Job Description:

E.W. Scripps is seeking a qualified, dynamic, driven leader to join our market leading team. We are currently seeking a high-energy, multi-tasking Local Sales Manager to join our Sales team at WFTS- TV in Tampa, Florida.  The Local Sales Manager is responsible for leading and motivating the local sales team.

The Local Sales Manager works under the direction of the Director of Sales to maintain and grow existing business/relationships with our key accounts. Identify and pursue ways to increase individual, client and company sales growth and retention in our full product portfolio. Professional with superior people skills, great attitude and work ethic. Is excited about the opportunity for developing relationships and acting as a strategic business partner for our customers.

What you will do:

• Organize and direct local sales department


• Negotiate agency business and local direct business in an organized and effective manner


• Build and maintain a positive working relationship with station personnel


• Negotiate ratings, rates and budgets


• Participate in the recruitment of sales and support personnel


• Aid in the building of client relationships, which may include networking outside normal business hours


• Training and efficiency on research and sales software


• Negotiate ratings, rates and budgets


• Develop new business for station utilizing and maximizing all station platforms including but not limited to broadcast, digital and mobile


• Lead local team in selling transactional accounts on all three platforms


• Maintain positive working relationships with outside vendors


• Assist the Director of Sales in training, development and motivation of local sales team


• Understand and interface with traffic systems & personnel to efficiently manage air time inventory


• Oversee accounts receivable and credit policies


• Develop and implement pricing and packaging to fill needs of both client and station


• Know the strengths and weaknesses of the competing stations, other advertising mediums and position the station accordingly


• Conduct regular sales training for local sales team


• Effectively forecast sales revenue and manage department expenses within budget


• Other duties as assigned


• Valid driver’s license and good driving record required (proof of insurance and liability coverage may be required)

What you will need:

• Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office


• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast paced environment


• Advanced oral and written communication skills


• Minimum 3-5 years media sales experience, management experience strongly preferred

What you will bring:

• Must have excellent listening skills.


• Ability to craft solutions quickly based on needs assessment.


• Demonstrated record of success in a goal oriented, highly accountable sales environment


• Excellent presentation, public speaking, interpersonal and communication skills.


• Must be able to work well under pressure of multiple deadlines and assignments.


• Must have a diligent work ethic and be dependable.


• The ability to read, analyze, and interpret sales demographics information to develop creative sales solutions.


• Must be able to use systematic thinking, the ability to persuade and exhibit effective closing skills.


• Ability to generate reports, business correspondence, and presentations.


• Strong communication skills and the capability to effectively respond to questions from managers, colleagues and customers.


• Must have the ability to calculate figures related to advertising rates, discounts, packages, ad sizes, commissions and mileage.


• Proficient use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and other software programs such as customer relations software.


• Valid driver’s license and good driving record required (proof of insurance and liability coverage may be required)

About Scripps

The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) serves audiences and businesses through a growing portfolio of local and national media brands. With 52 television stations in 36 markets, Scripps is one of the nation’s largest independent TV station owners. Scripps runs a collection of national journalism and content businesses, including Newsy, the next-generation national news network; podcast industry leader Stitcher; the fast-growing national broadcast networks Bounce, Grit, Escape, Laff and Court TV; and Triton, the global leader in digital audio technology and measurement services. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

As an equal employment opportunity employer, The E.W. Scripps Company and its affiliates do not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, color, religion, age, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, citizenship or national origin, and military membership or veteran status, or on any other basis which would be in violation of any applicable federal, state or local law. Furthermore, the company will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the company. 

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