports Media Group at local industry events, with a focus on golf and sports marketing communities
• Develop deep knowledge of the Golfweek brand, audience, tentpole moments, and competitive landscape, along with the broader USA TODAY Sports portfolio

Here's What the SS Needs:

• A strong understanding, passion, and knowledge for sports, with a particular interest in golf and the golf ecosystem
• BA or BS from accredited college or university (marketing, communications, psychology, journalism, or English majors preferred but not required)
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in digital advertising at a media company, sports marketing agency or digital agency, and or in the sports industry; ideally work experience includes interacting directly with sales or marketing teams

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required:

• Previous experience working at a digital media company or publisher, preferably in sports, specifically in the fields of sales planning, account management, ad operations, or client strategy and solutions
• Proven ability to develop innovative, integrated marketing solutions to an advertising agency, client, or publisher role
• Strong project management skills with a track record of handling multiple projects simultaneously, including larger, cross functional accounts
• Creative and analytical thinker with excellent problem solving, writing, and speaking skills
• Ability to set deadlines and collaborate effectively with internal and external teams
• Proactive self-starter with the ability to navigate complex organizations and work with various internal and external stakeholders
• Required knowledge of and experience with media across digital, print, events, social, and mobile platforms
• Digital media experience required
• Skilled in developing cross-platform opportunities that drive revenue and align with client objectives
• Understanding of media business, ad sales, and respect for content and the creative and editorial process
• Team oriented and collaborative, capable of balancing multiple stakeholders' needs
• Leadership ability to inspire and motivate others, even without direct reports
• Must be passionate about the media business and sports industry with the ability to inspire and nurture the same in others
• Ability to manage ambiguity and change in a fast-paced environment with a positive attitude
• Comfortable delivering presentations to diverse audiences
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word; knowledge of comScore and Salesforce is a plus

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The annualized base salary for this role will range between $70,000, and $82,000. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable
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