Client Partner

Job Description

The Washington Post is the leader in breaking news and analysis across all categories – especially Technology, where we made significant editorial investments. We consider ourselves an equal parts technology and journalism company that makes today’s news accessible to all. Within the Client Solutions Group, we have established ourselves as leaders in developing advertising solutions that range from proprietary ad formats to branded content to events and beyond. We work to build strategic partnerships with our clients informed by deep insights and great ideas. We seek a dynamic senior sales professional with extensive experience within the following verticals: consumer, finance, auto, travel and media, to join our Client Partner team.

What the successful candidate will bring to the table: a self-starter with a deep understanding of the technology category; extensive client relationships at both the client and agency level; a disciplined approach to maintaining daily sales activity levels; ability to sell ideas outside the RFP cycle; masterful presentation skills; and a proven track record in building and sustaining client-based relationships. We’ll also need you to be on the lookout for emerging trends within the industry, to think beyond The Washington Post’s current product lines for the next big thing, and to develop relationships outside the typical media buying chain—all to drive incremental sales that will meet and exceed our goals. 
 

Responsibilities include:

• Sell multi-platform advertising programs through both direct client and agency engagements. 

• Provide internal strategic direction on how we build our business strategy and establish new data partnerships, both direct and programmatic.

• Establish and deepen relationships with clients within the consumer, finance, auto, travel, and media sectors to understand their business needs and goals.

• Create customized solutions and close sales for retained/incremental revenue.

• Uncover new opportunities while remaining steadfast with your current client list.

• Communicate and report sales plans and actions taken to management.

• Deeply understand professional services industry trends as they pertain to your clients.

• Employ an entrepreneurial and creative approach to your business.

• Collaborate with internal partners effectively.

• Attend outside business functions as needed, including in-person client meetings.
   

Requirements include:

• 10+ years of experience in media sales within the consumer, finance, auto, travel, and media categories 

• Extensive relationships at both the client and agency level

• Experience in working across multi-million dollar client accounts and scaling the business within that account through deepening relationships and working across multiple lines of business

• Ability to travel to client locations 

• Strong presentation and in-person sales skills and a proven record of accomplishment in building and sustaining client/agency relationships.

• Knowledge of the digital media market and the ability to respond effectively to market direction, client needs, and competition.

• A strong business development focus, willing to self-start and prospect to uncover new business.

• Ability to establish rapport, develop credibility, and sell ideas to senior management.

• A strong, professional, goal-oriented work ethic and a track record of meeting quarterly/annual goals.

• A desire to manage the entire sales process (including prospecting, acquiring new business, and maintaining relationships).

• Bachelor’s degree

• Experience selling digital, print, content, audio and social advertising within the news industry

The Washington Post’s policy for employees is five days per week in the office, with exceptions for newsgathering and general business travel.

Compensation and Benefits

Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage

• Company-paid pension and 401(k) match

• Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave

• Nine paid holidays an