Account Executive

Account Executive

Are you a consultative, relationship-driven sales professional ready to make an impact with one of the largest media companies in Southern California? The San Diego Union-Tribune (SDUT) is seeking a strategic Account Executive to drive revenue across both new business and an existing client portfolio.

In this role, you will act as a true marketing consultant, helping clients grow their businesses through integrated advertising solutions spanning print, digital, branded content, social, search, programmatic, video, and more. As part of Southern California News Group (SCNG), you'll have access to one of the largest media footprints in the region, reaching more than 8.1 million readers weekly across daily, weekly, monthly publications and digital platforms. If you thrive in relationship building, have a strong foundation in media sales, and want to work with a dynamic team shaping the future of local marketing, we want to talk to you.

What You Will Do:

• Own the full sales cycle - prospecting, qualifying, presenting, closing, and renewing - with a balanced focus on new client acquisition and strategic growth of assigned accounts
• Act as a trusted advisor by conducting needs analyses and developing data-driven, full-funnel marketing solutions tailored to client objectives
• Position SDUT/SCNG as a long-term strategic partner to local businesses by selling integrated campaigns across print, digital, social, search, branded content, programmatic, audio, video, and emerging platforms
• Build and deliver compelling, insight-rich presentations and proposals using research, audience data, and best practices/case studies
• Create and update marketing collateral that articulates our competitive advantages and demonstrates ROI
• Translate client goals into measurable KPIs and partner with internal teams to monitor performance and optimize campaigns
• Manage day-to-day account communication, ensuring outstanding customer service and campaign success
• Drive renewals, upsells, and long-term contract growth by proactively identifying additional opportunities for your clients
• Collaborate closely with account managers, creative, operations, and analytics teams to ensure flawless execution
• Leverage multiple lead sources, networking, and industry knowledge to develop a robust pipeline of new business
• Match client audience segments with SDUT, SCNG, and Adtaxi solutions including print, display, branded content, CTV/OTT, SEO/SEM, targeted email, behavioral and contextual targeting, video, social media, influencer campaigns, and more
• Stay current on marketing trends, industry innovations, and consumer behavior to better educate and guide clients
• Demonstrate deep understanding of how digital and print channels work together to drive business outcomes
• Evaluate performance dashboards and sales metrics to maintain a strong, predictable pipeline and hit revenue goals

What You Will Bring:

• 5+ years of advertising or media sales experience, with strong performance selling to local, regional, or vertical markets
• Recent success in digital media sales (minimum 3 years), including working knowledge of programmatic, CTV, targeted email, paid social, paid search, and native/branded content
• A consultative approach with the proven ability to sell multi-platform, integrated campaigns rather than single products
• Strong negotiation and closing skills, with experience managing multi-variable campaigns or contracts
• A track record of both new business development and growing existing accounts year over year
• Working proficiency in CRM platforms, Salesforce, and/or Google Workspace
• Exceptional presentation, communication, storytelling, and time-management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with internal teams
• A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a positive, team-oriented attitude

Benefits and Compensation:

The hourly wage is $26.44+ cell phone stipend, mileage reimbursement, and commission (OTE $111,000). Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to geographic location, education, work experience, time in role, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, the Company offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 401k, as well as paid time off and select paid holidays (all benefits are based on eligibility).

The San Diego Union-Tribune is San Diego's largest media company and its oldest business, dating back to the founding of the Union in 1868. From breaking news to local events and lifestyle features, the Union-Tribune's diverse portfolio of publications has something for everyone in San Diego County. Explore our diverse offerings, including the award-winning San Diego Union-Tribune, the digital hub SanDiegoUnionTribune.com, and a collection of engaging community newspapers. We believe a diverse and representative newsroom is essential to achieving this goal and the San Diego Union-Tribune is committed to building a stronger, more inclusive San Diego.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

How To Apply:

• Please submit an online application along with your resume for this position here

Conditions of Employment:

• A full pre-employment background check and MVR will be conducted as part of the selection process. Must be willing to submit and pass the necessary required checks
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation
• Travel – This position entails occasional driving for work assignments, in-person training sessions and/or meetings. The employee will be responsible for transporting themselves between different sites as needed
• Must be available for shift work. May be required to work various hours for coverage outside of normal business hours