New Business Account Executive, WFTS Tampa Bay 28 (Hybrid)

Account Executive Opportunity

Are you a driven sales professional ready to help local businesses thrive? WFTS is seeking an Account Executive to deliver compelling multi-platform advertising solutions that drive real results for our clients. This is your opportunity to combine strategic thinking, creativity, and relationship-building to make a meaningful impact in the Tampa Bay market.

As an Account Executive, you'll work with local and regional businesses to craft customized advertising strategies across broadcast television, Over The Top (OTT) video, search strategies (SEO/SEM), social media, digital display, and e-mail targeting. You'll be a trusted advisor who helps clients grow their businesses while building your own successful sales career.

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 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.

Where You'll Live, Work, and Play

Tampa Bay offers the perfect blend of urban energy and coastal living. As Florida's third-largest metropolitan area, Tampa combines a thriving business community with year-round sunshine and waterfront lifestyle. The region is home to world-class beaches along the Gulf Coast, including Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach, consistently ranked among America's best.

Downtown Tampa features a revitalized Riverwalk, the historic Ybor City district with its rich Cuban heritage, and a booming culinary scene that rivals any major city. Sports fans enjoy professional teams including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lightning, and Rays, while Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium provide family entertainment.

The area boasts a diverse economy with growing sectors in healthcare, finance, and technology, plus the University of South Florida and University of Tampa. With no state income tax, affordable housing compared to other coastal metros, and easy access to Orlando's attractions and Florida's natural springs, Tampa Bay offers an exceptional quality of life where you can enjoy both career growth and endless sunshine.